The Nation Newspaper

Category: Aviation

  • Aero Contractors showcases upgraded MRO capabilities at Aviation Africa summit

    Aero Contractors showcases upgraded MRO capabilities at Aviation Africa summit

    Nigeria’s oldest aviation company, Aero Contractors, made a strong impression at the just-concluded Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda, by highlighting its upgraded and expanding Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

    The summit brought together industry leaders, airlines, regulators, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from across the continent, offering Aero a platform to position its MRO division as a trusted partner for airlines seeking efficient, reliable, Africa-based maintenance solutions.

    Engr. James Ominyi, Head of the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Division, said the exhibition drew significant interest from regional and international operators. “Our improved capabilities and ongoing upgrades are attracting attention from airlines looking to cut costs and turnaround times by conducting heavy maintenance checks within Africa,” he noted.

    The Aero delegation included senior management: Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Charles Grant; Head AMO, Engr. James Ominyi; Technical Director, Engr. Emmanuel Adeyeye; GM Rotary Wing, Engr. Garba Mouktar, and MRO Business Development Manager, Mr. Adeyemi Adewojo.

    Backed by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Aero has been scaling its MRO services as a continental hub. Its Lagos-based facility is among the most advanced in West and Central Africa, offering: Line and Base Maintenance for Boeing 737 Classic and NG, regional jets, and turboprops, helicopter Maintenance for scheduled and unscheduled checks, including the AW139.

    Workshops for wheels and brakes, batteries, upholstery, structural repairs, and avionics—currently being upgraded for international standards and EASA certification.

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    Certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and endorsed by regulators from Ghana, Mongolia, and Senegal, Aero’s MRO meets global aviation standards. Its client base spans domestic and regional airlines, including PassionAir (Ghana), Transair (Senegal), and Royal Air Maroc, alongside offshore oil and gas operators.

    “With over six decades of aviation heritage, Aero is building on its legacy to serve the next generation of African operators,” said CFO Charles Grant. “Our upgraded MRO is a clear signal that Africa has the expertise and infrastructure to sustain its aviation industry locally—saving costs, creating jobs, and retaining value on the continent.”

  • NAMA engages firm to train staff on survival after retirement

    NAMA engages firm to train staff on survival after retirement

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has engaged the Instinct Resource Services Limited (IRSL) to train its workers on living quality of life after retirement.

    The 2025 NAMA Pre-retirement Workshop lasted for six days and equipped workers with knowledge and skills in the areas of financial planning and security, health and wellness strategies, pursuing hobbies and passions, and building social connections after their retirement.

    The Managing Director, NAMA, Ahmed Umar Farouk, who was represented by Director, Air Traffic Controller, Tayo John, said the training equipped workers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate retirement, which he described as a significant life change.

    He said, “Retirement is not just an end to a chapter but also a beginning of new opportunities”, he said, adding that the training explored financial planning, lifestyle adjustments, and personal growth strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

    The IRSL’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ayuba Fagbemi Mba, in his opening address, commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Ahmed Umar Farouk, the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Ladipo Abimbola, General Manager, Human Resources, Mr Olufunshio Adebola Otubusen, and all other esteemed members of the management team for their commitment to the welfare and development of NAMA’s workforce.

    He further appreciated NAMA’s management team for finding Instinct Resource Services Limited worthy to train the retiring workers.

    Fagbemi told the workers they were united on the same path marked by dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. My own journey is unique. It reflects the shared experiences of many who have dedicated their lives to service.

    He recalled his journey after working in some companies and retiring from the banking sector, saying he found a new challenge that allowed him to explore his entrepreneurial spirit.

    He said, “I made the bold decision after leaving the banking industry, and I embarked on a new adventure, which led to the establishment of Instinct Resource Services Limited.

    “As a political, economic, and management consultant cum serial entrepreneur, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and autonomy. A freedom that gave me the opportunity of spending more time with my loved ones, pursuing my passions, and exploring new avenues of development”.

    Fagbemi appealed to the workers to learn from how he turned his retirement into a tool of greatness, disclosing that nine months after the Instinct Resource Services was awarded three major contracts from two federal government agencies and one from a multinational company.

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    He said, “Today, with the fearless and dedicated team, IRSL has trained over 2550 participants across the globe with significant market share and customer base from the federal ministries, government agencies, schools, military, para-military, multinationals, and worthy individuals across the world.

    “We started as a business name, then evolved into a limited liability company with one million shares. As a developing company, we increased our shares from one million to ten million. This is a company that is less than seven years old”.

    He said that through dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change, he was able to find success in his endeavors and also discovered a part of him that had long been yearning for expression.

    He added, “In this case, preparing for retirement will no longer be perceived as a period of stagnation, but will go on to become a time of great personal and professional development. A time where I will be able to unlock my full potential and continue realizing my dreams”.

    The retiring workers, who commended NAMA and the resource persons for the workshop, were taught skills such as paint production, household items, catering services, and bread production, among others.

  • Aero Contractors refunds over N257m in eight months

    Aero Contractors refunds over N257m in eight months

    Aero Contractors has refunded over N257 million to passengers between  January and  August 2025.

    The refund is believed to arise from flight delays, cancellations, and baggage issues.

    The amount refunded in the last eight months indicates an increase in refunds, representing a 137% growth compared to the same period in 2024.

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    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in a statement, stated that the refund showcases the airline’s commitment to consumer protection and compliance with the NCAA regulations.

    The airline has also spent over N6m on hotel accommodations for stranded passengers between January and July 2025.

    The statement by the NCAA reads: “Total refund paid January – August 2025 = 257,195,724.39 naira, compared to 108,308,037.40 naira over the same period in 2024 and 32,766,652.30 naira in 2023.

    “For hotel accommodation, the total amount reported from January to July 2025 is N6,083,229. (verified records with Cocos Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotel, Abuja, NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment (Asaba), and Mayor & Diplomat Hotel, Lagos).

  • Aero contractors refunds over N257m in eight months

    Aero contractors refunds over N257m in eight months

    Aero Contractors has refunded over N257 million to passengers from January to August 2025.

    The refund is believed to arise from flight delays, cancellations, and baggage issues. 
    The amount refunded in the last eight months indicates an increase in refunds, representing a 137% growth compared to the same period in 2024.

    In a statement, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) stated that the refund showcases the airline’s commitment to consumer protection and compliance with the NCAA regulations.

    The airline has also spent over N6m on hotel accommodations for stranded passengers between January and July 2025.

    The statement by the NCAA reads: “Total refund paid January – August 2025 = 257,195,724.39 naira, compared to 108,308,037.40 naira over the same period in 2024 and 32,766,652.30 naira in 2023.
    “For hotel accommodation, the total amount reported from January to July 2025 is N6,083,229. (verified records with Cocos Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotel, Abuja, NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment (Asaba), and Mayor & Diplomat Hotel, Lagos).

    The NCAA stated that the figures show remarkable improvement in compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. 

    While acknowledging the peculiar challenges of the operating environment, the Authority stated that it will continue to protect the rights of all stakeholders.

  • NCAA summons airlines for flight disruptions, compensation

    NCAA summons airlines for flight disruptions, compensation

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned all domestic airlines to a meeting in Abuja over recent flight disruptions, compensation issues and others.

    NCAA Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on his verified X handle, posted that the meeting will be held today (Wednesday) at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

    The post reads: “The NCAA has invited all domestic airlines to a meeting in Abuja slated for tomorrow, Wednesday.

    “Among the issues to be treated are unruly passenger behaviour and passenger handling protocols, unresolved refund/compensation issues, introduction of RFID bagtags and flight monitoring technology, enforcement of phone switch-off instruction and protection for cabin crew and improved travel experience for passengers”.

    This development is coming barely 24 hours after Achimugu announced that the NCAA has been mandated by the Federal Government to begin naming and shaming airlines over delays and cancellation of flights.

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    The initial post by him read: “If an airline has kept passengers at the terminal up to 00hrs before cancelling a flight, they owe their passengers hotel accommodation. The regulations stipulate that passengers stranded between the hours of 2200 and 0400 be given accommodation.

    “The situation where airline staff intentionally disappear, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to handle justifiably irate and frustrated passengers will no longer be tolerated.

    “While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever willfully ventures into a business and wants to remain in it must do it well.

    “We must not always choose the easy way out. Don’t you want to be called “world class”? Don’t you want to compete at the highest level? If not for the sake of the passengers who trust you to safely fly them, what about for your own pride?

    “You cannot expose NCAA officials to avoidable risk when all they do is support your business and protect your rights.

    “For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.

    “The Federal Government has instructed that airlines be named and shamed by the NCAA. While we have done our best to advise per solutions to flight disruptions and why not nearly all cases are the fault of the airlines, the NCAA expects that operators must comply with the regulations in the event of a disruption.

    “In compliance with the directives from the Federal Government and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the naming and shaming will commence.”

  • Fedederal Government begins decarbonisation of Abuja airport

    Fedederal Government begins decarbonisation of Abuja airport

    The Federal Government has announced plans to begin the decarbonisation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) announced the plans yesterday in Abuja.

    The minister said the challenges posed by climate change demand decisive and concerted action by stakeholders to embrace decarbonisation.

    He suggested exploring group electrification of aprons and terminals, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) corridors, and waste-to-energy projects to reduce emissions in airport operations.

    Keyamo, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement on carbon emissions management at the airport. It was organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    The minister noted that achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certification for Abuja airport would show the world that Nigeria is open for sustainable business.

    He said: “The global aviation community stands at a crossroads. On one hand, we are drivers of economic growth, connectivity, and national development. On the other hand, we are duty-bound to address our environmental impact with utmost seriousness.

    “The challenge of climate change is not a distant theoretical concern; it is a present and pressing reality that demands decisive, concerted action.”

    “For Nigeria, a nation poised for exponential growth in air travel and trade, embedding sustainability into the very core of our aviation infrastructure is not an option; it is an imperative for long-term, resilient prosperity.”

  • NCAA to name, shame airlines over flight disruptions

    NCAA to name, shame airlines over flight disruptions

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has announced that it will begin naming and shaming airlines that fail to comply with aviation regulations, particularly in flight cancellations and delays.

    The action, according to the NCAA, complies with a directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

    Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, yesterday  announced this in a post on his official X handle @mikeachimugu01.

    He stated that airlines are required to provide hotel accommodation to passengers stranded between 10 pm and 4 am due to flight disruptions.

    The post reads: “If an airline has kept passengers at the terminal up to 00hrs before cancelling a flight, they owe their passengers hotel accommodation. The regulations stipulate that passengers stranded between the hours of 2200 and 0400 be given accommodation.

    READ ALSO: Between X, DSS and Sowore

    “The situation where airline staff intentionally disappear, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to handle justifiably irate and frustrated passengers will no longer be tolerated.

    “While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever wilfully ventures into a business and wants to remain in it must do it well.

    “We must not always choose the easy way out. Don’t you want to be called “world class”? Don’t you want to compete at the highest level? If not for the sake of the passengers who trust you to safely fly them, what about for your own pride?

    “You cannot expose NCAA officials to avoidable risk when all they do is support your business and protect your rights”.

    It continues: “For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.

    “The federal government has instructed that airlines be named and shamed by the NCAA. While we have done our best to advise per solutions to flight disruptions and why not nearly all cases are the fault of the airlines, the NCAA expects that operators must comply with the regulations in the event of a disruption.”

    “In compliance with the directives from the federal government and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the naming and shaming will commence.”

  • Nigeria Air project not a fraud-Sirika

    Nigeria Air project not a fraud-Sirika

    Former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Hadi Sirika has defended the suspended Nigeria Air project, describing it as a good deal for the country.

    The former minister, in an interview on a TV programme on Wednesday monitored by The Nation, refuted claims that the project was fraudulent, saying that the process was transparent and followed the rules of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

    He tasked anyone who doubts the project to invoke the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to get details of the project from the ministry.

    He further charged those who claimed the project was fraudulent to provide evidence to support their allegations.

    Contrary to claims that about N100billion was spent on the national carrier project, he said only N5billion was earmarked for the project.

    Sirika also disclosed his plans to detail all that transpired while in office in a book that would be released by him

    Sirika said: “I had no intention to speak about my time in office for now, and I intend to bring up a book on that, but since you asked the question and people will be very interested, I will speak. The project is a Public Private Partnership which was regulated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which gave certificates of the Outline Business Case (OBC).

    “Nigeria Air is not a bad deal, and I read in the papers that we spent N100billion or thereabout, and it’s lost in the process, which is a lie. I did say in 2015 to 2023 that the total budget for the national carrier was N5billion and the total amount released was N3 billion and I left there with over a billion naira and the monies or about 2 billion that was spent; nearly a third of it went to the consultancy, that is the business case which is obviously the OBC and so many other consultancies that were given during that time and the balance for the salaries of the staff that we have”.

    He also stated that some airlines took the government to court for adopting.to establish a national carrier.

    He said: “Some airlines went to court; AirPeace, United Nigeria and Azman went to court to say that we cannot as a government establish an airline where we’ll take a stake of five per cent and if there was no court case and if the government that came in had pursued the court case by today, we’ll have the airline”.

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    On how Ethiopian Air emerged the winner of the bid, he said: “Talking about Ethiopian, I did say 95 per cent of all African airlines operating within Africa are non-African. They are the Emirates, Qatar, British Airways etc except for Ethiopian airlines and these people have been for many years running the airline, they have made a statement of how to run the airline and they are african and they came to partner with us to be able to open up the world.

    “Today, the price of tickets out of Abuja to London is more expensive than the ticket from Accra to London and the reason is because we do not have a strong formidable airline with the capacity to continue to do so. We have seen the likes of AirPeace before, they’ve come and gone and what is amiss is that the capacity that they need to build to compete with people who have many airplanes. I don’t think an airline that has one or even five aircraft that are old can compete in the global market with the well-established carriers that have 250 airplanes and expect to operate and make profits.

    He continued: “So, to sum it up, that was all that we did to establish the Nigeria Air before these people went to court”.

    Debunking the claims that the project was a fraud, he said: “There’s no fraud, if there’s fraud by now that I’ve said it, they would have said otherwise and if the minister is saying it, I don’t want to do anything with him because that may go to what they’re claiming to go to court on but if he’s saying it’s a bad idea, Niigerians should invoke the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) which is in place to go to the ministry of aviation where the gentleman sits as the minister and get the documents and also go to ICRC and get the documents and establish where the fraud is.

    “They should go and establish where there’s fraud. It’s all a lie.  it’s This airline whether it is done now or in the future it will come to become because we didn’t arrogate to ourselves the knowledge of aviation alone, those who train those who train those who trained us are alive but what we did is that I personally invited and also officially through official channels invited all of them to come and join and buy shares of that carrier and go into joint venture.

    He added: “The bid happened transparently to which some of those airlines participated in the bid and the airline that emerged won fair and square and it’s not our process, it’s the process of ICRC. They should go and ask ICRC whether they there’s corruption in it and the documents are there.

    “The day we will talk about Nigeria Air would come and my book also would come. I am not a fraudulent person and I didn’t lead a fraudulent ministry”.

  • Niger govt hails FG’s waterways safety measures

    Niger govt hails FG’s waterways safety measures

    The Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for the recent donation of 3,500 life jackets to the State and other initiatives undertaken by NIWA to protect lives in Nigerian inland waterways.

    The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, addressing journalists who are on a fact-finding mission on the causes of boat mishaps in the country, on Monday in Minna, said the life jackets donated to the State have been distributed to all boat operators in the 17 Local Government Areas connected by water in the State.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Niger State, Engr. Lucky Barau disclosed that passengers were saved during a boat mishap recently in the State, especially those who put on life jackets.

    He said, “In a recent boat mishap, some passengers were saved because they were wearing life jackets. This is the impact the jacket has on boat passengers.”

    The commissioner who applauded the managing director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, said his leadership has transformed inland waterways transport in the country. She also stressed that the Ministry and the authority enjoyed a cordial working relationship that has further promoted safety in the state.

    On measures taken to curb incessant boat mishaps in the state, the Commissioner also stated that the state government has banned night travel and overcrowding of boats. She also said that the government has provided fibre boats for riverine communities to replace wooden boats, even as they are set to employ safety marshals to enforce the usage of life jackets and stop overloading of boats.

    “The state government has shared some life jackets with the operators before the Federal government came. Also, contracts have been awarded to supplement what the Federal government did.

    “The governor has also provided fibre boats to replace the wooden boats. This is to move people away from wooden boats, and they have shared about eight as a start, and we are on the verge of getting water ambulances.

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    “We’re setting up a water marshal that will enforce the usage of life jackets, because we understand that most people don’t even want to use a life jacket. So, the State government is considering recruiting water marshals who will enforce the usage of this life jacket.

    “Currently, if you don’t wear the jacket, you will not board the boat, and this is in an attempt to curb the loss of life on the state’s inland waterways,” she said.

    She also noted that the State government strictly controls overloading on the fibre boats donated to the riverine communities.

    On the development of water transportation and infrastructure, the commissioner applauded the governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for providing budgetary allocations in the 2026 budget to further provide infrastructure in waterways transportation. Out of the 27 LGAs in Niger State, she added that 17 are connected through water.

  • ValueJet, Cally Air seal deal to operate two CRJ1000 Jets for Cross River

    ValueJet, Cally Air seal deal to operate two CRJ1000 Jets for Cross River

    ValueJet Airlines has entered into a sublease and operational services agreement with Cross River State’s carrier, Cally Air, to manage and operate two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on behalf of the state-owned airline.

    ValueJet’s Managing Director, Capt. Omololu Oladapo Majekodunmi said the arrangement places the day-to-day operation of the aircraft under ValueJet, which will fly them under its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

    He explained that the partnership is designed to fast-track the commercial deployment of the newly acquired jets, providing immediate passenger capacity and boosting connectivity within and outside Nigeria.

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    “We are pleased to partner with Cally Air and Cross River State to bring the two CRJ1000s into commercial service quickly and safely.

    This arrangement leverages ValueJet’s regional operations experience to expand reliable connectivity for travellers,” Majekodunmi said.

    Cally Air, wholly owned by the Cross River State Government, currently operates two Boeing 737-300s and two CRJ1000s. Its core routes include Calabar, Lagos, and Abuja, with plans to expand to other Nigerian cities and neighbouring countries.

    The deal follows Cross River State’s acquisition of two leased CRJ1000ERs in July, marking the aircraft type’s return to active service on the African continent.