The Nation Newspaper

Category: Aviation

  • ‘African travel expenditure to rise by 23 % in 2018’

    African air travel spend is expected to rise by 24 per cent with the introduction of the pan-African passport in 2018, Sabre Corporation, has said.

    In a survey, the firm said a new passport would enable African travellers visit other countries without a visa.

    The comprehensive survey by Sabre is to uncover the opportunities and challenges faced by travellers in Africa to help airlines’growth.

    Travellers from four countries – South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt – were surveyed.

    The survey report reads: “But despite a willingness among travellers to spend more on flights, travel in Africa still remains inaccessible to many passengers.”

    Factors that militate against travelling, the survey  revealed, include expensive cost of travel, difficulty in obtaining visas, booking challenges, inability to get direct flights to some African destinations.

    Others are too much time required for check-in, cumbersome check in procedures, dislike for food on board and insufficient   activity at the airport.

    The report added: “The results suggest that while travel is inaccessible, there is a still a strong desire to travel more

    “Additionally, most of the pain points can be addressed by airlines. “African carriers currently face tough competition from international rivals that control 88 percent of African airspace but, as demand for travel increases, African airlines have a real opportunity to win the lion’s share of bookings by addressing the pain points of travellers and going the extra mile to improve their experience.”

  • How to tackle airports’ insecurity, by experts

    How to tackle airports’ insecurity, by experts

    Rising incidence of stowaways and other problems have exposed the security lapses at the airports. At a conference in Lagos, experts suggested ways to solve the problems, Aviation Correspondent KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR reports.

    Overhauling the security systems in all Nigerian airports is the solution to the various breaches in many of them and sanctions by international regulatory bodies, aviation experts have said.

    They  spoke at the Fourth Breakfast Aviation Safety Roundtable (ART) last week in Lagos titled: Aviation security in the midst of home grown terrorism.

    They said the most worrisome of the challenges is the recurring cases of stowaways who hide in aircraft wheels.

    The stowaways, the experts said, could be stopped if the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) insisted on adequate perimeter and security fencing of the airports.

    Aviation security expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said without these, incidence of people and animals straying into the tarmac would continue. He added that  NCAA should be held for any infraction of security.

    Others who spoke at the event were Mr Ayo Obilana, Chief Executive Officer, Selective Securities Limited; Aviation Safety Roundtable President, Mr Gbenga Olowo; and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Attaché at the United States Embassy (Western African Region), Mr. Gary Pleus.

    They canvassed a redesigning of the airport security architecture to improve security at the gateways. They said the present multiple checks at the airports indicate that no  agency is in charge, adding that this could create security lapses.

    As a panacea, they called for reduction and harmonisation of screening points by the various agencies, adding that a reduction from about 18 to three screening points as is the practice in the United States would improve security.

    Ojikutu said NCAA had not been alive to is responsibility as the regulator of the industry, adding that there were so many security lapses at the airports but “what we are always talking about is CAT 1 and we are happy. There is nothing in CAT 1; it is a mere paper”.

    He said NCAA should re-organise its security plans for the airports and airlines.

    “I hold NCAA responsible for security breaches. NCAA should review the security programmes at the airports. Most of the airports in Nigeria have perimeter fences that are not security-enhanced. The perimeter fence at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport is used as part of a private residence.

    “There are security threats at all the airports. There is no central security control at the airports. Should anything happen, you cannot hold anybody responsible; everybody would pass the buck. FAAN cannot be in charge of security because it was not established for that purpose.

    “If you cannot protect the airlines, you have failed in your responsibility. If NCAA is hamstrung, then there is something wrong with us,” he said.

    Obilana said aviation is the prime target of home-grown terrorism, adding that even security operatives  at the airports could be terrorists.

    “An average air traveller out of our international airports goes through 15 checks. There is a dash table, that is, extortion table. They (checks) are a disgrace. The checks can be reduced to three efficient checkpoints. If there is no security, tourism will not thrive,” he said.

    He added: “We need to focus on the Lagos Airport; some of the equipment are obsolete. They have to be updated. We have to look at the issue of insider threats and intensify intelligence gathering.

    “We need to focus on legislation. Some of the laws are outdated. They need to be updated. We also need to look at the training to be effective, as well as the equipment. We need to look at insider threats, intensify intelligence gathering,” Obilana said.

    In his presentation, Pleus said in the grand scheme of things, security agencies must be on top of their game.

    He charged security agencies to continue to get it right all the time because the terrorists only need to get it right once with devastating consequences as was seen in 9/11 in the US, which led to the birth of the TSA.

    “Aviation is a primary target for terrorists. They only have to get it right once while we have to keep getting it right all the time. A single incident has high stakes from the economic consequences to the fear it will instill,” he said.

    He called on aviation authorities to be wary of threats from the landside as well as insider threats, saying: “Some terrorists will seek the cooperation of aviation security to carry out their dastardly act.”

    He was also, particularly, interested in the new trend of using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), saying most terrorists had gone from trying to bomb aircraft mid-air to attacking terminal buildings as was seen in Belgium and then Turkey.

    Olowo condemned the incessant stowaway cases recorded, saying it showed a lack in security.

    Ifeanyi Ogochukwu, an Information Technology expert, said the government should act fast to address threats posed by cyber security in the sector.

    He said Nigeria is not even planning to do anything to counter threats posed by it.

    He said: “Unfortunately, two months ago was Cyber Security  month but nothing was said about it in Nigeria’s aviation; no agency at the airport is actually talking about cyber security; it is an emerging threat.

    “ It is a major threat and risk to aviation and I wonder if our Aeronautical Information Service is cyber-security protected because there are insider threats. Cyber security threat is real; it is not a question of if exists, it is a question of when will it happen.”

    Ogochukwu said there was the immediate need to establish a separate agency that takes care of cyber security, adding that an intervention team should also be put in place.

    He said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should embark on education and awareness on the threat, develop a plan and compel other agencies to comply with it.

    “This is an area we need to protect because aviation is adopting high technology, airlines are consolidating their systems. Aviation is now a shared system. There are so many areas that are prone to hacking. The Automated Data Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) is vulnerable, wrong information can be inputed into the sytem but how much awareness are we creating on this?’’

  • Ben Bruce seeks sanction for concession pact violators

    ViolatOrs of airport concession agreements must be punished, the Senate Committee on Privatisation Chairman, Ben Murray-Bruce, has said.

    In an interview with The Nation, he said without prosecuting them, some people would wilfully derail the infrastructure development of the sector.

    He said the Senate would ensure that those found guilty of misleading the government into entering into controversial airport concession agreements were brought to book.

    Bruce said the mishandling of some concession agreements, including the deal signed between the Federal Government and Bi- Courtney Limited over the Murtala Muhammed Terminal Two, Lagos, had created more problems in the sector.

    He said the Senate would invoke the relevant laws to ensure that concession agreements with the private sector are honoured, so as not to serve as a disincentive to  investors who are willing to provide money to fix airport infrastructure.

    Bruce said: “The whole idea of airport concession is fantastic, but why should the government go into an agreement and not honour it.

    “Why go into an agreement with smart lawyers and you go ahead not to honour it.

    “All those that were involved in signing the agreement on the government side must be tried.”

    He further said:  ”The Senate will not allow the Ministry of Aviation continue with any further airport concession until the MMA 2 issue is fixed. The government must learn to honour agreements. This is not about finding faults, but ensuring that facilities for the private sector has put their money is properly utilised.”

    He said the government had no business in running airports, such that the money to be voted into aviation could be used to fix other social infrastructure.

    He said: ‘’There will be a crisis if you entered a bad agreement and you are not ready to honour it. That will be be a huge disincentive for other investors.

    “Agreed that the agreement on MMA2 was fraught with irregularity, the lawyers that signed and negotiated such bad agreement should be prosecuted for signing a bad deal on behalf of 180 million Nigerians.”

  • ‘African govts should improve safety standards’

    ‘African govts should improve safety standards’

    General Manager, Etihad Airways, Nigeria, George Mawadri, has canvassed greater synergy among African governments and industry partners to improve safety standards in the African airspace.

    Besides the  challenges of air safety, Mawadri said African governments  needed to address issues  bordering  on operational efficiencies by recruiting more qualified hands across the region.

    He said although Africa is the second fastest-growing destination in terms of international traffic, players on the continent needed to design policies and programmes that would raise the safety bar.

    Mawadri said governments should work closely with global bodies, including the  International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Flight Safety International (FSI) and Airports Council International (ACI), to accelerate the implementation of safety-related standards and recommended practices.

    He said the global rating of African airports and carriers was still below the industry average, urging enhanced measures that would raise safety standards.

    Some of the ways of achieving this, he said, is the engagement of more qualified aeronautical personnel. and improvement on airport and air navigation equipment.

    Mawadri said national carriers have a role to play in developing the sector.

    He said Etihad Airways would be excited if approached by the Nigerian government to assist in setting up a national carrier.

    The United Arab Emirates carrier,  he said, is open to discussions on the terms of such engagement.

    He  said Nigeria deserved a national carrier that would assist the government to identify inadequate and decaying infrastructure and other issues that would improve air safety.

    Mawadri said such carrier would not only offer passengers options, but would engender competition among players on different routes.

    He said: “Africa is the world’s second fastest-growing destination for international air traffic, but greater synergies are needed by governments and industry partners to ensure safety standards are enhanced.

    “Aviation in Africa is hampered by absence of  operating efficiencies. This gap could be bridged if governments and airlines engage  more qualified people to join the workforce across the continent.”

    He urged African governments to invest more on aviation infrastructure including the setting up of national airlines that would serve as a catalyst for economic growth.

    He urged the Nigerian government to fast track its plans to deliver a new carrier, adding that the airline will stimulate competition on major routes.

    Mawadri  said: ”From an operator point of view ,Etihad Airways would be excited to see Nigeria set up a national carrier. We would welcome it, because competition will  benefit travellers and provides them with greater choices.

    “Such an airline  will drive  the standards of the products and services on offer and at greater value.That will be great for every player in the sector .”

    He said Etihad has ambitious plans to expand its operations in Africa through strategic partnerships with other carriers to feed into its alliance network.

    He said: “Etihad Airways has steadily grown its network in Africa and currently operates scheduled services from 10 destinations  including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Khartoum, Casablanca, Rabat, Lagos, Cairo and Mahala in the Seychelles.

    “We have also been able to significantly extend this reach to a total of 23 destinations across the continent by entering into code share partnerships with Kulula , Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and strategic equity partner Air Seychelles.”

    He said the airline has made strides in the Nigerian market, with focus on products that are attractive to passengers. “Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country. Nigerian aviation industry has great potential for growth and development to meet the demand for international travel as foreign investment in the country, and the West African region, continues to grow.

    “However, it is always going to be competitive due to the number of carriers in the market. This is only to be expected, and we welcome competition because it enables us to differentiate ourselves from other carriers through the quality of our services, and the innovative products we offer on board and on the ground.

    “We focus on providing our guests with innovative products and services, both in the air and on the ground. Understandably, Nigerian travellers want the best and we are committed to providing it for them. We have also built close working relationships with our corporate and travel trade partners here in Nigeria. Thankfully, they have been very supportive of our business and I am confident this will continue in the future.”

    On what passengers should expect from Etihad, Mawadri said :    “Over the last year, Etihad Airways has brought new levels of luxury and comfort to travellers with the introduction of our Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner  aircraft which feature the airline’s ground-breaking cabins.

    “Also, guests who fly on Etihad Airways’ long-haul routes from Abu Dhabi can experience award-winning premium products and services.

    ” In January 2014, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration opened a Pre Clearance facility in Abu Dhabi, which enabled Etihad Airways passengers from Nigeria travelling onward to New York, Washington, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to arrive in the US as a domestic traveller, and able to leave the airport quickly without having to wait in long queues’’.

    “Being able to clear immigration, security and customs checks in Abu Dhabi makes the travel process very efficient and hassle free for our guests, and the feedback to-date has been extremely positive.”

  • How to reduce airlines’ operating cost, by operator

    Former Assistant  General Secretary, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, has  advised operators to acquire light and fuel efficient aircraft to reduce  their cost of operation.

    Tukur said the advice  became necessary as  recession is hitting hard on the sector. He said many airlines collapsed within 10 years of operation because they had the wrong type of aircraft in their fleet.

    According to him, some airlines deploy “jumbo” aircraft meant for six-hour flight for an hour flight on domestic route, which makes it unprofitable.

    He said: “The only way domestic airlines will survive is for the operators to acquire less fuel consuming aircraft such as jets.

    “There is a need for airlines to change their aircraft types; they should get jet aircraft and not the B737. If they have the less fuel consumption aircraft, it will reduce their burden,” he said.

    Tukur, who is a former Director of Operations, Chanchangi Airline, noted that the B737 aircraft are  costly to maintain, adding that those using them may find it difficult to operate profitably under the current economic situation.

    He said: “Some airline operators take money out of the system and put it in another business. In aviation, the moment you move money out of operation, then you are killing the operation completely.

    ‘’However, because the airlines are individually owned, they just take the money without accountability.”

    He also advised the Federal Government against setting up a national carrier, noting that what the country needs is a private sector- driven flag carrier.

    Tukur said: “What we  need to have is a flag carrier and not national carrier. Where is the money to float a national carrier by the government; can they afford $200 billion?

    On airport concession, he urged the government to resolve all concession agreements to avoid another round of litigation.

    “There is a need for airlines to change their aircraft types, they should get Jet aircraft and not these Boeing 737s. If they have these less fuel consuming aircraft, it will reduce their burden,”he said.

    He also noted that the burden of the airlines, from the time they acquire their Air Operators Certificate (AOC), is much, as salaries of workers are paid once the AOC is granted.

    Tukur said:“Most of the airlines overstretched themselves from the beginning before they acquired the AOC. They started paying salaries for workers and people believe that there is money, but soon, that kind of life will haunt them’’.

  • FAAN: new facilities ‘ll curb delays

    The  three carousels and conveyor belts installed at the    D’ Arrival wing of the Lagos International Airport will fast-track departure and arrival formalities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said

    At the inaugurattion of the facility, FAAN Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma said the measure was taken following passengers’ complaints that they spend much time to retrieve their luggage and to keep pace with growing traffic brought about by the remodelling of airports.

    He said: “The timing of this world class facility is in consonance with the authority’s readiness to thrill her esteemed airport users with fascinating travel experience especially with the approaching festive season usually associated with increased inbound passengers and luggage.

    “ The authority assures all airport users of improved quality services in line with global best practices as we are not unmindful of the need to provide world class facilities in spite of the economic challenges facing the country.”

    Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has concluded plans for global roll out of  an Airport Wildlife Trafficking Assessment Tool which will help defeat smugglers of endangered species next year, its Director General , Alexandre de Juniac has said

    The Assessment tool, according to Juniac was   developed in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) with support from the USAID ROUTES Partnership, will be piloted with WCO at Maputo International Airport this

    The Tool will  helps airports assess their supply-chain security, intelligence and risk management, staff awareness, and reporting processes, alongside air cargo and passenger screening policy and procedures.

    He said : “ The illegal trafficking of wildlife products, including many iconic and endangered species, is an issue which the aviation industry takes very seriously. It will take a team effort to combat this deplorable trade. We are working in close partnership with USAID Routes, WCO, CITES and other organizations to make the world a much more difficult place for wildlife traffickers. Our common goal is to preserve our precious wildlife inheritance for future generations to enjoy,

    “Actors in the air transport sector can serve as the eyes and ears of enforcement agencies and can be valuable partners in the efforts to eliminate wildlife trafficking from supply chains.

    The Assessment Tool will enable them to identify weak points in procedures and practices, often exploited by traffickers, as well as ways of strengthening them,” said Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General.

  • Emirates offers fares discount

    Emirates is offering Nigerian customers a discount of up to 50 per cent on the Lagos- Dubai route fares.

    The offer is for economy and business classes’ seats bookings paid for from this month to May, 2017.

    Meanwhile, the airline has retired the last Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft in its fleet from service.

    Their retirement makes Emirates the only airline to operate a fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

    The airline said it took the decision to offer a superior passenger experience and improve environmental performance through a state-of-the-art wide-body aircraft fleet.

    Since January 2015, Emirates has retired 18 A330 and  five A340 aircraft from its fleet. It also plans to phase out some 25 aircraft in 2017 and 2018 to ensure that its operating fleet remains modern and efficient .

  • ‘African govts should improve safety standards’

    ‘African govts should improve safety standards’

    General Manager, Etihad Airways, Nigeria, George Mawadri, has canvassed greater synergy among African governments and industry partners to improve safety standards in the African airspace.

    Besides the  challenges of air safety, Mawadri said African governments  needed to address issues  bordering  on operational efficiencies by recruiting more qualified hands across the region.

    He said although Africa is the second fastest-growing destination in terms of international traffic, players on the continent needed to design policies and programmes that would raise the safety bar.

    Mawadri said governments should work closely with global bodies, including the  International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Flight Safety International (FSI) and Airports Council International (ACI), to accelerate the implementation of safety-related standards and recommended practices.

    He said the global rating of African airports and carriers was still below the industry average, urging enhanced measures that would raise safety standards.

    Some of the ways of achieving this, he said, is the engagement of more qualified aeronautical personnel. and improvement on airport and air navigation equipment.

    Mawadri said national carriers have a role to play in developing the sector.

    He said Etihad Airways would be excited if approached by the Nigerian government to assist in setting up a national carrier.

    The United Arab Emirates carrier,  he said, is open to discussions on the terms of such engagement.

    He  said Nigeria deserved a national carrier that would assist the government to identify inadequate and decaying infrastructure and other issues that would improve air safety.

    Mawadri said such carrier would not only offer passengers options, but would engender competition among players on different routes.

    He said: “Africa is the world’s second fastest-growing destination for international air traffic, but greater synergies are needed by governments and industry partners to ensure safety standards are enhanced.

    “Aviation in Africa is hampered by absence of  operating efficiencies. This gap could be bridged if governments and airlines engage  more qualified people to join the workforce across the continent.”

    He urged African governments to invest more on aviation infrastructure including the setting up of national airlines that would serve as a catalyst for economic growth.

    He urged the Nigerian government to fast track its plans to deliver a new carrier, adding that the airline will stimulate competition on major routes.

    Mawadri  said: ”From an operator point of view ,Etihad Airways would be excited to see Nigeria set up a national carrier. We would welcome it, because competition will  benefit travellers and provides them with greater choices.

    “Such an airline  will drive  the standards of the products and services on offer and at greater value.That will be great for every player in the sector .”

    He said Etihad has ambitious plans to expand its operations in Africa through strategic partnerships with other carriers to feed into its alliance network.

    He said: “Etihad Airways has steadily grown its network in Africa and currently operates scheduled services from 10 destinations  including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Khartoum, Casablanca, Rabat, Lagos, Cairo and Mahala in the Seychelles.

    “We have also been able to significantly extend this reach to a total of 23 destinations across the continent by entering into code share partnerships with Kulula , Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and strategic equity partner Air Seychelles.”

    He said the airline has made strides in the Nigerian market, with focus on products that are attractive to passengers. “Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country. Nigerian aviation industry has great potential for growth and development to meet the demand for international travel as foreign investment in the country, and the West African region, continues to grow.

    “However, it is always going to be competitive due to the number of carriers in the market. This is only to be expected, and we welcome competition because it enables us to differentiate ourselves from other carriers through the quality of our services, and the innovative products we offer on board and on the ground.

    “We focus on providing our guests with innovative products and services, both in the air and on the ground. Understandably, Nigerian travellers want the best and we are committed to providing it for them. We have also built close working relationships with our corporate and travel trade partners here in Nigeria. Thankfully, they have been very supportive of our business and I am confident this will continue in the future.”

    On what passengers should expect from Etihad, Mawadri said :    “Over the last year, Etihad Airways has brought new levels of luxury and comfort to travellers with the introduction of our Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner  aircraft which feature the airline’s ground-breaking cabins.

    “Also, guests who fly on Etihad Airways’ long-haul routes from Abu Dhabi can experience award-winning premium products and services.

    ” In January 2014, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration opened a Pre Clearance facility in Abu Dhabi, which enabled Etihad Airways passengers from Nigeria travelling onward to New York, Washington, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to arrive in the US as a domestic traveller, and able to leave the airport quickly without having to wait in long queues’’.

    “Being able to clear immigration, security and customs checks in Abu Dhabi makes the travel process very efficient and hassle free for our guests, and the feedback to-date has been extremely positive.”

  • ‘New facilities ‘ll curb delays’

    The  three carousels and conveyor belts installed at the   D’ Arrival wing of the Lagos International Airport will fast-track departure and arrival formalities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said

    At the inaugurattion of the facility, FAAN Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma said the measure was taken following passengers’ complaints that they spend much time to retrieve their luggage and to keep pace with growing traffic brought about by the remodelling of airports.

    He said: “The timing of this world class facility is in consonance with the authority’s readiness to thrill her esteemed airport users with fascinating travel experience especially with the approaching festive season usually associated with increased inbound passengers and luggage.

    “ The authority assures all airport users of improved quality services in line with global best practices as we are not unmindful of the need to provide world class facilities in spite of the economic challenges facing the country.”

    Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has concluded plans for global roll out of  an Airport Wildlife Trafficking Assessment Tool which will help defeat smugglers of endangered species next year, its Director General , Alexandre de Juniac has said

    The Assessment tool, according to Juniac was   developed in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) with support from the USAID ROUTES Partnership, will be piloted with WCO at Maputo International Airport this

    The Tool will  helps airports assess their supply-chain security, intelligence and risk management, staff awareness, and reporting processes, alongside air cargo and passenger screening policy and procedures.

    He said : “ The illegal trafficking of wildlife products, including many iconic and endangered species, is an issue which the aviation industry takes very seriously. It will take a team effort to combat this deplorable trade. We are working in close partnership with USAID Routes, WCO, CITES and other organizations to make the world a much more difficult place for wildlife traffickers. Our common goal is to preserve our precious wildlife inheritance for future generations to enjoy,

    “Actors in the air transport sector can serve as the eyes and ears of enforcement agencies and can be valuable partners in the efforts to eliminate wildlife trafficking from supply chains.

    The Assessment Tool will enable them to identify weak points in procedures and practices, often exploited by traffickers, as well as ways of strengthening them,” said Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General.

  • How to reduce airlines’ operating cost, by operator

    Former Assistant  General Secretary, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, has  advised operators to acquire light and fuel efficient aircraft to reduce  their cost of operation.

    Tukur said the advice  became necessary as  recession is hitting hard on the sector. He said many airlines collapsed within 10 years of operation because they had the wrong type of aircraft in their fleet.

    According to him, some airlines deploy “jumbo” aircraft meant for six-hour flight for an hour flight on domestic route, which makes it unprofitable.

    He said: “The only way domestic airlines will survive is for the operators to acquire less fuel consuming aircraft such as jets.

    “There is a need for airlines to change their aircraft types; they should get jet aircraft and not the B737. If they have the less fuel consumption aircraft, it will reduce their burden,” he said.

    Tukur, who is a former Director of Operations, Chanchangi Airline, noted that the B737 aircraft are  costly to maintain, adding that those using them may find it difficult to operate profitably under the current economic situation.

    He said: “Some airline operators take money out of the system and put it in another business. In aviation, the moment you move money out of operation, then you are killing the operation completely.

    ‘’However, because the airlines are individually owned, they just take the money without accountability.”

    He also advised the Federal Government against setting up a national carrier, noting that what the country needs is a private sector- driven flag carrier.

    Tukur said: “What we  need to have is a flag carrier and not national carrier. Where is the money to float a national carrier by the government; can they afford $200 billion?

    On airport concession, he urged the government to resolve all concession agreements to avoid another round of litigation.

    “There is a need for airlines to change their aircraft types, they should get Jet aircraft and not these Boeing 737s. If they have these less fuel consuming aircraft, it will reduce their burden,”he said.

    He also noted that the burden of the airlines, from the time they acquire their Air Operators Certificate (AOC), is much, as salaries of workers are paid once the AOC is granted.

    Tukur said:“Most of the airlines overstretched themselves from the beginning before they acquired the AOC. They started paying salaries for workers and people believe that there is money, but soon, that kind of life will haunt them’’.