The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aero contractors

  • 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.

    Read Also: NCAA seeks EFCC’s help to combat aviation fraud

    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.”

  • 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.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Countries with largest military air fleets in 2025

    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.

  • Aero Contractors, NSIB sign MoU to strengthen aviation safety training

    Aero Contractors, NSIB sign MoU to strengthen aviation safety training

    Nigeria’s oldest carrier, Aero Contractors Airlines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to enhance the training of key technical personnel in accident investigation.

    According to Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, the agreement will provide on-the-job training opportunities for NSIB’s Transportation Safety Officers and other personnel, leveraging the airline’s expertise.

    Sanusi described the partnership as a step towards fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, emphasizing that aviation safety relies on expertise, experience, and collaboration.

    He added that through this MoU, both organisations are taking decisive steps to enhance the skills and technical knowledge of professionals responsible for ensuring safety in the aviation sector.

    Sanusi said: “As we formalise this historic partnership between Aero Contractors and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, this Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to aviation safety and human capital development in Nigeria.

    “Aero Contractors has a proud legacy of over 60 years in the aviation industry, and at the heart of our operations is a deep-rooted safety culture. We have always believed that safety is not just a regulatory requirement, it is a fundamental responsibility that we all share. As we often say, “safety is everybody’s business.”NSIB will undoubtedly benefit from our Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, gaining practical, hands-on experience that will strengthen their investigative and technical expertise. 

    “In turn, Aero Contractors is honoured to contribute to the improvement of aviation safety standards in Nigeria.

    “This initiative is not just about training, it is about fostering a safety-driven ecosystem where industry players work together to prevent accidents and improve operational standards. It is about investing in the future of aviation in Nigeria.

    “Today, as we sign this MOU, we celebrate not just a partnership but a shared vision, one where safety remains the cornerstone of our industry. We look forward to the successful implementation of this agreement and the lasting impact it will have on aviation safety in Nigeria.”

    Responding, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh (jnr), said the  

     partnership marks a pivotal step towards a collective commitment to enhancing transportation safety across Nigeria, particularly within the aviation sector.

     He said: “Aero Contractors, with its rich experience and expertise as a leading airline providing scheduled passenger, charter, and allied services, brings a wealth of technical knowledge and operational insight to this partnership.

    “This collaboration is a testament to the power of synergy combining the regulatory and investigative prowess of NSIB with the practical, hands-on expertise of Aero. Today’s MoU is more than just a document; it is a commitment to mutual growth and safety enhancement.

    “Through this agreement, we will work together to design and deliver customized on-the-job training programs for our Transportation Safety Officers and other staff. 

    “This initiative will equip our personnel with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel in their duties, drawing on Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, simulators, and technical resources. 

    “In return, NSIB will support Aero’s technical personnel with training in accident investigation and related areas, creating a two-way exchange of expertise that benefits us both.

     “This partnership also opens doors to joint conferences, seminars, and symposiums, where we can share best practices, explore new training needs, and build capacity across our workforces. 

    “By deploying our respective facilities and staff pilots, engineers, dispatchers, flight attendants and more, we will strengthen our ability to prevent accidents, respond effectively to incidents, and uphold the highest safety standards in line with international benchmarks, such as the Standards and Recommended Practices of Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.”

    Read Also: Aero Contractors crashes one-hour air fare to N80,000

    He further said: “I must emphasize the importance of the confidentiality and professionalism that underpin this collaboration. Both parties have agreed to protect shared information and use it solely for safety investigation training, ensuring trust and integrity throughout our partnership.

     “Financially, this MoU is structured with clarity and fairness. The Cost Reimbursement Program and Service Fee Mechanism ensure that Aero’s contributions whether through training, technical support, or facility access are adequately compensated, with costs reviewed regularly to maintain efficiency and quality. This transparency will sustain our partnership for the long term.

    “To oversee the implementation of this MoU, we have established a Steering Committee comprising dedicated representatives from both NSIB and Aero. I am confident that this committee, supported by our designated focal officers, will ensure that our day-to-day efforts align with the objectives we set today.

     “As we sign this MoU, let us recognize that this is not the end but the beginning of a journey. A journey toward safer skies, better-trained professionals, and a stronger aviation ecosystem in Nigeria. Should either party need to amend or terminate this agreement, we have agreed on a process that ensures continuity and respect for ongoing commitments, reflecting our mutual respect and foresight. 

    “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Aero Contractors’ management and staff for their willingness to partner with us. To my team at NSIB, I commend your dedication and hard work in bringing this collaboration to fruition.”

  • Aero Contractors crashes one-hour air fare to N80,000

    Aero Contractors crashes one-hour air fare to N80,000

    • Airline seeks investors to grow fleet

    Nigeria’s oldest carrier, Aero Contractors, altered the stakes in the industry yesterday when it introduced a new air fare to trigger competition for the projected spike in passenger traffic for the yuletide season.

    At a time other carriers are charging higher fares for travel intended for the Yuletide season, Aero Contractors rolled out an N80,000 offer for its passengers traveling on its nine routes including  Lagos, Abuja , Port Harcourt, Benin , Asaba, Sokoto, Yola, Calabar and Kano.

    Other carriers are currently charging not less than N110,000 for one- way tickets.

    The gesture according to the carrier is expected to last till the end of January, adding that the slashed fares would apply to all Aero Contractors’ routes.

     Its Managing Director, Capt Ado Sanusi , who disclosed this said the new fare regime is not predatory , but part of strategies to enhance its capacity and give back to its passengers that have kept it running for decades.

    Sanusi said the management of the airline thought through the business strategy before rolling it out to ensure cost recovery and sustainability.

    He said besides Aero Contractors, with its three airplanes, other carriers have brought in about 10 aircraft to target the yuletide traffic.

    To have the edge, Sanusi said the Aero team will pull operational traction by latching onto reliability and on time departure on its nine existing routes as a unique market proposition.

    Read Also: Aero Contractors introduces competitive fare regime for yuletide season

    He said though the operating costs are on the increase, with adequate utilization of the few airplanes, the carrier will pull through on the routes, where it has established its footprints.

    Sanusi said though the airline is conscious of the ongoing market dynamics, the new promotional fare regime will reinforce passenger loyalty to the brands they have come to know in the last decades.

     This is coming as the carrier is preparing the carrier for fund injection, seeking new investors in the over 60-year-old carrier.

    He said the gesture aims to give back to Nigerians during the Yuletide and to make people travel easily during the period.

    He said: “We know what the people are going through because of the economic hardship because of the high prices of tickets considered to be very high. We at Aero Contractors have concluded to announce the Christmas initiative which is pocket-friendly. These prices are designed to allow Nigerians to travel to all destinations without paying too much.

    “We are in the spirit of giving, which Christmas embodies. We believe that as a company, this is a very old story of understanding its customers. We believe it is time for us to give back to our customers.

    “And this is in the spirit of giving, which is the spirit of Christmas. We believe that as a company, this is just a very old history of understanding its customers. We believe it’s time for us to give back to our customers.

    “Our prices will start from 80,000 to all of our destinations, and we intend to make it affordable to flying public. And this is to allow the flying public/families to meet their loved ones during this Christmas season.”

    He assured that Aero Contractors is set to attract foreign investors and looks forward to attracting investment that would boost its fleet size to 10 aircraft.

    Sanusi said the carrier has recorded significant milestones by achieving a 14 per cent turn around profit as part of its recovery.

    The airline had faced financial challenges for years, resulting in a debilitating 69 per cent negative performance in 2022.

     Sanusi attributed the dramatic turn to strategic reforms and a committed workforce.

     “This 14 per cent profit reflects the hard work and dedication of the Aero team to position the airline for sustainable growth. Building on this momentum, Aero Contractors has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.

    “A 33 per cent reduction in liabilities and near-completion of overdue salary payments highlighting the airline’s commitment to fulfilling obligations.

     “We have almost cleared all outstanding staff salaries, with just one month remaining. Reducing liabilities has been critical to our recovery process.

    ”These efforts align with the airline’s strategy to prepare for investor engagement and operational expansion,” Capt Sanusi said.

    He said Aero Contractors has strengthened its reputation as a regional aviation hub by expanding its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.

    “With new approvals from Morocco, Mongolia, Senegal, and Ghana, the airline’s facility now supports aircraft types such as 737NGs and the A319 family. We aim to become a one-stop shop for all airlines operating in Nigeria, emphasizing the growing demand for MRO services in the region.

    ‘The airline is also enhancing its auxiliary power unit (APU) capabilities, targeting a dedicated facility by next year’s third quarter. Additionally, advancements in top-case engine repairs and modular changes mark progress in achieving full engine overhaul capabilities for CFM56 engines.

    “Collaborating with manufacturers and stakeholders will help us realize this vision,” he said.

    Looking ahead, the airline is prioritizing fleet optimization over network expansion. The airline plan is to maintain its current fleet size of three aircraft, focusing on improving service quality on existing routes.

     “Our strategy is not to expand routes but to maximize efficiency in servicing current destinations. Aero Contractors offers a clear vision of future growth. The airline aims to operate a fleet of 10 aircraft, enhancing its market position.

    “Investors will have options to lease or buy aircraft, and with the right partnerships, Aero will reclaim its leadership in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    “With significant liabilities resolved and operations optimized, Aero Contractors is well-poised to attract investors and sustain its growth trajectory.

    “By focusing on operational excellence and strategic investments, the airline is set to contribute meaningfully to the aviation sector.

    “Aero Contractors’ recovery highlights the resilience and foresight of its management, standing as a case study in navigating challenges in a competitive industry. As the company moves forward, its story of revival continues to inspire confidence in its stakeholders,’’ he said.

  • Aero Contractors introduces competitive fare regime for yuletide season

    Aero Contractors introduces competitive fare regime for yuletide season

    ….seeks investors to grow aircraft fleet

    By Kelvin Osa Okunbor and Motunrayo Akintunde

    Nigeria’s oldest carrier, Aero Contractors, has altered the stakes in the industry by introducing a new fare regime on Tuesday, December 3, to trigger competition for the projected spike in passenger traffic during the yuletide season.

    While other carriers are charging higher fares for yuletide travel, Aero Contractors has rolled out an N80,000 offer for passengers travelling on its nine routes, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba, Sokoto, Yola, Calabar, and Kano.

    Other carriers are currently charging no less than N110,000 for one-way tickets.

    According to Managing Director Captain Ado Sanusi, this gesture is expected to last until the end of January, with the slashed fares applying to all Aero Contractors’ routes.

    Sanusi emphasized that the new fare regime is not predatory but part of the carrier’s strategy to enhance its capacity and give back to its passengers, who have kept it running for decades.

    He added that the management carefully considered the business strategy to ensure cost recovery and sustainability.

    He said besides Aero Contractors, with its three airplanes, other carriers have brought in about 10 aircraft to target the yuletide traffic.

    To have the edge, Sanusi said the Aero team will pull operational traction by latching onto reliability and on-time departure on its nine existing routes as a unique market proposition.

    He said though the operating costs are on the increase, with adequate utilization of the few airplanes, the carrier will pull through on the routes, where it has established its footprints.

    Sanusi said though the airline is conscious of the ongoing market dynamics, the new promotional fare regime will reinforce passenger loyalty to the brands they have come to know in the last decades.

     This is coming as the carrier is preparing the carrier for fund injection, seeking new investors in the over 60-year-old carrier.

    He said the gesture aims to give back to Nigerians during the Yuletide and to make people travel easily during the period.

    “We know what the people are going through because of the economic hardship because of the high prices of tickets considered to be very high. We at Aero Contractors have concluded to announce the Christmas initiative which is pocket-friendly. These prices are designed to allow Nigerians to travel to all destinations without paying too much.

    “We are in the spirit of giving, which Christmas embodies. We believe that as a company, this is a very old story of understanding its customers. We believe it is time for us to give back to our customers”..

    “And this is in the spirit of giving, which is the spirit of Christmas. We believe that as a company, this is just a very old history of understanding its customers. We believe it’s time for us to give back to our customers.

    “Our prices will start from 80,000 to all of our destinations, and we intend to make it affordable to the flying public. And this is to allow the flying public/families to meet their loved ones during this Christmas season.”

    Read Also: Safety: Air Peace, Boeing, Cranfield varsity partner

    He assured that Aero Contractors is set to attract foreign investors and looks forward to attracting investment that would boost its fleet size to 10 aircraft.

    Sanusi said the carrier has recorded significant milestones by achieving a 14 percent turnaround profit as part of its recovery.

    The airline had faced financial challenges for years, resulting in a debilitating 69 per cent negative performance in 2022.

     Sanusi attributed the dramatic turn to strategic reforms and a committed workforce.

    He said: “This 14 percent profit reflects the hard work and dedication of the Aero team to position the airline for sustainable growth. Building on this momentum, Aero Contractors has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.

    “A 33 per cent reduction in liabilities and near-completion of overdue salary payments highlighting the airline’s commitment to fulfilling obligations.

     “We have almost cleared all outstanding staff salaries, with just one month remaining. Reducing liabilities has been critical to our recovery process.

    “These efforts align with the airline’s strategy to prepare for investor engagement and operational expansion.”

    He said Aero Contractors has strengthened its reputation as a regional aviation hub by expanding its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.

    Sanusi noted: “With new approvals from Morocco, Mongolia, Senegal, and Ghana, the airline’s facility now supports aircraft types such as 737NGs and the A319 family. “We aim to become a one-stop shop for all airlines operating in Nigeria, emphasizing the growing demand for MRO services in the region.

    ‘The airline is also enhancing its auxiliary power unit (APU) capabilities, targeting a dedicated facility by next year’s third quarter. Additionally, advancements in top-case engine repairs and modular changes mark progress in achieving full engine overhaul capabilities for CFM56 engines.

    “Collaborating with manufacturers and stakeholders will help us realize this vision.

    Looking ahead, Aero Contractors is prioritizing fleet optimization over network expansion. The airline plans to maintain its current fleet size of three aircraft, focusing on improving service quality on existing routes.

     “Our strategy is not to expand routes but to maximize efficiency in servicing current destinations. Aero Contractors offers a clear vision of future growth. The airline aims to operate a fleet of 10 aircraft, enhancing its market position.

    “Investors will have options to lease or buy aircraft, and with the right partnerships, Aero will reclaim its leadership in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    “With significant liabilities resolved and operations optimized, Aero Contractors is well-poised to attract investors and sustain its growth trajectory.

    “By focusing on operational excellence and strategic investments, the airline is set to contribute meaningfully to the aviation sector.

    “Aero Contractors’ recovery highlights the resilience and foresight of its management, standing as a case study in navigating challenges in a competitive industry. As the company moves forward, its story of revival continues to inspire confidence in its stakeholders.”

  • Aero Contractors upgrades clinic

    Aero Contractors upgrades clinic

    • Hospital donates medical equipment

    Aero Contractors, has upgraded its clinic with the support of Paelon Memorial Hospital, which donated medical equipment to the facility.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the rehabilitated clinic, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Ado Sanusi said that the upgrade of the clinic is historical and commended the hospital for coming to support the modernization of the clinic.

    Read Also: My wife adulterous, claims Super Eagles star in court petition

    “This clinic has been there for a long time. And I think it was our Chief Financial Officer, Charles Grant who told me about it and suggested we should upgrade the clinic. And we took it up as a project. And then luckily for us, Charles Grant has affiliates who decided to pleasantly surprise us by massively supporting the project by donating this equipment.

    “We would like to thank Paelon Memorial Hospital very much. This project would not have been done without you. And you have shown that Paelon Memorial Hospital is an entity that understands corporate social responsibility. We are indeed very grateful,” he said.

    Grant expressed gratitude to his wife and mother-in-law who is in charge of the Paelon Memorial Hospital which donated the hospital equipment to Aero Contractors to upgrade the clinic.

  • Sacked workers: Union threatens to disrupt Aero Contractors’ operations

    Sacked workers: Union threatens to disrupt Aero Contractors’ operations

    The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has threatened to disrupt Aero Contractors’ operations by Monday, if the airline refuses to recall over 700 workers sacked recently.

    Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, NUATE, issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.

    Abioye described the sack of the workers as an exercise in “bad faith” to the industry and the country in general.

    “By Monday, the whole world will know what is really happening in Aero Contractors. We are going to shut down the operations of the airline.

    “There is no place in the world where people will work for 20 to 25 years and you will disengage them and ask them to go home empty-handed.

    “This has never happened before, so it will not happen in Aero Contractors,” he said.

    Abioye accused Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) of not acting in the best interest of Aero contractors and its workers since the takeover in 2013.

    He assured that NUATE, alongside other aviation unions, would ensure that the affected workers were paid their entitlements and benefits before the airline could dismiss them.

    NAN reports that the airline, which is under the management of the (AMCON), had sacked more than 700 workers, representing 60 per cent of its workforce.

    The Media Consultant to the airline, Mr Simon Tumba, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, said the workers would be paid their pension and gratuity.

    Tumba explained further that letters of redundancy were issued to the affected employees during the week.

  • Ailing Aero Contractors sacks 60 per cent of workforce

    Ailing Aero Contractors sacks 60 per cent of workforce

    Aero Contractors  Airline, which is under the management of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), has sacked 60 per cent of its workforce.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that letters of redundancy were issued to the affected employees during the week.

    Media Consultant to the airline, Mr Simon Tumba, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, said the workers would be paid their pension and gratuity.

    Tumba said the airline had been grappling with huge and unrealistic personnel cost as well as other operational challenges worsened by lack of enough aircraft to keep all the workers meaningfully engaged.

    “The issuance of notification of redundancy is a business decision that will ensure Aero’s survival.

    “The current situation where over a thousand people are basically not engaged due to lack of serviceable aircraft is not sustainable for the airline.

    “The huge monthly salary associated with a bloated workforce will eventually kill the airline, which is not the intention of the current government,” he said.

    According to him, Aero Contractors currently has aircraft-to-employee ratio of 1:500, which analysts believe is perhaps the worse in the history of global airline industry.

    Tumba said government’s intervention in Aero was to save it from total collapse therefore, all steps such as this (issuance of redundancy letters) to ensure its survival must be put into consideration to save the airline.

    He said :”This decision will immediately reduce the whooping operational cost, which has been stifling Aero; enable the management bring in more aircraft through savings from overheads and pay for C-checks.

    “It will also enable Aero have a more manageable and committed workforce in line with international best practices of 50 to 60 personnel to one aircraft unlike what obtains in Aero at the moment.”

    He, however, added that those in Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and other essential staff in critical departments would not be affected.

    Tumba said Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Aero, had also assured the workers that they stand a chance of being recalled as soon as the airline increases the number of aircraft in its fleet in the near future.

    A part of the redundancy letter made available to NAN read:, “Following the operational challenges of Aero culminating in loss of business opportunities that adversely affected company finances vis-à-vis operations, we are constrained to place you under redundancy pending a possible future review.

    “This decision was communicated to the unions where their understanding was solicited in view of prevailing operational difficulties.

    “Whilst Aero appreciates your contribution to the company and continues to regard you as worthy ambassadors, we solicit your understanding as we struggle to stabilise operations and rebuild the company.”

    However, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) , have kicked against the move by the airline.

    Mr Frances Akinjole, General Secretary, ATSSSAN, told NAN that a notification had been sent by the unions to the affected workers not to accept the “purported letter of redundancy “.

    “We are totally against it because in the first place, our members are still being owed salaries and we have not even negotiated the redundancy package.

    “If they go ahead with this move then the unions are prepared to face them headlong,” he said. (NAN)

  • Aero Abuja flights yet to resume

    Aero Abuja flights yet to resume

    Aero Contractors is yet to resume flights at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in spite of promise made by the management of the airline that it will soon commence operations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) check at the airport on Thursday morning saw some members of staff of the airline at the ticketing and reservation stand idle.

    One of the staff who pleaded anonymity told NAN that they have yet to receive a signal from the head office to commence operations, but however, assured that flight operations would commence soon.

    He said that Aero had already commenced operations at Port Harcourt, while other stations were still awaiting signals.

    The staff who said he could not explain why the signal had not been received, also said that they have not commenced sales of tickets to passengers.

    NAN recalls that Aero had suspended all its scheduled flights since August due to the inability of the airline to raise forex for C-check and D-check of most of its aircraft.

    The suspension of flight operations also came with the disengagement of staff of the airline that which led to a face-off with aviation unions.

    Meanwhile, the airport recorded low traffic of passengers as the usual rush during yuletide was not there due to the recession and hike in fares.

    NAN checks with various airlines revealed that most flights were not fully booked for today, adding that the prices of tickets had been increased across all destinations.

    Mr Abdullahi Saroke, the Station Manager, Azman Air, said the traffic was low compared to the previous year, attributing the situation to the economic recession.

    Stroke said that many airlines were not fully booked as against the usual rush that was associated with festive periods, adding that the airlines were struggling to survive the hardship.

    He also said that there was about 20 per cent hike in air fares.

    “The traffic is very low compared to last year because the country is in recession and you don’t expect people to fly by air that much in a country that is in recession.

    “In spite that our roads are not too motorable, people have decided to stay away from the airports.

    “On an average, the cheapest you can get now from all airlines is N35,000 and above for economy, while business class goes for between N50,000 and N60,000.

    “The major challenge has been non-availability of aviation fuel, but thank God that the Federal Government about two days ago brought in about 20 million tonnes.

    “The daily consumption of all airlines is 500,000 litres which mean that we will not have the problem of fuel scarcity in the next three weeks or more because that has been the cause of cancellations and delays.

    “As at Wednesday, we were buying fuel at N270, but four days ago, we bought it at N320 and by this time last year, we bought the product at between N102 and N110 per litre.’’