The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aero contractors

  • Aero Contractors suspends operations

    Aero Contractors Airlines said it would suspend its scheduled services from today.

    In a statement, the carrier said the development was part of its strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to  profitability.

    This business decision, which is a result of the current economic situation in the country, has forced some other airlines to suspend operation or outrightly pull out of the country.

    Aero said it has faced challenges in the past six months which impacted its business and by extension its scheduled services operations.

    These factors, according to the management are both internal and external environmental factors that have made it difficult for the airline to continue its scheduled services.

    It said during the period in review, Aero, which was hitherto revered for its safety, timeliness among other virtues witnessed epileptic operations and services to the external publics that are caused by non-alignment of fundamental issue of the business, which in some cases have been frustrating and embarrassing to all parties including staff, customers and indeed all stakeholders.

  • AERO contractors suspends scheduled services

    AERO contractors suspends scheduled services

    Aero Contractors Airline on Wednesday announced that it would suspend its scheduled services from Thursday September 1, 2016.

    This is contained in a statement from the management of the airline in which it stated that the development was part of the strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to the part of profitability.

    This business decision, which is a result of the current economic situation in the country, has forced some other airlines to suspend operation or out rightly pull out of Nigeria.

    In the case of Aero, the airline said the airline had faced grave challenges in the past six months which impacted its business and by extension the scheduled services operations.

    According to the management, these factors are both internal and external environmental factors that have made it difficult for the foremost airline to continue its scheduled services.

    It said during the period in review, Aero, which was hitherto revered for its safety, timeliness among other virtues witnessed epileptic operations and services to the external public that are caused by non-alignment of fundamental issue of the business, which in some cases have been frustrating and embarrassing to all parties including staff, customers and indeed all stakeholders.

    As part of its resolve to ensure the airline survived unlike most other carriers that experienced short life span in the country, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) had appointed Mr. Adeniyi Adegbomire SAN as Receiver Manager in February 6, 2016, with the aim of turning the airline around.

    Since AMCON’s intervention in Aero Contractors in 2011, it has provided support for the airline to meet working capital requirements and fleet expansion.

    These were to ensure the airline remains a going concern providing services to various clients and the general public.

    Unfortunately, the operating environment within and outside the airline have hindered any possible progress especially in the last six months when the Naira depreciated against the dollar thus making it impossible for the airline to achieve its operational targets.

    With these realities coupled with protracted engagements with all relevant stakeholders, the Management of Aero has strenuously reviewed and assessed options and opportunities on ensuring viability, safety and sustainability of operations during the period with a lot of sacrifices.

    “The impact of the external environment has been very harsh on our operational performance, hence management decision to suspend scheduled services operations indefinitely effective September 1, 2016 pending when the external opportunities and a robust sustainable and viable plan is in place for Aero Contractors to recommence its scheduled services.

    “The implication of the suspension of scheduled services operations extends to all staffs directly and indirectly involved in providing services as they are effectively to proceed on indefinite leave of absence during the period of non-services,” the statement stated.

    It added that “We are aware of the impact this will have on our staff and our highly esteemed customers, hence we have initiated moves to ensure that we are able to return back to operations within the shortest possible time, offering reliable, safe and secure operations, which the airline is known for.”

  • Aviation fuel scarcity disrupts flight operations at Lagos airport

    The lingering scarcity of aviation fuel on Monday disrupted flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) and the General Aviation Terminal of the airport in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some domestic airlines had to re-schedule or cancel most of their flights following their inability to procure aviation fuel for their aircraft.

    NAN gathered that among the airlines affected were Aero Contractors, Dana, Azman, First Nation and Peace Airline.

    Some passengers travelling to Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Owerri and Enugu were left stranded and frustrated when the cancellation of their flights were announced through the airport’s public address system.

    The situation prompted some of them to rush to Arik Air counter to purchase tickets as the airline was among the few having hitch-free operations.

    A passenger, Mrs. Chioma Akabueze, told NAN that she was booked on a 10:00am flight in one of the affected airlines, but was later informed that all the airline’s flights for the day had been cancelled.

    “The announcement was made around 4:30pm and it is very disappointing. I was supposed to hold a meeting with a client in Owerri by 2:00pm and now, I have to reschedule,’’ she said.

    Another traveller, Mr. Emma Akanni, said he had to pay a tout N40,000 to get him an Arik Air one-way ticket to Abuja, though the airline charges N51,600 for a to and fro ticket for the same destination.

     

  • Aero attributes flight delays, cancellations to fuel scarcity

    Aero attributes flight delays, cancellations to fuel scarcity

    Aero contractors on Monday apologised to its passengers over flight delays and cancellations, attributing it to aviation fuel scarcity.

    The airline’s customers experienced delays/cancellation on Sunday and Monday morning due to scarcity of aviation fuel.

    The airline’s management however said it is taking appropriate measures at addressing the situation by contacting other fuel suppliers in order to meet its demands.

    “Aero wishes to apologise to its dearest customers over the delay and cancellation of flight operations last night and this morning.

    “We are experiencing fuel scarcity as our contract fuel suppliers are unable to supply fuel to us, while the other suppliers are unable to supply fuel to us due to scarcity of aviation fuel.

    “We are taking appropriate measures to address this issue as soon as possible by engaging other suppliers to ensure smooth, safe and secure flight operations for our customers,” the airline said.

     

  • Aero sacks 100 employeees

    Aero sacks 100 employeees

    Aero Contractors Friday sacked over 100 workers from its payroll industry sources hinted.

    But, the airline according to statement by its public relations consultants, SY& T said it only reviewed its contract with the out sourcing firm: SBL.
    Most of those affected by the sack, according to a source were support staff who have spent few years with the airline.

    A source close to the airline who didn’t want his name in print confirmed the development.

    The statement from the airline consultants, reads “In the course of reorganizing and repositioning its business, Aero Contractors has reviewed its relationship with Skyborne by cutting down some of the serves required from the company. This will help the company to invest more resources to enhance customer service. For the record Aero has not sacked any of its staff.”

    But, a source said those affected by the development were contract staff whose contract have expired with the company.

    The source added that some departments and workers were outsourced by the management, stressing that since the airline no longer required their services, it was pertinent for them to be relieved of their jobs, insisting that no staff of the airline was affected by the management decision.

    The source insisted that what the organization did was not to sack workers, but reduce workforce especially those whose their services were no longer required by the airline.

    The source said that the reduction in staff cut across all the departments in the company and equally confirmed that over 100 personnel were affected by the decision.

    He said, “Those laid off were not staff of our airline. You know in Aero, some departments and duties are outsourced. Son what the management did was not to renew their contracts once it expired.

    “I can tell you that our staff are intact and we don’t have the plans to retrench workers. We didn’t have the need of those outsourced and we felt they should be withdrawn from our services.”

    A letter to one of the affected workers said that the sack was as a result of the ongoing restructuring in the airline.

    The letter reads in part: “Dear colleague, in the light of the ongoing restructuring at Aero, we regret to inform you that your services are no longer required and employment with SBL terminated with immediate effect.

    “Please, return all company properties to your Manager/Supervisor by 8am on 28/04/2016. We regret any inconvenience caused.”

  • AMCON takes over Aero Contractors

    AMCON takes over Aero Contractors

    • Appoints accounting firm for forensic audit for last five years

     

    The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has dissolved the board of Aero Contractors and appointed a manager to oversee the affairs of the airline.

    This is just as AMCON has engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.

    Investigations reveal that the airline got N14 billion intervention fund in 2010 with additional investment by AMCON which has raised the debt profile of the airline to N20 billion.

    A source hinted that in the last five years things went bad in the airline due to alleged mismanagement.

    Shareholders of the airline it was learnt have not been happy with the state of affairs of the airline warranting its takeover by AMCON.

    Sources further hinted that the takeover by AMCON is connected to the need to ensure the business is sustained, in order to ensure continuity and credit recovery.

    The source said:” The intervention by AMCON is based on public interest, to ensure there is a viable transport system, ensure continuity without compromising safety standards, brand heritage and other factors. To select a management team for the airline as soon as possible and ensure that Aero flies in secured environment to protect shareholders values.”

    A statement issued by the public relations firm handling the airline: SY&T explained that the takeover of the airline by AMCON is in furtherance of the statutory responsibility of acquiring Eligible Bank Assets and putting them to economic use in a profitable manner.

    Currently, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) owns 60 percent of the company with the remaining 40 per cent held by the Ibru family.

    Aero Contractors Nigeria’s oldest airline  commenced business in 1959, initially providing services to oil and gas sector, before venturing into fix wing operations in the year 2000.

    The statement reads: “AMCON has also engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.

    “AMCON is both the majority shareholder and creditor of Aero.

    “An Industry based management team will be put in place to provide the highest level of professional competence which would ensure a quick repositioning of the company.

    “The management of AMCON decided to make changes in the management of the airline to protect the brand heritage of the airline.

    “AMCON also maintains that its intervention is in the public interest to sustain and improve the robust and premium quality service which Aero is known for in the country.

    “AMCON would like to assure the regulatory authorities, the traveling public and key stakeholders that the airline will continue to operate on the solid foundation of safety and security with excellent customer service.”

     

     

  • NCAA sanctions Aero Contractors

    NCAA sanctions Aero Contractors

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed an applicable sanction on Aero Contractors Airlines in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

    According to the NCAA, although  the incident did not result in any mishap, the aircraft is airworthy and the crew well qualified to operate the flight.

    However, it is viewed as a breach and conequently a fine running into millions of naira was imposed on the airline to serve as deterrent to other airline operators.

    In a letter conveying the sanction, its Director-General, Capt. Muhtar Usman, said the action of Aero Contractors Airline in allowing the use of a ladder to disembark passengers from a Boeing 737 – 500 aircraft in a non-emergency situation, is contrary to its approved aircraft handling manual.

    Therefore this is a violation of Part 9.2.4.2(b) of Nig.CARs  which part attracts a civil penalty, he said, adding that all the relevant agencies made useful submissions during the course of the investigation.

    ‘’In view of the safety implications of your action, you are hereby sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Part 20.2.3(15) of the Nig.CARs,’’ the letter added.

    Although the incident did not result in any mishap, the aircraft is airworthy and the crew well qualified to operate the flight.

    In addition, the captain of the flight was similarly fined for failing to comply with the provisions contained in the aircraft manual.

    The NCAA therefore wishes to reiterate its earlier warning that all airlines should endeavour to adhere strictly to Civil Aviation Regulations, the regulator said.

  • That extortion by Aero Contractors  

    Sir: I wish to draw the attention of the Consumer Protection Agency to the continuous rip-off of customers being perpetrated by Aero Contractors airline.

    Aero Contractors has this obnoxious charge of N160 per booking if the passenger is to receive notification of cancelled or rescheduled flights. Is this fair?

    From what we all know, flights have both fixed departure date and time and if an airline like Aero Contractors decides on their own to either reschedule or cancel the flight under whatever guise, must the passenger pay for this?

    The issue of the N160 for text message not being compulsory does not arise as without paying this, the passenger will never get to be informed of the flight change whereas flight cancellations or rescheduling comes at great inconvenience to the passenger.

    I expect the Consumer Protection Agency to not only get Aero Contractors to stop the practice, but to refund to all passengers the money so illegally extorted.

     

     • Donas Ofoka,

    Lagos

     

  • Aero offers N10,000 fare on domestic routes

    Aero Contractors has announced a promotional fare of N10,000 for flights on all domestic routes when booked online from May 14 to May 31, 2013.

    This offer is only available to those who book ahead and pay online at www.flyaero.com.

    Announcing the fare reduction, Aero’s Acting Managing Director, Obaro Ibru, said: “We want our customers to take advantage of these offers and fly to any domestic destination of their choice. At Aero, we believe air travel should be affordable, safe and reliable and we are determined to continue to lead with the best customer friendly e-airline services.”

    Aero flies to major domestic destinations including Lagos, Kano, Owerri, Abuja , Uyo, Enugu, Warri, Calabar,  Benin, Port Harcourt, Sokoto and with plans to open more routes.

  • Cancelled flights: Passengers demand N100m

    Forty passengers of Aero Contractors whose flights were cancelled on March 13, this year have given  the management of the airline 14 days to pay them N100 million as compensation for  various losses  suffered by them.

    They also demanded a refund of the money paid for flight tickets to various destinations.

    They threatened to sue the management of the airline at the end of the ultimatum if it failed to meet their demand.

    The 14-day ultimatum will expire on Thursday.

    Besides, the passengers who expressed their dismay over what they termed as lackadaisical attitudes of the aviation firm also demanded public apology and compensation for the irreparable loss suffered by them in the sum of N100million.

    In a letter dated March 22, 2013 and signed by the passengers solicitor, Miss Abigail Somoye from Gab-Anna Chambers and addressed to the Managing Director, Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited, the passengers gave an ultimatum of 14 days for their demand to be met or they will avail themselves of their legal options.

    The passengers: Adidi John, Dr. Mrs Iwuoha E., Dr. Gbadamosi, Dr. Iloh Jude, Micheal Afolabi, Ibezito Ogbona, Emenike Ikewuonu, Wale Lawal, Justice Amos, Victor Oropo, Victor Ezemobi,Olatunde Popoola, Joy Ndukwu, Habila Ishiaka, Oyewale Raphael, Ibrahim Suleiman, Dr. Azuara Ifeanyi, Orhonor Abigail, Dr. Bayo Windapo and Mrs I. Eze.

    Others are:Farouk Magaji, Coker Olufemi, Dr. Kayode Joe, Dare-Williams Oladimeji,Engr. Kingsley Chika,Dr. Moses Ani, Dr. Oladeji Femi,Dr. Mrs. O.P. Ani, Mrs. Folakolade Temidayo, Mr. Tseghomi Oteri, I. Essien, Amani Brou, Mike Nnaji, Justice Ukpabi,Ayanda Muyideen, Eohoi Godwin, Bernard Favour, Atuluku Helen, Eke Chukwuemeka and Bamidele Ogunbiyiam

    According to  them, they were slated to board planes to Port Harcourt, Calabar and Abuja on March 13, 2013, but were shocked when they got to the airport and discovered there was a showdown between the management and staff of the aviation firm which grounded operations.

    They claimed that neither were they notified of the cancellation of the flights nor did the firm make alternative arrangement to enable them to get to their various destinations that day.

    They claimed that the flight cancellation which   resulted in mental and physical torture, huge financial losses due to lost business opportunities.