The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dana Air

  • Dana Air moves to boost operations through interlining, code sharing

    Dana Air, on Monday, said it was making effort to boost its flight operations through strategic interlining and code sharing agreements with other domestic and foreign airlines.

    The Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Lagos during the inaugural flight of the airline’s B737-700 aircraft which it recently added to its fleet through partnership with Asky.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aircraft, which is being used by Dana Air’s for Lagos-Abuja flights landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos at about 5.20p.m with no fewer than 100 passengers.

    Mbanuzuo said that Dana Air had in February signed a partnership agreement with Asky, a Togo based airline, to boost its fleet and also in area of aircraft maintenance.

    According to him, the leasing of the B737-700 aircraft will help Dana Air staff undertake training on the aircraft type as its fleet was dominated by MD-83 aircraft.

    He said that the arrival of the aircraft was timely because two of the airline’s aircraft were currently undergoing C-check in France and expressed optimism that one of them would be back by September ending.

    Mbanuzuo said: “The interline agreement is part of our long term plan. We will be going further with code sharing with more foreign and local airlines by the middle of 2019.

    “We already have an arrangement with Medview Airline and two other airlines have also approached us.

    “Dana Air’s plan is not necessarily to fly to everywhere but what we are doing is to sell tickets on these routes and our guests will be flown by our partnering airlines under the code share agreement.”

    He said by November, Dana Air would be celebrating 10 years of operations in Nigeria, adding that this was not an easy feat due to the challenges facing the airline industry.

    NAN reports that statistics released by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) shows that Dana Air flew 330,370 passengers between January and August.

    The airline came second behind Air Peace, which topped the list of domestic airlines operating within the period with the airlift of 340,664 passengers within the period.

  • Dana Air deploys Boeing 737-700

    As part its partnership with Asky Airlines, Dana Air has introduced a Boeing 737-700 aircraft to its fleet to operate its ‘early bird’ flights between Lagos and Abuja from September 10.

    The airline in a statement by its Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, said the service would be operated using  the aircraft from its partners Asky Airlines.

    According to him, the addition of the B737-700 aircraft to operate  its new flights between Abuja and Lagos was a demonstration  of  the airline’s commitment to providing its passengers  more options, convenient timings and comfort.

    Ezenwa said the early bird service was in response to the yearning of its esteemed passengers who have continually requested for an efficient  flight option from Abuja to Lagos .

    “We are pleased to announce the commencement of our ‘’early bird’’ flights from Abuja to Lagos. The introduction of the Boeing 737-700 aircraft is part of our partnership with Asky airlines and it will operate two daily flights from Abuja to Lagos  and a return service from Lagos to Abuja,”  he said.

    With this, Ezenwa said its passengers can now be sure of the airline’s multiple flights between Lagos and Abuja, such that they can plan an early, same day trip- to and fro, the two cities.

  • Dana Air, MMA2 to reward passengers

    DANA Air and Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two ( MMA2 ), have entered into a partnership to reward passengers with low-cost tickets when they fly Dana Air from the terminal four consecutively times.

    Spokesmen of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa, made this known at the weekend.

    He said the promo, which would run for a year, entails passengers flying four times with Dana Air to get the fifth ticket at a paltry N5000.

    Bi-courtney Chief Executive Officer, Captain Jari Williams, said the MMA2 has proven to be more than a terminal since inception.

    He said the aim of the company is to continue to provide not just an end-to-end passenger seamless and efficient experience, but best facilities with a reward system for passengers who travel through the facility.

    He said the partnership to reward passengers is part of MMA2’s strategy to give incentives to passengers flying from the terminal .

    He said: ”The partnership with Dana Air and other airlines operating at the terminal is as a result of obvious commitment to rewarding loyalty.”

    Also, Dana Air Accountable Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, said: ”Dana Air and MMA2 have always been partners in progress and both brands have built a reputation for their constant desire to not just offer the best of services, but to cap their services with rewards for customers.

    “This reward programme is a good one such that, if you fly four times, you will get the fifth ticket for just N5000 to fly to any of Dana Air’s destinations. This is definitely a good time for travelers as there is always something to look forward to when you fly.”

    Meanwhile, the airline has assured its passengers that it has made adequate plans to ensure a hitch-free flight service during the Sallah holidays.

     

     

     

  • Dana Air wins award

    Dana Air has emerged the Best Customer Friendly Domestic airline in 2018 at a summit and award ceremony organised by the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN) in Lagos.

    Dana Air also pledged to support one of the recipients of the Integrity award who appealed for support at the event, as part of the airline’s strong commitment towards the well-being of Nigerians and encouraging honesty and integrity among not just aviation workers but Nigerians in general.

    Dana Air’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, while receiving the award on behalf of the airline said: “Every frequent flyer in Nigeria knows that Dana Air is the best in terms of on-time departures, customer service and in-flight service, but I want to seize this opportunity to correct a wrong perception. Dana Air is owned by a Nigerian, born in Jos and had his primary and secondary education in Ibadan before proceeding to the UK for his higher education.’’

    Speaking further to newsmen, Ezenwa  said, with a customer service department that works 24/7 and multiplicity of booking options available to our guests, capped with a reward programme that guarantees both flight-related and non-flight related benefits and rewards, we sure deserve the award.”

    ‘”And on behalf of the Management of Dana Air and our ever-committed and professional staff, we wish to thank AFARN for this award. We dedicate the award to our loyal guests who continue to fly the smartest way despite the recent efforts of some enemies of consistency and exceptional service.’’

  • Why we are getting industry recognition, by Dana Air

    Despite on-going audit into its operations by Federal Government, Dana Air seemed to be enjoying investors’ confidence. Last week, an original equipment manufacturer, opened discussions with the airline’s management to pave way for the acqusition of some airplanes.

    The deal to get new airplanes, it was learnt, will boost the airline’s flight operations and put the carrier in a pole position to compete with others using  relatively newer and fuel efficient  equipment.

    Dana Air Managing Director, Jacky Hathiramani, however, saw the development as his airlines’s contribution to the development of the aviation industry and providing safer flying experience for air travellers.

    Such strategic positioning, according to stakeholders, led to the recent  conferment of  the Platinum Excellence Leadership Award by the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS), on Dana Air Chief Executive Officer in Lagos.

    The Meritorious Leadership Award came less than a week after the Dana Air boss won his third Best CEO of the year award at a colorful event organised by industry watchdog, Nigerian Aviation Awards (NIGAV).

    The NIGAV, while confering the award noted that it is in “recognition of Hathiramani’s exceptional track record of performance, exemplary leadership style, creative contribution to the development of the aviation industry, promotion of youth welfare and avowed nationalistic humanitarian service and Corporate Social Responsibility of his conglomerate.”

    Responding, Hathiramani thanked the association for the honour and reiterated his commitment at working with relevant agencies and stakeholders on programmes that will improve the aviation industry and the travelling public. He also pledged to continue promoting the welfare of the youth as the leaders of today and his service to humanity.

  • Dana Air welcomes audit

    Dana Air welcomes audit

    ……Assures passengers of safety

     

    Dana Air said on Thursday it has welcome on going probe of its operations by Federal Government.

    According to the spokesman of the airline, Kingsley Ezenwa, as much the carrier will not  join issues with aviation authorities over its aircraft that overshot the runway of Port Harcourt Airport.

    Ezenwa said air traffic controllers attached to Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) cleared the pilot in command of the aircraft to land.

    He said :” Dana Air wishes to thank the AIB for releasing the preliminary report on the Port Harcourt runway incident involving one of our aircraft on February  23, 2018.

    “Excerpts of the reports confirmed that the Air Traffic Control, an arm of the Nigerian Air Space Management Agency that is saddled with the responsibility of issuing instructions that the pilots are required to obey, had cleared the pilot in command to land.

    “It is pertinent to note that the pilot of that flight is a happily married man and a proud father of three beautiful children. He has over 30 years experience in the aviation industry and is one of the very best in his profession, meticulous in his duties, and headhunted from another domestic airline where he also served as the head of safety and quality standards.

    “Considering the safety measures that we have put in place and our huge investment in training and retraining of our crew and pilots, we decided not to join issues, but to rather wait on the report of the AIB, the authentic body responsible for such investigations.

    “We therefore welcome the recent audit ordered by the Federal Government and we are willing to work with the team and the FG to demonstrate our commitment not just to flying but to flying safe.

    “We wish to thank the minister of state for aviation, Hadi Sirika, who has proven himself as a technocrat, and our esteemed guests for keeping faith with us while the incident was under investigation and we wish to reassure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable and affordable air transport.”

     

  • Dana Air, Asky sign interline agreement

    DANA Air and the Togo-based Asky airline has signed an intelligent agreement in Lagos.

    The deal entails the addition of some new generation aircraft to the Dana Air fleet.

    During the signing at Dana Air’s Corporate head office in Lagos, Group Managing Director Mr. Jacky Hathiramani said the airline had taken a bold step towards achieving its strategic route and fleet expansion programme.

    He said: “Dana Air shall be adding some brand new aircraft to its fleet very soon. We have also had advanced talks with some  notable aircraft manufacturers and very soon, some of aircraft outside the country on maintenance will also be arriving. This is part of our desire to provide options for our guests who have also been requesting us to consider some under-served cities in Nigeria. We want to assure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable, affordable and world-class air transport services in Nigeria,’’ Hathiramani said.

    Asky Airlines Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Mr Ahadu Simachew, said: “Dana Air, having survived the sundry issues in the aviation industry for 10 years and still waxing stronger, appears to us as the most experienced and well-managed airline in Nigeria,  with a very strong, passionate  and creative management team. We are happy to have reached an agreement and we believe this is good for Nigeria and Africa.’’

     

  • CPC urges calm over DANA Air

    CPC urges calm over DANA Air

    The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has called for calm among passengers and other stakeholders as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) begin probe into the cause(s) of why an aircraft owned by DANA Air overshot the runway of the Port Harcourt Airport.

    Its Director-General, Babatunde Irukera, in a statment, said the relevant aviation authorities have secured the scene of the incident while probe of the damaged aircraft is ongoing.

    He  said CPC is in touch with the airline and the NCAA as detailed investigations by the AIB in compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is being awaited.

  • DANA Air passengers retrieve luggage from aircraft 

    DANA Air passengers retrieve luggage from aircraft 

    Fresh facts emerged on Thursday that the luggage of the 44 passengers that boarded the DANA Air MD 83 aircraft Flight 9J0363 from Abuja to Port Harcourt on Tuesday has been retrieved.

    The retrieve of the luggage a source close to the airline hinted came on the heels of complaints by some of the passengers who boarded the aircraft which overshot the runway of Port Harcourt Airport due to heavy rain.

    The source hinted that the Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB), the agency saddled with the probe of air accidents and serious incidents is yet to release the aircraft to the airline.

    The source said the delay in releasing the aircraft may be unconnected with detailed probe into the serious incident.

    A team of investigators from the AIB, led by its director of operations, Captain Dayyabu Danraka is in Port Harcourt to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the incident and make recommendations to forestall future occurrence.

    Investigations revealed that DANA Air is reaching out to some of the 44 passengers for possible post trauma treatment.

    The offer for post trauma treatment, including possible payment of medical bills for those that may have sustained  injuries is to reduce the pain of the affected passengers.

    A source close to the airline said some of the passengers were impressed with the professionalism of the pilot in controlling the aircraft into the bush

    Meanwhile, Consumer  Protection Council (CPC) has called for calm among passengers and other stakeholders

    According to a statement by signed by CPC, Director General, Babatunde Irukera, the relevant aviation authorities have secured perimeter scene of the incident with ongoing probe on the damaged aircraft.

    Irukera said the Council is in communication with DANA Air and the NCAA as it awaits detailed investigations by the AIB in compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

    He said: “Thankfully, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injury. The Consumer Protection Council congratulates relevant airport and aviation authorities, as well as the airline for this safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been tragic.

    “The Council further calls for calm as we await more information and a detailed investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau in compliance with ICAO standards.  In addition, the Council has been in communication with the airline and NCAA.

    “The Council understands that Dana Air has provided logistic support and accommodation to passengers. The Council insists this must comply with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).

    “An open, transparent, sensitive and responsive approach by the airline and relevant authorities is vital to sustaining confidence and assuring consumers. The Council welcomes this openness and attention to consumers, including providing medical or psychological support where necessary.

    “The Consumer Protection Council in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other aviation agencies and service providers remains available to all passengers in the sector to answer questions, provide assistance and required assurances at this and other times.”

    Read Also: AIB begins investigation into DANA Air incident

  • Dana Air, Asky sign interline agreement

    DANA Air and the Togo-based Asky airline has signed an intelligent agreement in Lagos.

    The deal entails the addition of some new generation aircraft to the Dana Air fleet.

    During the signing at Dana Air’s Corporate head office in Lagos, Group Managing Director Mr. Jacky Hathiramani said the airline had taken a bold step towards achieving its strategic route and fleet expansion programme.

    He said: “Dana Air shall be adding some brand new aircraft to its fleet very soon. We have also had advanced talks with some  notable aircraft manufacturers and very soon, some of aircraft outside the country on maintenance will also be arriving. This is part of our desire to provide options for our guests who have also been requesting us to consider some under-served cities in Nigeria. We want to assure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable, affordable and world-class air transport services in Nigeria,’’ Hathiramani said.

    Asky Airlines Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Mr Ahadu Simachew, said: “Dana Air, having survived the sundry issues in the aviation industry for 10 years and still waxing stronger, appears to us as the most experienced and well-managed airline in Nigeria,  with a very strong, passionate  and creative management team. We are happy to have reached an agreement and we believe this is good for Nigeria and Africa.’’