THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday cautioned airlines not to embark on any trip, if the prevailing weather is below the approved minima for any airport.
The warning came amid concerns over cancellation and delay of flights by many airlines as the harmattan haze intensifies.
The NCAA spokesman, Sam Adurogboye, said airlines know what to do when visibility is poor, adding that it would be against the interest of safety for any pilot to initiate any flight when it is below the approved weather minima for the airport.
He confirmed that poor visibility had huge toll on flights, but not enough reason for any pilot to violate the prescribed weather regulations.
Adurogboye said: “The weather has been poor. Once it is below the approved weather minima for each airport, it is no go at all.”
A few weeks ago, the NCAA issued an advisory circular to pilots about the hazards associated with harmattan dust haze prevalent in some parts of the country.
The circular was part of its resolve to ensure safe flight operations in Nigeria’s airspace.
The circular also offered guidance to help prevent incidents or accidents caused by such weather-related occurrences.
According to Adurogboye, the circular was in line with the forecast earlier made by NIMET, which indicated the occurrence of moderate to severe outbreaks of dust during the period of November 2016 – March 2017, predicting that it would on many occasions reduce horizontal visibility significantly.
“It is pertinent to note that the effect of the harmattan is comparable to that of heavy fog, which may considerably reduce air–to–ground visibility.
“Similarly, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions, dust haze could blot out runway,markers and airfield lighting over wide areas, making visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible. Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted or cancelled,” the circular indicated.
Tag: NCAA
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NCAA cautions airlines over poor weather
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Harmattan: NCAA warns pilots over poor visibility
•Agency says flights may be canceled , delayed
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned pilots about the hazards associated with harmattan dust haze prevalent in some parts of the country.
The agency issued advisory circular on how avoid accidents caused by such weather.
Its spokesman Sam Adurogboye stated that the circular was in line with the forecast made by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which predicted the occurrence of moderate to severe outbreaks of dust between November 2016 to March 2017.
It predicted that it would on many occasions reduce Horizontal visibility significantly.
He stated that the effect of the harmattan is comparable to that of heavy fog, which might considerably reduce air – to – ground visibility.
He said similarly, aerodrome visibility might fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions dust haze could blot out runway, markers and airfield lighting over wide areas making visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.
Adurogboye stated that where terminal visibility fell below the prescribed weather minima, flights were bound to be delayed, diverted or cancelled.
“Pilots are therefore directed to observe that adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefings are obtained from NIMET prior to flight operations, exercise maximum restraint when adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET and ensure that flight operations are scheduled with adequate input from NIMET to minimise delay or cancellation of flight operations,” he said.
Pleading with the travelling public for understanding and not to be lawless should flight has to be delayed or cancelled, the flight crew were asked to adhere strictly to the prescribed weather minima for each of the airports, as violation would be viewed seriously.
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Forex concession: NCAA urges airlines to improve service
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised airlines to operate with renewed vigour, as they have secured a special sectoral Foreign Exchange (forex) allocation in the Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).
NCAA’s Director-General Capt. Muhtar Usman gave the advice in a statement in Lagos yesterday.
The forex concession was recently granted to airlines by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) following the intervention of the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
The statement said: “This is to further engender market confidence, ensure access to forex by the airlines and sustain the integrity of the Nigerian Inter-bank forex market.
“The CBN has resolved pursuant to the minister’s show of concern to intervene in the inter-bank forex market through forward settlement.
“For clarity, the SMIS retail is an important one-off exercise dedicated to the clearance of backlog of matured forex obligation for airlines”.
According to the statement, this success is another step ahead in seamless operations in the aviation industry.
“It is expected that this is a major window for those airlines that had earlier ceased their operations to recommence in earnest.
“Therefore, with this intervention comes a landmark incentive for both local and foreign operators to carry out safe, secure and lucrative operations in Nigeria.
“In addition, all scheduled and mandatory checks which are done in the diaspora will be undertaken with this leverage at a reduced cost.
“The NCAA, therefore, expects foreign operators to carry out their operations with renewed vigour,” the statement said.
It added that problems associated with repatriation were now a foregone conclusion.
The authrity advised operators to take full advantage of this laudable gesture of the Federal Government and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Nigeria.
NAN reports that Usman earlier led a delegation of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to meet with ministers of State for Aviation, Finance and their Petroleum counterparts, including the CBN governor.
As a result, Sirika was able to extricate for foreign airlines, 50 per cent clearance of their forex obligations.
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NCAA chief advises airlines on integrity
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA)Director-General Capt. Muhtar Usman has called on service providers to imbibe integrity in their activities.
Delivering a paper entitled: “Enhancing business transaction integrity in Nigeria’s aviation industry”, at a Business Transaction summit in Lagos, Usman urged service providers and airlines to remember that money-making should not be the only objective of starting a business, but that they should make honour and integrity the hallmark.
“Irrespective of size, or range of products or the seemingly best customer service that a service provider/airlines prides in, it is nothing if it does not maintain integrity in business dealings, especially when it has to do with remitting money to the coffers of government as at when due to create enabling operating environment.
“Enhancing business transaction integrity in business cannot be equated with anything else, but when a company is known for its transparency and integrity in business, it increases its chances to grow, make huge profits and have a loyal customer base,” he said.
Section 12 (1) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 states: “There shall continue to be a five per cent air ticket contract, charter and cargo sales charge to be collected by the airlines and paid over to the Authority.”
However, he lamented that some airlines had defaulted in paying back the entrusted money to the appropriate owner.
“Where lies our business integrity if we cannot give back what is entrusted into our hands to the owner. It is sad to point out that some of us cannot decipher operational cost from profit margin. A good businessman endeavours to separate the profit margin with the operational cost.
“And if we were doing this, we would have been able to separate the five per cent service charge from the real ticket sales and draw our operational/profit margin from the actual,” he said.
Usman debunked claims by airlines that the five per cent ticket sales charge (TSC) and five per cent cargo sales charge (CSC) collected as tax or levy had become a drain on their earnings.
“This is a misrepresentation of the fact. The TSC as contained in the ticket is paid by passengers. The airlines’ role is to collect and remit same to the regulatory authority.
“The TSC and CSC are collected at source from passengers by airlines on behalf of the federal government, to enable all aviation agencies tackle safety and critical issues as they arise to engender safe, secure and efficient air transportation and allied services for the overall benefits of all stakeholders,” he said.
The director-general added: “Business activities have been made so simple by the e-technology. This is very prominent in the private sector; the success of this has made the government to embrace the electronic payment system. The Treasury Single Account (TSA) is electronic driven and has recorded huge success.
“It is expected that the aviation industry, which is a high tech industry, should key into the e-payment system in all transactions. The question here is: why can’t airlines design an e-payment portal that can enable direct remittance of the five per cent charge to the appropriate quarter? It is achievable, just that the airline operators are fond of trading with monies that do not belong to them and they have gotten used to it.”
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NCAA cautions passengers on Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines operating in Nigeria not to allow passengers turn on or charge Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on board any aircraft flying in the airspace .
The NCAA also directed airlines not to allow the mobile device to be stowed away in any checked-in baggage aboard any aircraft.
According to the authority’s spokesman, Mr Sam Adurogboye, the safety directive has become imperative because of several reported cases of overheating and explosion of the device .
Adurogboye urged airlines to ensure the prohibition of this device during briefing on board by cabin crew to passengers.
He said in a statement yesterday: “ Consequent upon recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft.
“In addition, these phones must not be stowed away in any checked-in baggage.
“NCAA is appealing to the passengers’ responsibilities in relation to ensuring safety and security of air transportation.
Importantly, all airlines are hereby advised to emphasise the prohibition of this devices on board during passenger briefings by the cabin crew.
“Similarly, all those responsible for searching or screening checked-in baggage are expected to intensify the procedures to identify possible checked-in Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
“It will be recalled that Samsung has recalled over 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices. This became necessary due to several reported cases of overheating and outright explosion.
However, investigation has traced these problems to charging and the company is limiting battery charging on Galaxy Note 7 devices to prevent inferno.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) therefore calls on all passengers and airline operators to ensure total adherence to this directive as safety and security of air transportation is paramount to the Authority.
Earlier, a letter with reference NCAA/DOT/ALL OPS/VOL.1/00716 has been sent to all the Airlines and all other stakeholders for strict compliance.”
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NCAA: why airlines ‘re suspending operations
•First Nation blames 70% naira devaluation for woes
•Aero workers protest
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday said domestic airlines are not folding up but merely suspending their operations.
The suspension, the airline industry regulator said, was to enable the carriers undertake operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.
Its Director-General, Captain Muhtar Usman in a statement said Aero Contractors, at present has only one serviceable aircraft, adding that this in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) which stipulates that no airline shall carry out scheduled commercial operation with only one aircraft, adding that the minimum acceptable number is three.
He said :”In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the Authority’s regulations therefore cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation. The only option available is to suspend your operations temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course.”
He however, stated that NCAA’s regulations provides a window for such operator to embark on non schedule operations in the interim.
He said First Nation Airlines on its part is in the middle of an engine replacement programme for one of its aircraft, stressing that another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the regulatory authority.
In these circumstances, these airlines he said clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension.
“The NCAA wishes to reiterate that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace,”he said.
Meanwhile, First Nation Airways yesterday said it is not operating because its Airbus 319 fleet is undergoing maintenance.
The airline said its current operational challenges are attributable to the over 70 per cent devaluation of the naira.
Its Head, Commercial, Serah Awogbade said the aircraft maintenance will be completed by September 15, 2016.
”First Nation is currently undergoing maintenance on A319 fleet.This maintenance exercise will be completed on or before September 15th, 2016.The Airline planned this maintenance action well ahead, notified passengers and flights are currently loaded online effective September 15th, 2016 – this will ensure that passengers continue to enjoy safe and reliable service that the airline is reputed for.
“ Current foreign exchange constraint coupled with over 70 per cent devaluation of naira partly contributed in no small l measure to the development. The Airline’s plan remains on track to reinstating service as advised herein,” its statement explained.
Aviation unions comprising Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) yesterday occupied the head office of Aero Contractors at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, following the decision of its management to suspend operations.
The workers described the directive that they proceed on compulsory leave as unacceptable.
They said they should not be held liable for the incompetence of the management in mismanaging Nigeria’s oldest carrier.
ATSSSAN President, Comrade Benjamin Okewu said the take over of the airline followed the indefinite leave given to the over 1,400 workers.
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NCAA: why airlines ‘re suspending operations
•First Nation blames 70% naira devaluation for woes
•Aero workers protest
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday said domestic airlines are not folding up but merely suspending their operations.
The suspension, the airline industry regulator said, was to enable the carriers undertake operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.
Its Director-General, Captain Muhtar Usman in a statement said Aero Contractors, at present has only one serviceable aircraft, adding that this in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) which stipulates that no airline shall carry out scheduled commercial operation with only one aircraft, adding that the minimum acceptable number is three.
He said :”In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the Authority’s regulations therefore cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation. The only option available is to suspend your operations temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course.”
He however, stated that NCAA’s regulations provides a window for such operator to embark on non schedule operations in the interim.
He said First Nation Airlines on its part is in the middle of an engine replacement programme for one of its aircraft, stressing that another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the regulatory authority.
In these circumstances, these airlines he said clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension.
“The NCAA wishes to reiterate that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace,”he said.
Meanwhile, First Nation Airways yesterday said it is not operating because its Airbus 319 fleet is undergoing maintenance.
The airline said its current operational challenges are attributable to the over 70 per cent devaluation of the naira.
Its Head, Commercial, Serah Awogbade said the aircraft maintenance will be completed by September 15, 2016.
”First Nation is currently undergoing maintenance on A319 fleet.This maintenance exercise will be completed on or before September 15th, 2016.The Airline planned this maintenance action well ahead, notified passengers and flights are currently loaded online effective September 15th, 2016 – this will ensure that passengers continue to enjoy safe and reliable service that the airline is reputed for.
“ Current foreign exchange constraint coupled with over 70 per cent devaluation of naira partly contributed in no small l measure to the development. The Airline’s plan remains on track to reinstating service as advised herein,” its statement explained.
Aviation unions comprising Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) yesterday occupied the head office of Aero Contractors at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, following the decision of its management to suspend operations.
The workers described the directive that they proceed on compulsory leave as unacceptable.
They said they should not be held liable for the incompetence of the management in mismanaging Nigeria’s oldest carrier.
ATSSSAN President, Comrade Benjamin Okewu said the take over of the airline followed the indefinite leave given to the over 1,400 workers.
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NCAA: airlines’ tariffs have been liberalised
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday said airlines’ tariffs have been fully liberalised.
The affected services include fares, rates, add-on charges or terms and conditions of service.
A statement by the General Manager, Public Relations of NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, said this was to clarify reports in the media that the NCAA authorised airlines to increase their fares.
According to the statement, air fares and sundry charges were statutorily deregulated and subjected to market forces.
“However, all air carriers or their agents shall file, with the authority, a tariff for that service showing all rates, fares and add-on charges.
“These include the terms and conditions of free and reduced rate transportation for that service, as specified in Part 18.14.1.1 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).
“They shall obtain approval from the authority to introduce and or increase add-on charges or surcharges, such as fuel, Internet booking, insurance, security and similar surcharges, prior to implementation,” it said.
The statement said the section also requires all tariffs to be filed at least seven days before the rates come into effect, except in the case of matching an existing rate for which no prior notification was required.
“The NCAA will, therefore, approve the fares accordingly. Prior to the approval, all fares filed with the authority are subjected to Breakeven Analysis and this continues intermittently.
“This analysis is to curb anti-competitive pricing among airlines and to ensure that fares are not too low as to impact on safety arising from inability to carry out prerequisite maintenance on their aircraft.
“On the other hand, NCAA will similarly intervene if the fares are too high to avoid overpricing that will deny the passengers access to air transportation,” it said.
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Stop selling tickets in dollars, NCAA warns foreign carriers
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned airlines to stop selling tickets in dollars.
The regulatory authority said such practice is a flagrant contravention of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) regulations guiding the foreign exchange (forex) management on products or services cost in Nigeria.
NCAA spokesman Sam Adurogboye said the aviation regulator is disturbed by the reports indicating that some foreign carriers are declining receipt of Nigeria’s local currency – the naira, for payment of tickets.
Citing a CBN circular issued on April 17, last year, Adurogboye said it amounted to an infraction for airlines, or any organisation to price or denominate the cost of any product or service in any foreign currency .
He said: “All Airlines selling flight tickets in dollars should desist forthwith as it is a flagrant contravention of the CBN’s prerequisite guiding cost of products or services in Nigeria.”
He stated that the CBN in the circular directed that “pricing of any product shall continue to be in naira only and it is illegal to price or denominate the cost of any product or service (visible or invisible) in any foreign currency”.
The NCAA said it is disturbed by reports that some foreign airlines are declining to accept the naira as payment for tickets, saying, “in other words, some foreign airlines have blatantly resorted to selling tick
“This act is considered insensitive to passengers who have elected on their own volition to choose the airlines for their travel. It is also contrary to the provisions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and other countries as contained in Article 8 (4).
“ As a consequence of this action, the regulatory authority has written warning letters to such erring airlines to immediately comply with the provisions of BASA and CBN directive. Sales of tickets and services should henceforth be offered to air travellers in Naira without further delay.
“However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken measures to ameliorate the subsisting foreign exchange issues,” he stated.
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Ojikutu advises NCAA on JET A1 standard
Aviation security expert, Group Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd) has charged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to draw up standards for Jet-A1 quality assurance.The exercise will start with the transportation vehicles profile;supply and trucking systems; storage and dispensing systems.
He stated that at the moment, vehicles supplying aviation fuel, otherwise known as Jet-A1 are not sufficiently distinct from those supplying other petroleum products.
Ojikutu disclosed that the consequence of all these development could result in fuel contamination as some of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Reports of some aircraft accidents have shown.
His words, “Up till about 1992, Jet-A1 supply to Murtala Muhammed Airport, was through pipelines from Ejigbo or the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot. The supply from the MMA depot to the hydrants on the apron where fuel is dispensed to aircraft, were done also through the pipelines. The method then was quality assurance in practice.”
He, however, regretted that unfortunately, since the pipelines got ruptured in 1992, nobody in NNPC, NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and even the airlines, the end users, raised serious concern on why there had been no repairs of the pipelines in 24 years.
The former commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, stated that the neglect of the repair of the pipelines is a major reason for the high cost of Jet-A1 and invariably the airlines operating cost if the costs of transportation and demurrage on the tankers are considered.