Domestic carriers are intensifying their drive for aircraft acquisition as part of strategies to gain market dominance as the projected surge in passenger traffic for the yuletide season beckons in a few weeks.
The new move by the carriers : United Nigeria Airlines, Air Peace, Xejet Airlines, NG Eagle Airlines , Rano Air, Ibom Air, Overland Airways and other carriers , experts say, is part of strategies to ensure availability of seats in the cabin, where many operators are facing capacity challenges.
Investigations by The Nation reveal that while it is increasingly becoming expensive to utilise high fuel consuming airplanes, such as Boeing and Airbus models, indigenous carriers are now opting for regional, middle range equipment including Bombardier CRJs and Embraer Regional jets.
Besides the prohibitive costs of maintaining big airplanes , the skyrocketing costs of putting such planes in the sky is forcing operations to opt for small, fuel-efficient, more environmentally friendly airplanes.
Among the carriers that have intensified expansion of their fleet include United Nigeria Airlines, which recently took delivery of some Embraer 190 regional jets .
The carrier said it will acquire six of the aircraft models before the second quarter of next year to bolster its operations.
Speaking in an interview, its Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the airplanes acquired under the damp lease arrangement will position the carrier for the year end flight operations.
Besides, United Nigeria Airlines, state – run carrier – Ibom Air , last week acquired two Bombardier CRJ airplanes to boost its operations.
With about nine aircraft in its fleet, the carrier is consolidating its hold in the market.
Increasing aircraft fleet, experts say, will enable any airline to focus on schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service.
Speaking on the development , Ibom Air’s Chief Executive Officer , Mr. Mfon Udom emphasised the importance of the acquisition for the airline’s operations.
He said : “We are delighted to welcome these two new CRJ 900 aircraft to our fleet. With this addition, Ibom Air now operates a total of nine aircraft, including two Airbus A220-300s and seven CRJ 900s.
“Still, we are not resting because to become a serious scheduled carrier, we need to keep growing our fleet. And so we eagerly await the deliveries of our nine remaining Airbus A220-300s from Airbus in the next three years.
“Their addition will bring more capacity to Ibom Air’s service offerings, facilitating better connectivity and reliability for travelers.”
Overland Airways , which operates between Lagos / Abuja and other secondary airports, recently acquired two Embraer 175 regional jets.
The aircraft are part of the three airplanes ordered by the airline to service its routes.
Though air fares have spiked on the triangular routes : Lagos / Abuja, Port Harcourt / Kano and allied routes, a new entrant – XeJets Airlines has introduced a new strategy to remain a dominant player in the market.
Investigations reveal a new entrant – Xejets Airlines has unveiled a regional jet offering 104 all – economy cabins to alter the stakes by reducing air fares as well as broadening access to air travel.
Besides, the airline also unveiled an express service – all – business class cabin to retain the upper end of the market offering premium services.
Speaking on the development, an official of the carrier said : “ Moreover, this service retains XEJet’s luxury standards while providing a quality option for economy passengers, broadening access to air travel.
“ . Our Premium service enhances convenience while reaffirming our commitment to quality and excellence in aviation for all passengers. We are bringing premium service into the commercial aviation world to elevate the travel experience for our customers.
“. We will continue to push boundaries to meet the needs of our customers while prioritizing safety in all aspects of our operations. With a strong history of innovation and a clear focus on the future, we are at the forefront of change in aviation.”
Experts say the new arrangement will force down fares.
Air Peace on its part, sources said it has concluded plans to dry lease four airplanes to boost its operations as well as change market dynamics for end of year flight operations.
Experts say aircraft type, fare structure and reliability of schedule are likely factors to change the market dynamics.
At the weekend , Air Peace sealed a strategic agreement to dry-lease four Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Slovak carrier AirExplore for the yuletide season.
The move, sources familiar with the development said is part of Air Peace’s effort to enhance its domestic operations out of its main hub in Lagos.
The carrier, it was learnt aims to cater to the increased demand expected during the bustling yuletide period.
According to the agreement, the dry-leasing arrangement will see AirExplore, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group (ASG), supply pilots for the aircraft, while Air Peace will provide cabin crew who are currently on training program for the task.
Sources say the carrier’s burgeoning fleet will consolidate its ambitious expansion plans as its options for aircraft acquisition continue to highlight its commitment to adaptability and growth.
Speaking on the development, an industry expert, who pleaded not be named in print said : “ The dry-lease agreement is a strategic move that sets Air Peace up for operational success. By efficiently managing its fleet, enhancing passenger experience, and preparing for peak demand, these aircraft will undoubtedly contribute to smoother operations.
Experts agree that the aviation sector in Nigeria experiences significant fluctuations in passenger numbers, particularly during peak seasons , such as the yuletide.
He said : “ The decision to expand the fleet with four additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft is a proactive move to meet this surge.Airlines must plan for seasonal shifts in demand by expanding capacity ahead of time to avoid disruptions and maintain service reliability.”
Investigations reveal that NG Eagle Airlines and Rano Air , which are major players in the northern part of the country, could change the market dynamics with increasing fleet and reliability of schedule.
The temporary absence of Max Air and Azman Air from scheduled operations, could trigger higher fares on routes where they dominated.
Experts say the recently signed protocol on leasing by the Federal Government will open a window for domestic carriers to have cheaper and convenient access for aircraft acquisition.
Speaking on the development, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo said : “ Issues about to access aircraft leasing and financing is under focus as the government is utilising every opportunity to assist our local carriers.”
Speaking on the efforts by the government to fix challenges affecting indigenous carriers, Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema said with the recent bold steps put in place, accessing aircraft leasing is now easier.
He said indigenous operators could now access dry leasing of airplanes at a ridiculously lower rate compared to direct purchase of the equipment.
Onyema said :” Keyamo’s decision has been in the best overall industry interest especially recent efforts to make it easier for Nigerian carriers to dry lease airplanes. As much as the operator meets the specifications set by lessors, it is a lot convenient to explore the inherent opportunities instead of direct purchase of aircraft.”
