Category: Aviation

  CHUKS OKOH For cargo sector to thrive in the country, weak and outdated systems must be replaced with modern technology This assertion was made by the Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Cargo Limited, Mr. Seyi Adewale speaking at the 5th CHINET Aviation Cargo Conference in Lagos, in a paper titled ‘Harnessing Technological Advances to Improve Air Cargo in Nigeria’ Adewale said ground handling agents (GHAs) are overwhelmed by excessive staffing because they rely on fragmented and inappropriate platforms. He explained that the air cargo value chain including airlines, GHAs, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) must urgently adopt advanced systems for real-time data sharing. Without these upgrades, he argued, Nigeria will continue to lose competitiveness and struggle to achieve air cargo efficiency. According to Adewale, many gro

CHUKS OKOH The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has canvassed for the intervention of the National Assembly to end the 50% revenue deduction and attain financial autonomy. The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Farouk Umar who made this plea in his opening remarks at the ongoing 4-day retreat of the House Committee on Aviation in Abuja, maintained that “modernizing Nigeria’s aviation sector cannot happen without financial reform.” He called for the full enforcement of section 9(2) of the NAMA Act 2022 which stipulates that “all fees and charges imposed by NAMA are not subject to deductions or remittance to any other body.” The NAMA boss stated that the said enforcement had become imperative to enable NAMA maintain critical infrastructure like towers, radars, and communication networks; pay and train thousands of skilled personnel who manage the skies daily; fund critical upgrades like Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s stringent safety standards as well as deliver continuous service to airlines without interruption. Engr Umar lamented that the current 50% deduction at source, which was not in conformity with the said NAMA Act cripples the agency’s capacity to meet its statutory responsibility, expand capacity, and deliver on international obligations. He stressed that adherence to the provisions of Section 9 (2) of the NAMA Act would enable the agency to among other things, (a) fund critical infrastructure (b) ensure regular maintenance and calibration of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment to ensure compliance with ICAO standards (c) employ and train critical personnel and (d) invest in digitalization and innovation to remain competitive globally. Umar also solicited the House Committee’s intervention to ensure the implementation of the Obstruction Evaluation Fees Provision in section 18 (1) (a), (b) and (xii) of the same NAMA Act, 2022 which states that “there shall be established and maintained by the agency, a fund into which shall be paid and credited… (b) all fees and funds accruing from… (xii) obstacle evaluation fees.” He argued that the statutory provision unambiguously empowered NAMA to collect obstruction evaluation fees as part of its mandate to ensure the safety, efficiency, and regularity of Nigeria’s airspace, but regretted “the current overlap of roles, where another aviation agency continued to exercise functions statutorily vested in NAMA, and constrained the agency’s capacity to harness this lawful revenue source.” Also contained in Engr Umar’s demands was the comprehensive review of the air navigation charges, which he noted have been stagnant since 2008. He emphasized that the review required urgent attention to reflect current economic realities and ensure true cost recovery. Earlier in his address, the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba expressed the desire of the national assembly to develop actionable plans and reinforce priorities that enhance aviation safety and also improve infrastructure and regulatory compliance. He noted that the time had come for stakeholders to effectively share our expertise and synergise to address the challenges and also tap into the opportunities that abound in the sector. He expressed confidence that the retreat would significantly strengthen collective efforts to advance the aviation sector in Nigeria. The retreat with the theme: “Emerging Trends in Global Aviation: Sustainability, Technology, and Digital Transformation,” is expected to feature interactive sessions, insightful presentations and collaborative discussions covering areas from airspace management and legislative oversight to stakeholder engagement.

  CHUKS OKOH Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) has been honoured with the ‘Aviation School of the Year’ award at the prestigious Travellers Award 2024/2025, organized by African Travel Quarterly (ATQ News) in conjunction with the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market. The recognition celebrates the Academy’s dedication to excellence in aviation training, its role in nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals, and its significant contribution to Nigeria’s growing aviation ecosystem. As one of the country’s foremost aviation training institutions, Lagos Aviation Academy has consistently set benchmarks for quality learning. The Academy’s programmes are fully accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ensuring that every graduate meets international and local industry standards. Reflecting its steady growth, LAA recently expanded its curriculum beyond its regular aviation training in cabin crew, flight dispatch, and flight operations, introducing new courses such as the Basic Aircraft Technician Course, Aviation Stores Management, and Travel Agency Management Course to meet emerging industry needs.” Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Bolaji Durojaiye, Head of School, Lagos Aviation Academy, said, “beyond academic excellence, we are intentional about equipping our students with the skills and confidence to thrive in the aviation sector. This achievement belongs not only to the Academy but to every graduate who continues to make us proud in Nigeria and beyond.” The Academy’s impact goes beyond classrooms; its graduates are making tangible contributions to the Nigerian economy through improved service delivery, operational efficiency, and professional excellence across airlines, travel companies, and other aviation-related businesses. Reinforcing this, Mr. Bankole Bernard, President of the Association of Aviation Training Organizations of Nigeria (AATON) and Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, said, “Lagos Aviation Academy represents the kind of forward-thinking and excellence-driven approach that the Nigerian aviation sector needs. Their commitment to globally recognized training is not just building careers. It is strengthening the aviation ecosystem and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s economy. We are proud to see LAA receive this well-deserved honour.” The Travellers Award, now in its 13th year, is a respected platform that recognizes leaders and innovators in travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation across Africa. LAA’s recognition as Aviation School of the Year places it alongside other industry trailblazers who are driving transformation and excellence despite global challenges. This award is both a milestone and a call to continue shaping the future of aviation in Nigeria and Africa. Photo From L–R: Head of School, Lagos Aviation Academy, Bolaji Durojaiye; Convener, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko; Public Relations Manager, Finchglow Holdings, Temilade Adu; and Account Manager, Lagos Aviation Academy, Nneka Abazu, at the ongoing 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.

  CHUKS OKOH The Public Affairs/Protocol Department of Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA) has launched the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Executive Protocol Uniform, signifying a renewed commitment to professionalism and corporate identity within FAAN. As part of the launch, the department paid a courtesy visit to the Airport Manager/Regional General Manager (South-South), Mrs Ezike Lynda, to present and showcase the new face of PHIA FAAN Executive Protocol. Speaking during the visit, Mrs Ezike commended the department for the innovation, describing the initiative as “a bold step that reflects discipline, orderliness, and the brand values of FAAN.” She noted that the uniform will further enhance FAAN’s visibility, reinforce protocol standards, and project a unified image in line with international best practices. The launch marked a milestone in FAAN’s continuous efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen corporate communication, and maintain excellence in stakeholder engagement, enhance the image of Protocol Services as well as make it easier for passengers and stakeholders to identify our officers at Port Harcourt International Airport

CHUKS OKOH, The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has condemned the attitude of some airlines preventing their workers from joining unions saying it is clearly against their constitutional rights and the laws of the land. Speaking at the unveiling of NAAPE’s 40th anniversary logo at its secretariat in Ikeja, NAAPE President, Engr Galadima Abednego said, it is also regrettable that in year 2025 some airlines still have misunderstanding of Unions and what they do in terms of balancing protection of workers welfare, their rights and the profitability of the enterprise. “It is also curious that while the same airlines enjoys their freedom of association through AON, we find it difficult to understand why they deny their staff their rights to associate and belong to a Union of their choice”. “As an Association, we have grown with the industry from having only one branch in the defunct Nigeria Airways to now having over ten branches with some going down with the moribund airlines. Abednego said under the leadership of Twelve  presidents before him, the last eight  years have been the most transformative, under his administration adding that they have strengthened the governing structure through appropriate amendments of the constitution following due process and ensuring that everything is properly gazetted with the Federal Government of Nigeria. On his eight years as the president of NAAPE, Abednego said “We were able to acquire a standard office accommodation four years ago that now serves as our National secretariat from being perpetual tenants over the years we are now landlords. This is significant because what we inherited was rents being owed by the Association and we cleared all the debts and never to pay or owe rent again”. He announced that NAAPE has two classrooms for rentals and for use by PEN Aviation Institute which is an ATO undergoing certification and owned by the Association adding that the ATO certificate will soon be issued in a matter of days. “We also have part of our property under renovation to serve as travelers lodge with capacity of eight rooms. All these are geared towards financial dependence and sustainability of the Association to enable it contribute more to the growth and development of the industry and the welfare of our members”. Abednego disclosed that members welfare in all branches have robust and negotiated conditions of services that are fair and reflective of current realities. He said NAAPE has relentlessly protected members rights and their jobs adding that collaboration with other industry they have advocated and made presentations both at the Ministerial and National Assembly levels on matters of interest to the industry. According to Abednego, in order to encourage excellence and selfless service NAAPE originated a compendium of 50 outstanding Pilots and Aircraft Engineers using very strict criteria and saw to the release of well detailed profiles of our fore bearers and recognizing their service and sacrifices thereby providing a reference material and opportunities for direct and indirect mentoring. He said NAAPE ensured relevant and regular training of its leadership every year thereby developing their capacities adding that these and more were achieved because of his predecessors were able to handover to NAAPE an Association in piece and with great potentials. “To mark this 40 years milestone, we have earmarked series of events. Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a month long programme that will end 27th September, 2025. According to NAAPE boss, activities at delegates conference will include a Golf Tournament to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or Lagos with a Trophy to be won, a Young Aviator Foundation to be launched with a view to providing support fund in scholarships and grants for young and intending aviation in professionals in line with ICAO next generation of Aviation Professional programme (NGAP). He said the director general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority will unveiling  activities of the event adding that there will be a dinner lecture with the theme “40 Years of Working for Aviation Safety” and Awards to well deserving individuals and organizations.

CHUKS OKOH, The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has unveiled its 40th anniversary logo and sets for its 16th National Delegates Conference to elect new executive officers NAAPE is expected to conduct its election in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on the 26th September, 2025. According to the President of NAAPE, Engr Galadima Abednego, at a media briefing in Lagos, said the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, other dignitaries including airline CEO’s and their counterparts in Aviation government agencies were expected at the event. According to Abednego, the event will be chaired by Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, Chairman, Sifax Group and Dr. Sam Iwuajoku Chairman Quits Aviation on 25th September, 2025. Abednego thanked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the tremendous support he has given to NAAPE towards the success of the life time event. “Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a month long programme that will end 27th September, 2025”

CHUKS OKOH, The Osubi Airport Manager, Mr. Winston Ifeacho Egwuatu, has described the resumption of United Nigeria Airlines as a welcome development for the city and its residents. Egwuatu, speaking while receiving the first flight of the day, UN0548,  from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Monday, with a traditional water salute and a red-carpet reception for passengers, noted that the return of scheduled operations by United Nigeria Airlines would stimulate economic activities in Warri and its environs. “We are delighted to welcome United Nigeria Airlines back to Osubi Airport. Their return is more than just the resumption of flights—it is the reopening of Warri to greater business opportunities, commerce, and social activities. This service will have a far-reaching impact on the city and its people, and we encourage United Nigeria Airlines to remain consistent on this route to sustain and grow these benefits,” Egwuatu said. The resumption of flights by United Nigeria Airlines into Osubi Airport, Warri, marks a significant comeback to provide safe and seamless flight operations to passengers in the route. In addition to the Abuja service, subsequent flights between Warri and Abuja, as well as Lagos–Warri–Lagos sectors, all operated successfully, will sustaining seamless connectivity for air travelers. Some passengers on board praised the resumption of flights and called for sustained operations to ease the travel burdens faced by people in the area.

CHUKS OKOH, Air Peace Limited, has received its fourth Boeing 777 aircraft, reinforcing its position as West and Central Africa’s aviation leader and deepening its international expansion plans. The wide-body Boeing 777-200 ER, bearing registration 5N-CEG, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 3:32 p.m. from Teruel, Spain. The aircraft was greeted with a traditional water-cannon salute and a rousing reception led by the airline’s chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema; Executive Director, Obinna Onyema; Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide; alongside members of Air Peace’s management team. Speaking with the press, the airline’s spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, noted that the arrival of the state-of-the-art aircraft aligns with Air Peace’s vision of global connectivity. Configured with a total of 312 seats, including 26 luxurious business class seats and 286 economy class seats, the aircraft offers a blend of comfort and modern amenities. The Business Class cabin features private, ambient seating with advanced inflight comfort, while Economy passengers will enjoy spacious legroom and refined service. During a media tour of the aircraft, Dr. Onyema described the acquisition as a pivotal milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory, emphasizing that it represents a decisive step in Air Peace’s expansion strategy. He announced that the newly acquired aircraft will be deployed in the next two months for the inaugural long-haul flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Further plans include opening new routes into key European cities, South America, particularly direct flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Caribbean, building on Air Peace’s groundbreaking operations into Antigua and Barbuda as well as St. Kitts and Nevis. Onyema reiterated the airline’s commitment to offering Nigerians fair and affordable access to international travel while curbing the high fares long endured by passengers on foreign carriers. He also stressed the urgent need for an efficient hub system in Nigeria to enhance both regional and international connectivity. The Air Peace Chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support of indigenous airlines through policies that create an enabling environment for growth. He equally commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Senator Festus Keyamo, for implementing inclusive measures that position Nigerian carriers to compete effectively on the global stage.

CHUKS OKOH Onedot Aviation has successfully completed maintenance on a CRJ 200 aircraft belonging to XEJET, achieving a record-breaking milestone as the first of its kind in Nigeria. This accomplishment marks Onedot Aviation’s first major work on the type since receiving expanded approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in February 2025. The aircraft underwent a detailed check at Onedot Aviation’s Lagos hangar facility which included inspections of major structural components, system checks, and cabin refurbishments, confirming the company’s readiness to provide comprehensive base maintenance for Bombardier Challenger and CRJ series aircraft. The CRJ aircraft embarked on its test flight on Thursday, August 21st 2025 and has received its Certificate of Release to Service (CRS). Speaking on the successful maintenance, Onedot Aviation CEO, Captain Dotun Henry Ogunyemi, said the achievement demonstrated the company’s technical capacity, long-term vision, and commitment to growing Nigeria’s aviation industry. “This maintenance on XEJET’s CRJ 200 is not just a milestone for Onedot but for the entire Nigerian aviation sector. Our team carried out detailed systems inspection, cabin upgrades, and reliability checks. Completing it in record time without compromising quality proves our readiness for more complex assignments.” Captain Ogunyemi stressed that the company’s long-term vision is to become a maintenance powerhouse while taking gradual but steady steps toward that goal. “With Onedot, we are building from the beginning, steadily proving our capabilities. Our long-term focus is to reduce capital flight by ensuring Nigerian operators no longer need to take their aircraft abroad for checks we can competently do here.” He further noted that the company’s expanded NCAA approval gives operators confidence in choosing a trusted local MRO partner. “Our NCAA approval to handle Bombardier Challenger and CRJ aircraft ensures operators can save cost, reduce downtime, and build confidence in homegrown capacity. We are determined to position Onedot as a go-to center for business jets and regional aircraft in West Africa.” Before the expanded certification, Onedot Aviation held NCAA approvals for Wheels and Brakes maintenance, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Battery maintenance, and sheet metal repairs. The new approval broadened its Operational Specifications (Ops Specs), enabling it to carry out full base maintenance checks on Bombardier Challenger and CRJ aircraft, an expansion that fills a critical gap in Nigeria’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s MRO base and reducing dependence on foreign facilities.

CHUKS OKOH,   The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has, in a critical move to standardize aviation safety, banned the use of flight mode on all flights.   This new rule requires passengers to switch off all portable electronic devices during critical flight stages. Read About Flight mode rules   It is a decisive action to ensure uniform compliance across all Nigerian airlines, eliminating the confusion caused by differing flight mode rules. More on Aviation Security   The Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, confirmed this resolution. He stated that the new directive aims to eliminate confusion among travelers.   Passengers must now completely power off their devices during takeoff and landing.   “As a takeaway and to avoid ambiguity and confusion, all mobile phones, and other portable electric devices should be switched off during the critical stage of flight on all Nigerian airlines,” Najomo declared.   “Switched off. Nothing like flight mode any longer.” This important step is a clear departure from the old flight mode allowance.   The previous inconsistency was causing major conflicts. Some airlines permitted flight mode, while others required a complete power off.   This lack of uniformity created frustration for passengers. A traveler flying on different carriers would encounter varying rules about flight mode. It often led to heated exchanges between crew and passengers.   According to one of the presenters at the meeting, Barrister First, these conflicting instructions were a major issue. Passengers began to question the rules. They saw them as arbitrary rather than safety-driven.   “Airline A allowed me to use flightmode, but Airline B is forcing me to switch off completely,” a passenger might argue. This fuels the belief that instructions about flight mode are arbitrary rather than safety-driven.   The confusion extended beyond mobile phones and flight mode. It also affected other safety instructions, like folding tray tables and opening window shutters.   The varying standards on different airlines made it difficult to secure full compliance. Passengers would compare experiences, leading to a perception of unfairness.   The same issue arises with tray tables and window shutters. This lack of uniformity creates frustration.   Moreover, many Nigerians are not aviation experts. They assume that if something is permitted on one flight, like flight mode, it is safe on another. Inconsistent instructions from airlines and crew weaken trust.   It leads to unnecessary altercations. “This lack of uniformity creates frustration,” Barrister First had argued.   He said, “The inconsistencies passengers encounter remain a major source of conflict.” The ambiguity surrounding flight mode was a prime example.   Captain Najomo emphasized that Nigerian air operators must update their manuals. The amended procedures must be submitted to the NCAA for approval.   This ensures that all domestic airlines adhere to a single set of rules. He said, “Nigerian air operators are therefore required to amend their operators manual to reflect this requirement and submit to the NCAA for approval.”   The NCAA will remain alert to future technological enhancements. “We remain alert to future reviews of this requirement as aircraft technological enhancement improves,” he added, noting that the flight mode ban is for the present.   The enforcement of this rule is now the crew’s responsibility. It is the passenger’s duty to comply.   “It remains the responsibility of the crew to communicate this requirement to the passengers and the responsibility of the passenger to comply with crew instructions,” Najomo stated.   The new guidelines will help crew members focus on genuine safety threats. It will remove the need for heated debates over conflicting rules on flightmode.   The move is part of a larger effort to enhance aviation security. It addresses unruly passenger behavior. It also introduces public campaigns to inform travelers of their responsibilities.   The NCAA is committed to stricter compliance from all parties. The era of “business as usual” is officially over, especially for the use of flightmode.   The NCAA’s decision reflects a commitment to safety. The move aligns with the goal of creating a unified, safer air travel environment in Nigeria.   This step will eliminate the ambiguity that has plagued passenger-crew interactions for years, particularly regarding the use of flightmode. It will, therefore, lead to a more efficient and secure aviation sector.   The new rule also serves as a reminder that safety is paramount. All stakeholders must work together to ensure a safe and secure flight experience for everyone.   This includes passengers, airlines, and regulatory bodies like the NCAA.   The new unified rules on flight mode are a significant victory for Nigerian aviation safety.