NANTA SEEKS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH INTERIOR MINISTRY

  CHUKS OKOH The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in advancing Nigeria’s travel and tourism agenda. This was made known during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Why welcoming the NANTA delegation, the Ojo affirmed  government’s openness to stakeholder engagement, noting that effective leadership is built on active feedback and collaboration. “Every good leadership takes feedback from stakeholders,” he stated. Ojo assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s support for well-organized and credible bodies such as NANTA. He expressed his deep pride in Nigeria’s cultural richness and the resilience of its people, describing Nigerians as hospitable, productive, and uniquely gifted. On diplomatic matters, the Minister clarified that visa policies are governed by the principle of reciprocity and assured that Nigeria remains respectful and fair in its international engagements. He also charged NANTA and Nigerians in general to always speak positively about the nation. “Nigeria will rebound,” he asserted with optimism. Ojo pledged to establish strategic engagement channels with NANTA, assuring that his team would follow up to deepen collaboration in the national interest. NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, in his speech, commended the Minister for his responsiveness and dedication to reform. Folami, remarked that NANTA members have closely followed the Minister’s work and are impressed by his consistency in matching promises with action. “Your prompt response to our request for this engagement is one of many examples of your commitment to positive change,” Folami noted. He further highlighted NANTA’s contributions to national development, emphasizing that the 50-year-old Association, proudly Nigerian, continues to promote the country positively across Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, America, and beyond. As a symbol of appreciation and partnership, NANTA presented a commemorative plaque to the Minister, endorsing his reform-driven leadership and expressing readiness for sustained collaboration.   Photo Interior minister Dr Tunji-Ojo and executive members of NANTA during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

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ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES COMMENCES TWICE DAILY OPERATIONS TO LAGOS

CHUKS OKOH, Ethiopian Airlines Tuesday night began its twice daily operations into Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos from Addis Ababa The flight with  147 passengers with Boeing 737 Max aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 7:20 p.m. with a brief ceremony haven recieved the aircraft with the usual water cannon salute Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, led the Federal Government’s delegation at the airport. With the new operation, Ethiopian Airlines now operates 14 weekly services into and out of Lagos, reinforcing its leadership among foreign carriers operating in Nigeria. Moreover, Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened its Nigerian footprint with a total of 31 weekly flights. These include seven out of Abuja, five from Kano, and another five from Enugu. The Permanent Secretary Dr Kana in his speech at the ceremony  commended the Ethiopian Airlines for its operational consistency and strategic growth. According to Kana  the government did not hesitate to approve the airline’s request for more frequencies, citing its positive track record in Nigeria. “When the airline approached us in the ministry requesting for an increase in frequency to Lagos, we did not hesitate,” he said. “We did not hesitate because the Ethiopian airline is our airline. Ethiopian airline is Nigeria’s airline. I don’t think anybody will disagree with this.” According to him, aviation remains a vital tool for deepening continental ties and boosting inter-African trade and tourism. “As a government, we see Nigeria as part of Ethiopia, and Ethiopia as part of Nigeria,” Dr. Kana added. He emphasized that any future requests from Ethiopian Airlines would continue to receive full support from the Federal Government. Additionally, Dr. Kana reaffirmed the Ministry’s vision to transform Lagos into a dominant West African aviation hub. “Our dream is to see Lagos become a hub,” he declared. “In no distant future, this airport will serve many international carriers.” He noted that growing connectivity, led by airlines like Ethiopian, is central to this vision. The Permanent Secretary called on other international airlines to expand into Nigeria and utilize its numerous viable entry points. “The Minister of Aviation will continue to give Ethiopian Airlines all the support it requires to succeed,” he affirmed. “We also welcome all other airlines. Ethiopian Airlines is challenging you. Nigeria is ready for business.” He pointed out that international gateways such as Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Kano are fully open and well-equipped. Also speaking, Ms. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, expressed appreciation for the support from Nigerian authorities. She described the second Lagos frequency as a response to strong demand and rising passenger volumes. “In 2023, over 248,000 passengers traveled between Nigeria and Ethiopia, with Lagos accounting for the largest share,” she revealed. The additional daily service, she explained, will offer passengers improved flexibility and better connections across Ethiopian Airlines’ vast global network. “We value our Nigerian customers and remain dedicated to providing them with world-class service and reliable regional and international links,” she added. Ms. Mekonnen reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to long-term investment and growth within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. Present at the event, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), commended the airline’s bold move. He described the new frequency as a strategic step toward deepening regional connectivity and expanding market access for Nigerian passengers. “I want to commend Ethiopian Airlines for this milestone and its continued faith in the Nigerian market,” said Dr. Afolabi. He emphasized that the airline’s success is rooted in its operational discipline, strong partnerships, and dedication to service delivery. With its current Lagos flight frequency expansion, Ethiopian Airlines continues to play a leading role in linking Nigeria to Africa and beyond. The development also strengthens Lagos’ position as a growing hub for commercial and aviation activity on the continent.

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FCM NIGERIA WINS TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARDS AS NIGERIA’S LEADING TRAVEL COMPANY

CHUKS OKOH In a remarkable testament to innovation and excellence in an industry traditionally bound by convention, FCM Nigeria has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing the coveted title of Nigeria’s leading Travel Management Company at the World Travel Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition, often hailed as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” represents a defining moment for both the company and Nigeria’s position on the global travel management stage. The announcement was made during the Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the continent’s most distinguished travel professionals, industry leaders, and hospitality pioneers gathered to celebrate excellence across the travel and tourism sector. FCM Nigeria’s victory in this highly competitive category underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to redefining industry standards and challenging conventional approaches to travel management. Since its inception, FCM Nigeria has deliberately chosen to forge an unconventional path in an industry known for its adherence to traditional methodologies. This strategic approach has consistently set the company apart from its competitors, enabling it to anticipate market shifts, embrace emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that exceed client expectations across diverse sectors. The World Travel Awards recognition serves as global validation of FCM Nigeria’s unique positioning within the travel management landscape. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards celebrates excellence across all sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, with winners determined through a rigorous voting process involving travel industry professionals and consumers worldwide. Receiving the award on behalf of the organisation, Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Mr. Bankole Bernard, reflected on the significance of this achievement. He said, “This award represents far more than recognition, it’s a powerful validation that our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer-centric service resonates on a global scale. Throughout our journey, we have consistently approached travel management through the lens of relevance, responsiveness, and continuous reinvention. This recognition reinforces our determination to continue pushing boundaries and setting new industry benchmarks.” Managing Director of FCM Nigeria, Adejoju Olutimayin, attributed the company’s success to the exceptional dedication of its team and strategic partnerships that have enabled sustained growth and innovation. “Our remarkable journey has been fundamentally shaped by our willingness to make bold decisions, forge authentic partnerships, and build a team culture where excellence is not just expected but actively cultivated every single day,” Olutimayin explained. “We understand that recognition of this magnitude brings with it increased responsibility and heightened expectations. Rather than becoming complacent with this achievement, we view it as a launch to propel us towards even more ambitious goals. Our vision extends far beyond current successes. We‘re actively building toward a future where FCM Nigeria serves as the definitive standard for travel management excellence, not only in Nigeria, but across the African continent and beyond.” FCM Nigeria is recognised for delivering customised travel solutions to organisations across various industries, with a growing presence in both local and international markets. The company’s ability to blend technology, expertise, and flexibility has positioned it as a leader in the evolving travel landscape. This latest milestone adds to FCM Nigeria’s growing list of achievements and sets the tone for what’s next in growth with intention and impact.

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SACHO POST 6BILLION PROFIT BEFORE TAX.

CHUKS OKOH The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has posted a significant increase in its revenue for the year 2024 with a 74.8 percent increase as it earned a whooping over six-billion-naira profit before tax.   The Nigerian giant ground handling firm disclosed that it board of directors recommend a dividend of sixty kobo per shares to its shareholders just as it said it secured major contracts with renewed global carriers in the year under review.   Speaking at the SAHCO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held the prestigious Marriotts Hotel in Ikeja on Thursday, its Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi said that despite the challenges in economic environment, SAHCO demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic agility in its businesses.   According to Dr Afolabi, the company posted a profit before income tax expenses of N6,486,469 in 2024 as against N2,630,287 in 2023   Afolabi said the 2024 Global Aviation Performance in 2024 continued its post-   pandemic recovery, quoting the International Air Transport Association   (IATA), global passenger traffic rebounded to   approximately 88% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by a strong resurgence in international travel.   “Cargo operations saw a 3.5% year-over-year growth, reflecting shifts in global trade dynamics.   Airlines focused on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, with increased investments in fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative fuels” .   On challenges in the country, Afolabi remarked that the country remained one of Africa’s largest aviation markets, with rising passenger demand and expanding international routes. He however, lamented the operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and forex constraints pose challenges facing the sector “Nigeria’s avataion sector remains competitive on the global stage” He noted that SAHCO’s operational and business performance for 2024 despite the challenges in the economic environment, demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic agility. On Revenue Growth, Afolabi declares, “I am pleased to report that SAHCO achieved a 74.8% increase in revenue for the year ending December 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by new contracts and operational efficiency”   According to the chairman, SAHCO secured major contract renewals, including, renewal of a 5-year ground handling contract with British Airways, signing of a 5-year agreement with South African Airways Others include, securing partnerships with major carriers, including Bristow Airlines, Value Jet, Ilyin Air, Green Africa, and Air Cote D’Ivoire, while expanding operations in securing Air Peace London route, Ibom Air’s regional operations to Accra and Uganda Airlines’ extended services to Abuja. It also secured the full handling contract for Neos Air, reviving the Nigerian-Italian route after nearly two decades. On operational efficiency and safety, Afolabi said SAHCO set a record with a 37-minute turnaround for Offloading 37 pallets from an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777 cargo flight. He explained that the company renewed IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations ISAGO) and RA3 certifications, reinforcing adherence to global safety standards. It got several awards of as a result of improved business performance which also culminated ithe receipt of regional and international awards  like the British Airways Safety & Punctuality Awards at Lagos Dr Afolabi noted the inflation rate surged to a 28-year high of 34.6% in 2024, driven by rising food and energy costs, while the naira depreciated significantly, closing the year at N1,535/$1, marking a 40.9% decline compared to the previous year. According to him, the agricultural sector recorded a modest growth of 2.5%, supported by government policies aimed at enhancing food security, adding that insecurity in farming regions remained a major setback. The SAHCO chairman noted that the technology sector continued its rapid expansion, attracting significant investment in fintech and digital services, positioning the country as a growing innovation hub in Africa. Afolabi said the team remained committed to expanding the market presence within leveraging opportunities in regional aviation, investing in technology and digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and experience. Photo Caption: L-R: Executive Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC,Mr Abiodun Adegbesan; Managing Director/CEO, SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin; Chairman, SIFAX Group/ SAHCO, Dr Barr Taiwo Afolabi (CON); Executive Director,SAHCO, Mrs Boma Ukwunna; Executive Director, SAHCO, Dr Babatunde Afolabi;  Company Secretary,SAHCO, Ms Jesuyemisi Odeyemi at the SAHCO PLC 15th Annual General Meeting.

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19TH ANNIVERSARY: FINCHGLOW IN STRATEGIC SHIFT IN REBUILDING FOR A NEW ERA IN TRAVEL

CHUKS OKOH, Finchglow Travels, says it is redefining the nation’s travel landscape with a renewed focus on strategic growth, people development, and purposeful innovation. Rather than host a conventional celebration, the company signalled a new era with Summer90 Plus Power Up and Shine, a dynamic three-day internal workshop designed to realign its workforce, reinforce core values, and reposition the business to thrive in an increasingly competitive travel ecosystem. “This anniversary marks a strategic inflection point for Finchglow Travels said Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director, Finchglow Travels. “The travel industry is evolving fast, and our response is to evolve faster from the inside out. We are making deliberate investments in people, processes, and platforms to lead the next phase of growth.” The workshop brought together employees from across Nigeria to engage with the latest industry trends, unpack technological shifts, and strengthen service delivery. It reflects a growing belief at Finchglow Travels: transformation must begin internally to deliver external excellence. “Our people remain our greatest asset,” Mr. Ikotun added. “We’re investing in upskilling, data, automation, and forward-looking technologies like AI to ensure we stay ahead not just operationally, but intellectually and strategically. We understand that a team aligned in purpose is a competitive advantage in itself.” Speaking to the broader aviation sector, Mr. Ikotun noted, “The industry is progressing albeit unevenly. At Finchglow, we’re helping drive that progress through capacity development, tech-forward strategies, and a push for stronger data intelligence across the ecosystem. The future will belong to those who can blend service excellence with smart, scalable infrastructure.” As the travel and tourism sector adjusts to global shifts, Finchglow Travels is positioning itself not only as a player but as a purposeful force shaping what comes next.

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HELICOPTER LANDING LEVY, STRATEGIC NECESSITY, NOT A BURDEN SAYS EXPERT.

CHUKS OKOH A former Director , Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Hassan Tai Ejibunu has called on oil companies engaging in offshore operations and other players who rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment to comply with the regulatory enforcement regime approved by the Federal government. Compliance in the payment of the prescribed helicopter landing levy by the affected organizations, Ejibunu said, has not only become compelling, but part of the targeted contribution toward the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure, which is now a backbone of both civilian and military aviation. Ejibunu’s comment is coming on the heels of the regulatory enforcement of Helicopter Landing Levy by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, which has sparked a huge debate among stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in recent weeks. Though critics have argued that the levy, which is to be paid on a pay-as-you-use- basis by oil companies operating offshore, constitutes an undue financial burden, Ejibunu, however, noted that such perspective overlooks the broader national interest and the critical role played by NAMA in safeguarding the country’s skies, as well as the high cost of such critical aviation infrastructure. He said : ” The levy, which is on a pay-as-you-use basis, is unavoidable and only charged for the use of Nigerian Airspace and NAMA Air navigational services. “NAMA’s infrastructure supports not only commercial flights but also helicopter operations to offshore platforms, military surveillance, and increasingly, the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in our airspace. “To suggest that oil companies, who are among the primary beneficiaries of these services, should be exempted from contributing to their sustainability is both inequitable and short-sighted. “Offshore oil operations rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment. These flights depend on NAMA’s radar systems, communication networks, and air traffic control to ensure safety and efficiency. “Without adequate funding, these systems risk degradation, which could lead to delays, accidents, or worse—security breaches. “Indeed, the absence of modern navigational infrastructure is a national security risk. As NAMA has flagged, outdated equipment and poor inter-agency coordination already pose threats to aviation security.” Ejibunu said in an era of heightened drone activity and evolving aerial threats, the ability to monitor and manage Nigeria’s airspace in real time is no longer optional, but essential. He went on: “The military, too, relies on NAMA’s infrastructure for coordinated operations, making its upkeep a matter of sovereignty. ” Moreover, the levy aligns with global best practices. Similar charges exist in other oil-producing nations, where aviation infrastructure is funded through user-based contributions. “The oil companies operating in Nigeria, many of which are multinationals, are no strangers to such frameworks, but are being aided by some Nigerians to work against adherence to established regulatory requirements.” Ejibunu said rather than resist the levy, stakeholders should view it as an investment in safety, security, and operational continuity. He said :” The cost of a single aviation incident, whether in lives, environmental damage, or reputational loss to Nigeria’s rating in the global aviation community, would far outweigh the cumulative impact of this modest fee. ” The Helicopter Landing Levy is not a burden. It is a shared responsibility. And in a sector as vital and high-risk as aviation, shared responsibility is the only path to sustainable progress and enhanced national security.”

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AIR PEACE ACQUIRES FIRST EMBRAER 190 AIRCRAFT.

CHUKS OKOH Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s leading airline, has further deepened its operational capacity with the addition of its first Embraer 190 aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft, bearing registration 5N-CEF, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 19:38 on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Speaking with newsmen, the airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, disclosed that the newly acquired aircraft is a 118-seater and the first of its type in the carrier’s growing fleet portfolio. He revealed that another unit is expected to arrive next month, further reinforcing the airline’s strategic expansion plan to bolster both domestic and regional operations. “This aircraft type brings a new dimension to our service offerings. It is designed for efficiency, eco-friendly installations, and passenger comfort, such as a 2-2 seating layout, quiet and spacious cabin, making it the ideal fit for many of our routes. It enables us to connect more cities seamlessly and serve underserved destinations with the right capacity,” Efe noted. He reiterated the airline’s commitment to easing the burden of air travel in Nigeria by continually investing in the right aircraft for its expansive network. With a fleet of over 30 aircraft, Air Peace has remained at the forefront of West Africa’s aviation space. As of May 2025, the airline recorded an average on-time performance of 85% across its domestic network, a testament to its operational reliability and service delivery promise. Looking ahead into the third quarter, Air Peace says it is optimistic about its growth trajectory. The airline plans to open new domestic routes, expand regional reach, launch more international destinations, and continue strategic fleet acquisition to meet growing passenger demand

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NCAA TO EMPOWER OVER 100 AIRPORT COMMUNITY YOUTHS WITH AVIATION SKILLS.

CHUKS OKOH, The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is to empower over 100 airport communities youths in its Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP), approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2025. The implementation of the AUDP, follows the approval by Tinubu for a national structure for youth empowerment across Ministries and Agencies. To key into this, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has directed agencies under its purview, including the NCAA to align their youth- related efforts with the national framework. Speaking during a programme at the NCAA Annex in Lagos, its Director General, Captain Chris Najomo said over 100 youths have been selected from communities around airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Kano to participate in multidisciplinary sectors. Najomo said the AUDP initiative will assist the youths to understand and navigate their way into the aviation sector. He said: “But, as a deep and firm believer in the future of young Nigerians.We are here to introduce a modest but important initiative: the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP). But more importantly, we are here to speak honestly and constructively about the real opportunities that exist in aviation and how you, as young graduates, can position yourselves to take advantage of them. “The Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP) is not an overnight solution. It is a growing initiative aimed at helping young Nigerians, particularly graduates, understand and begin to navigate their way into aviation. “From documentation systems to surveillance tools, aviation today runs on digital skills. Master tools like Microsoft Excel, basic GIS, safety reporting apps, or data visualization platforms, engaging partners to support skill-building initiatives. We will not over-promise. But we will do our part —step by step— to open the space and carry young Nigerians forward into the aviation future. “To every young person listening to me today: aviation is open to you, but you must be ready to learn, to work, and to lead. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth it. “Let the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme be a conversation starter. Let it be a bridge between where you are and where you want to go. We look forward to walking that bridge with you.” Najomo said the  objectives are to develop skills for key aviation roles, bridge the skills gap, support job creation, foster international collaboration, and promote sustainable aviation practices by equipping professionals with knowledge on sustainable aviation practices, including environmental regulations, renewable energy sources, and green technologies. Through this programme, Najomo said the NCAA seeks to empower the next generation of aviation professionals by offering them the tools and resources required to succeed. It will address the specific training needs of the aviation industry and ensure participants gain a strong foundation in the global standards and best practices that define it today. The target participants are recent graduates from tertiary institutions, undergraduates, and fresh school leavers; young professionals looking for career transition; women and under-represented groups in aviation; and current aviation workers seeking professional development. In her remarks, Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Anastasia Gbem said : ” This initiative is a crucial step towards addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector, including talent shortages, regional disparities, and gender imbalances. The AUDP is designed to empower young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and guidance they need to succeed in the aviation industry. Our goal is to equip the next generation of aviation professionals with the tools and resources they need to excel in this dynamic industry. ” I  am confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry, creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and enhancing our standing in the international aviation community.” In the closing remarks, Regional Manager,  South West, NCAA , Mrs Olubukola  Aduragbemi Teriba  said : ” The NCAA is proud to host this empowerment Programme to align with the NCAA broader vision to build a suitable and globally competitive aviation sector in Nigeria which will prepare and equip the Nigerian youth with specialized technical knowledge needed to confidently step into the array of jobs available within the industry thereby creating jobs opportunities, reducing unemployment and enhancing Nigeria’s image in the international community. “As the regulator, NCAA is not only a custodian of safety, security and economic oversight, but duty bound to ensure inclusivity, access to opportunities and a sustainable future workforce for our industry. “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the challenges faced by Nigeria on how to create jobs for youths, skilled workers in the Aviation Sector. So, this initiative will fill in the gap to prepare young Nigerians by equipping them with technical knowledge which will prepare them to take up jobs available in the aviation industry.”

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MY PRIDE IS TO SERVE NIGERIANS _ AIR PEACE BOSS, ONYEMA.

  -SETS TO START LONDON HEATHROW CHUKS OKOH The Chairman of Air Peace, Bar Allen Onyema says his proudest moment in his life was when he deployed all his aircraft for the evacuation of Nigerians in crisis ridden areas across the globe. Speaking at a media parley in his office at Ikeja, Onyema noted that during Covid, the airline ferried Nigerians free of charge while it also moved stranded Nigerians from Sudan, Turkey among others He noted that the airline was established to give back to the society and has provided job opportunities to young Nigerians adding that the airline has paid its dues. Onyema cautioned Nigerians to do away with the ‘pull him down syndrome’, stressing that those contributing their quotas to the country should be commended. The Air Peace boss called on Nigerians to be deliberate in promoting local businesses as government alone can not do it all He commended the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo, for transforming the the aviation sector adding that he brought back the Ease of doing business in the sector Onyema said, Nigerian airline operators in the next few weeks will start receiving their first dry leased aircraft. He said the present government has made it easy for local airlines to thrive positively. Onyema said, no airline will gain anything from delay or cancellation of any flight as such airlines will loose revenue adding that about 95 per cent of delays were caused by other factors He condemned unruly behaviour by passengers stressing that any disruption in the process will spill over for a whole day. “Delays are not synonymous with Nigeria. It happens everywhere and nobody likes being delayed” The Air Peace chairman said, the airline delayed when it was necessary for them to delay for safety. According to Onyema, the airline had two bird strikes last week which affected 16 flights adding, that in the last five years, the airline had over 115 birds strikes with 30 this year. He said, Air Peace strategized since May 12 by leaving 3 aircraft not flying to serve as support for in times of emergency with 85 percent on time performance. Onyema assured of new customers services to be rolled out by the airline soon describing it as first if it’s kind in the sector. He announced that Air Peace was expecting more aircraft and will increase it’s frequencies for local flights while on the regional flight, Congo and Gabon will be added. Meanwhile, Air Peace is set for London, Heathrow from Abuja as from October 26th this year Onyema also revealed that it will be doing Gatwick daily from Abuja while in September, the airline will be going to Antigua on daily flight operations. He explained that the airline started its preparation four years ago for the Carribean flights adding that the fleet of 777 has been increased to four. Onyema also announce the commencement of China operations soon saying the contract with another airline has ended. On maintenance of the aircraft, he said Isrealis were in charge of the maintenance of the fleet with spare parts support from the United Kingdom On why the airline stopped some of its routes, Onyema said, there were some issues surrounding the routes adding that the routes were being studied.

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AON BERATES OSHIOMHOLE’S AIRPORT CONDUCT, SAYS UNRULY PASSENGER MUST FACE THE LAW.

CHUKS OKOH Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON),  has condemned the conduct of former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, where he was allegedly prevented other passengers from boarding following his inability to catch up with his flight Professor Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson who condemned that act exhibited by the Senator said his attitude was unacceptable and an act of the growing trend of unruly passenger behaviour experienced by domestic carriers. Okonkwo noted that he had earlier in the year warned that the greatest threat to domestic airline survival was unruly passengers and expressed sadness that in has continued to be on the increase According to the AON spokesperson, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has refused to issue any statement to inform the public from their CCTV what actually transpired. “We are really not happy that as at today, FAAN has not given it’s own version. We the airline operators are watching to see what will happen and we don’t think there should be rules set doffently for high people and low people. As an unruly passenger, the person will have to face the law” He said there was no amount of any disappointment if at all from any airline that will give passenger the right to self help “So, what you saw was a typical case of unruly behavior. It is not acceptable. Airlines deserve respect, there are people investment and you don’t have to use a simple issue of whether you are late or not and start demonising an airline” “As AON, we have looked all the things and we did not see any logic in the things he said. There is no airline who will not want to carry it’s passengers” Okonkwo said the AON has plans to take action against Oshiomole as they were in touch with Air Peace over the issue but waiting to get feedback from the government as there were interventions on going .

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