- NAMA attains ISO 9001 certification
- Record 5.2 billion people to take to air travel, airlines’ revenue to hit $1 trillion in 2025-IATA
- Why Nigeria’s wet lease pact remains unprofitable-Sanusi
- 'Stingy' airlines amid exploitative fare inquisition
- IATA: Nigeria maintains clean record, owes no foreign airline
NANTA backs AMCON’S intervention in Arik, sets for 41st AGM
The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has thrown its weight behind what it termed quick intervention of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in Nigeria’s troubled flag carrier airline, Arik from total collapse.
Speaking on the side-line of announcement on its forth coming 41st non elective Annual General Meeting, AGM to be held in Sheraton Hotels, Lagos on March 21, 2017, NANTA President, Bankole Bernard said the damage the new management of the carrier met on ground was more than what they anticipated, adding that the carrier was heading for total collapse before the rescue.
His words, “NANTA had a meeting with the new management of Arik. I can say to you that the damage they met on ground is far higher than what they were expecting and I am sure you know that it is not easy to fix a situation that has been damaged so badly like what we have in Arik. Thank God the government intervened that it did not turn out to be a complete embarrassment. Can you imagine what it would have been if Arik’s aircraft had dropped from the sky?
“It could have happened because it was getting that bad because they were running out of funds. Their London office had gone into liquidation even before AMCON got there. It is a good thing that AMCON has gone in. They will restructure the whole place and whatever they come up with, we are willing to work with them.”
He said NANTA was really concerned about the airline, considering its status then as the biggest carrier in West Africa, adding that it would have been very embarrassing for the country if the airline had gone under without the quick intervention of government.
He said, “We are glad that the government went in and I think the steps they have been taking would help to save the airline. We hope that in a matter of months, we will see them go back to what they used to be.”
He lauded the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and AMCON for taking a proactive step to rescue the airline he said was heading for the rocks because of over N500b debts the airline is enmeshed in.
The airline is reported to owe virtually all its creditors including another $78 million it is yet to remit to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other creditors.
Although, the former management of the airline denied it owes IATA. But the clearing house has temporarily suspended the carriers from its Billing Settlement Plan (BSP) platform; an action that may not be unconnected with the allegation.
Speaking on the forthcoming AGM, Bernard stated that the AGM with theme: “Tourism in a recessed economy. The way forward”, is aimed at taping into the low hanging fruits in tourism at this period of recession.
Expected at the event are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Information and Culture minister, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, former Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (NIHOTOUR), Mrs. Chika Balogun and the Ag director general of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Mrs Mariel Rae Omoh among other dignitaries.
He said AGM has become imperative because NANTA has become a relevant voice in the aviation industry.
Bernard observed that the planned closure of Abuja airport is an opportunity in disguise for their members to look into the untapped tourism potential within the zone.
Speaking also, the 1st deputy president of NANTA and chairperson of the AGM organising committee, Mrs Susan Akporiaye added that all the stakeholders in the aviation industry like NCAA, FAAN, South African Airways, South African Tourism and others would also be at the event..
Speaking on the closure of Abuja airport for runway repairs, Akporiaye emphasised that AGM will give hope to members to take advantage of the situation on ground to tap into the tourism industry in Kaduna and environs in the absence of ticket sales in Abuja.
She enjoined the members to look deep inside and tap into the opportunity the closure of Abuja airport in the area of tourism.
Google+