Airlines’ debts to ground handling firms piling up, AGHAN lifts suspension on Max Air

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has lifted the imposed handling suspension on Max Air over unpaid debts.

AGHAN said that lifting the ban was necessary following ongoing negotiations between the airline and its members.

A statement jointly signed on Friday by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of AGHAN, Olaniyi Adigun and Bashir Ahmed, respectively, said that the airline was now cooperating with its members and had paid “substantial amounts of money” toward the debts owed to them.

The statement, however, said that the association would not back down in ensuring its handling members were paid their charges by debtor airlines, stressing that the operating economy was equally tough on its members.

AGHAN regretted that the debt burden had continued to rise despite repeated efforts by handlers to recover payments from airlines.

“We have to lift the handling suspension on Max Air after it commenced negotiations with our members and paid a substantial amount of money on its debts.

“We agree that the operating environment is tough for all operators, but we are not equally exempt from the challenge. Our members buy equipment and upgrade their facilities regularly. They also seek foreign exchange for what they do. Yet, the debts are piling up”.

“The aviation industry is a chain and not about the airlines alone. Others, too, play major roles in the ecosystem, and they need to survive,” the joint statement read in part.

Also, the association noted that ground handling companies were necessary to aviation safety and seamless airport operations, warning that prolonged financial pressure on handlers could affect service delivery, safety and staff welfare.

Wole Shadare