Author: Wole Shadare

  *Faults Minister’s handling of process   Unions in the aviation industry said they would resist attempt by the Federal Government to concession four of the aerodromes in Nigeria, describing the procedure for concession as not transparent. Rather than concession, the unions recommended green field concession which empowers new investors to deal on fresh ventures which includes construction of new runways, terminal buildings. They also suggested that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) can…

Airbus‘ 40 per cent cut on production and deliveries will last for two years, Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume Faury has said, as the company prepares to make a major restructure which will include thousands of job losses. Europe’s plane maker is due to lay out its reorganisation plan by Wednedsay as part of its efforts to reduce costs and conserve cash following a €481 million ($522 million) loss in the first quarter of this year. “It’s…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria last week jerked up passenger travel taxes for local and international trips with effect from August 1, 2020, even as it comes with its implications for the country’s aviation sector. Wole Shadare writes Burden It was not unexpected but the timing of raising Passenger Service Charge (PSC) both on domestic and international air travel by hundred per cent has kept tongues wagging about the sensitivity of imposing such taxes at a…

  The Federal Government has approved the safe resumption of domestic flights in the country. It has also lifted the ban placed on interstate travels with effect from July 1, provided such journeys are made outside curfew hours. The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday. Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,…

  Aircraft giant, Boeing has been cleared to start flight testing its grounded 737 Max after receiving approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday. The test flights are allowed to take place from Monday and are a key step in the troubled aircraft returning to service after being banned from the skies for more than a year. The US’ aviation regulatory body said in an email to lawmakers that FAA and Boeing test…

  Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Air Peace, has again demonstrated its vibrancy and capacity to fly to any destination across the globe, as the airline, on June 28, 2020, evacuated 327 Nigerians from London. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, with registration number 5N-BWI, departed Heathrow Airport London earlier today and arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 20:41hrs, Nigerian time. After disembarking some passengers in Abuja, the aircraft will proceed to the Murtala Muhammed…

 Chairman House Committee on Aviation Nnolim Nnaji has  commended the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies for the safety measures put in place in preparations for the reopening of some airports for flight operations. He stressed that, ” as the nation prepares to gradually open up the air space, Nigerians should be rest assured that the House Committee on Aviation will in line with our oversight mandate, continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Aviation…

  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has held dry run simulation exercises at domestic terminals of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos respectively. The exercise, which was aimed at assessing the readiness of the airports for reopening post Covid-19 was witnessed by the Ministers of: Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora, State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, the…

**Sector ready for flight resumption The much awaited bailout for the aviation industry is set to be announced any time from now according to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika. There are indications that the Federal Government had concluded the decision to assist the sector with $57.8 million. Sirika, at a Press briefing after a test flight from Abuja to Lagos to ensure everything is in place for the restart. “Ninety per cent of what…