Author: Wole Shadare

  * IATA cautions on airport privatization/concession Wole Shadare (Geneva, Switzerland) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday in faraway Geneva, Switzerland forecast a very bleak 2019 for Nigeria and African airlines, saying that the continent’s carriers are expected to report a $300 million net loss in 2019 (slightly improved from the $400 million net loss in 2018). Ironically, while African airlines are expected to lose $300 million in 2019, other region’ carriers’ in North America,…

Slow technology deployment derails sector’s gains   Lack of deployment of adequate technology is derailing the gains the aviation industry in Nigeria would have made, Woleshadarenew has leant. Most of the technologies at the airports are either not performing optimally or are lacking or outdated, thereby leading to financial bleeding by airlines, airport operators and various service providers. In most parts of the world, more advanced technologies are deployed to cut time wasted on passenger…

*Airlines to divert flights to other aerodromes *Operators plan fresh logistics The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it is withdrawing services from Gombe, Kebbi and Bebi airports over N858.6million indebtedness to the agency. A statement by spokesperson for FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu said this action has become imperative, disclosing that the management of Gombe airport is indebted to the authority to the tune of N607,289,972, while Kebbi and Bebi airports are indebted to…

Begins equipment calibration in 24 airports The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said it had in the past 18 months embarked on an aggressive upgrade of navigational infrastructure in strategic airports in the country. The agency noted that Cat II Instrument Landing Systems /Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) have already been installed in Kaduna, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt airports. It noted that in the same vein, installation of Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (DVOR)…

  Passengers choose alternate airports The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has notified airlines of the withdrawal of services to Osubi Airport, Warri, Gombe Airport and Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2). In a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Saturday, FAAN stated that it will be withdrawing Aviation Security, fire fighting and rescue operations from Osubi, Gombe and MMA2 from midnight of Sunday, December 9, 2018. Consequently, Arik Air will be suspending its…

One of Nigeria’s leading airlines Dana Air has won the award for Africa’s Best Airline of the year 2018 in the domestic operations category, at the Development in Africa Merits Award held recently at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos. DAMA awards is a yearly conference and awards ceremony organized annually by Delta Business School Limited to recognize  Corporate organizations and Individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of Africa through their service, humanitarian activities, business model…

The African Union together with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the African Airlines Association and the African Civil Aviation Commission, have today published the SAATM handbook.  The handbook is a guide to the origins, objectives, economic and social benefits as well as the implementation of SAATM) by the AU and its member states.  SAATM is intended to open up intra-African air travel with enhanced connectivity and African competition.   This will enable and promote growth…