Author: Wole Shadare

*Deploys A350XWB on Lagos route Tewolde Gabremariam had his work cut out for him when he took over as Ethiopian Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) some few years ago. Gas prices were soaring, the economy was on the verge of crumbling, and operating costs were nearly suffocating the multi-billion-dollar airline. Big and small airlines were pouring salt in the wounds of industry giants by picking up routes and capturing shares of the market which others…

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma has said that the agency has made significant efforts to fortify security at the airports. Dunoma who made this known to journalists in Lagos said with the efforts of the federal government, FAAN has developed efficient security system in response to new challenges. “Security is already in place, the only thing, is that once things happen you need to beef it up…

Emirates Airlines has repainted 33 of its airplanes (13 per cent of its aircraft fleet), this is coming as the carrier installed decals on 72 aircraft and executed over 105,000 painting jobs including cabin touch-ups across the world’s largest fleet of wide-body aircraft in 2015. The Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre is world’s largest aircraft painting facility owned by an airline. During the year, Emirates gave a fresh coat of paint to three Airbus A380s and…

The terrorist attack in Istanbul Ataturk airport that left scores of people dead and several others injured has jolted airport authorities around the globe. Consequently, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has enhanced security measures, passenger facilitation at all airports. The agency disclosed that it has also enhanced by the installation of more modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors The authority equally advised all airport users, especially passengers and airline operators,…

In a bid to cement its leadership position in aviation ground handling business, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo) has signed a string of new international and local businesses.   The firm listed the expanding list of businesses to include international air operators, Meridiana Fly (Italian Airline), Mid – African Airlines (new Gambia Flag Carrier) which are making entries into Nigeria for the first time. It also includes Rwandair which had just concluded plans to…

Airlines have plenty happening on board to entertain children on their long haul flights. And to provide the best incentives for children, Emirates Airlines introduced a set of Fly with Me Animal toys, which made their debut on board the Emirates flight as soon as it was launched for use. The set of toys included, Lewis the Lion from Africa, Peek U the Panda from China, Enrico the Monkey from Latin America, and Leila the…

*10 long, medium-haul aircraft to sport the “Paris 2024” logo Just a few weeks before the French Olympic Team’s departure for the Rio Olympic Games, Air France has lent it support to Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games as Official Supplier. The “Paris 2024” logo will be painted on the side of 10 Air France aircraft, between the wings and the tail fin. The Company will operate these aircraft as from August 2016….

China, considered to be one of the biggest aviation markets which before now relied heavily on foreign-made aircraft has produced its first regional jet initiative to compete in the commercial aircraft market. The aircraft made its debut flight yesterday carrying 70 passengers. The ARJ21-700 jet is one of a series of initiatives launched by the ruling Communist Party to transform China from the world’s low-cost factory into a creator of profitable technology in aviation, clean…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed outrage at last night’s attack at Atatürk Airport Istanbul, Turkey. “Once again, innocent travelers have been attacked in a cowardly and murderous act. Our thoughts are with the victims, and their families and friends,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. He stated that air transport brings people together and facilitates both social and economic development. Tyler further stated that Istanbul has a particularly significant and…