Aviation

 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…

  **Airlines lack reserve to sustain operations **Carriers’ ability to resist shock non-existent Stakeholders have taken a holistic look at the aviation industry and came to a conclusion that the sector urgently needs a rescue. In a Webinar coordinated by Tokunbo Orimobi Foundation, with theme, “The Aviation Sector-Before, During and After COVID-19 ,” and monitored by Woleshadarenews, the experts passed a verdict that the industry in Nigeria is on life support and requires urgent assistance and synergy…

  ***Funds needed to upgrade decrepit airport infrastructure ***Action may cause fare hike There are indications that both domestic and international air travel would cost more as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will on August 1, 2020 begin the implementation of new Passenger Service Charge (PSC) increment from  N1000 to N2000 for domestic flight operations and  from the former $50 to $100 for international passengers. This will definitely lead to an increase in air fare…

Ahead of flight resumption, Nigerian carrier Dana Air on Wednesday carried out a dry run at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) and shakedown flights from Lagos to Port Harcourt and back. According to a statement by the airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, Dana Air had to carry out the exercise to demonstrate its  readiness to resume flights as soon as the airspace is opened. ”Although all through the lockdown, we had our engineers on ground to…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it has complied with the directive of the Federal Government to relocate its Corporate Headquarters to the nation’s Federal Capital, Abuja. Spokesman for the agency, Sam Adurogboye in a statement said it was the first to do so as a way of encouraging other agencies to do so. It would be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika had in a memo dated May 4th,…

   Executive Jets Services saga of flying Naira Marley has exposed how airlines, especially private jet operators, cut corners, ineffectiveness of the system amid COVID-19. WOLE SHADARE writes   Abuse of ministerial approvals The controversy that trailed the movement  of lewd musician, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, his  lascivious behavior and action of Chairman of Executive Jets Services, Dr. Sam Iwuajoku, have again brought to the fore the abuse of approvals given by the Minister of Aviation…

The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) has singled out the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for recognition in the industry’s fight against the spread of coronavirus pandemic. A letter sent to the Director General by the Regional aviation regulatory body states that NCAA is the only State Civil Aviation Regulator recognized for its significant contribution to the African Union Commission High Level Task Force on COVID-19. AFCAC Secretary General  Tefera Mekonen on behalf of the…