Aviation

The tough economic situation has slowed airlines’ expansion programme. Banks’ double interest rates are killing, while financial institutions that fund the sector are also feeling the heat; signposting a very difficult period for carriers. WOLE SHADARE reports Hope Dims Nigerian airlines’ last ray of hope for bank funding seems to be fading. The airlines passing through financial turbulence are finding it difficult to approach banks to rescue them following huge indebtedness to various financial institutions….

Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and the largest African airline, has taken another leap forward by receiving its second Airbus A350 XWB, which arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. Since June 30, 2016, Africa’s First Ethiopian A350 dubbed “Simien Mountains”, has been flying to various African destinations, the Middle East, and recently to London, adding a new level of comfort to its valued customers. Passengers can now enjoy the…

Aviation experts have again raised the alarm over problems that airlines in the country are presently going through, which may drive others out of business. They listed factors ranging from increase in Jet A1 (Aviation fuel) to its non-availability down to access to foreign exchange to do business (as aviation in Nigeria is 98 per cent foreign exchange dependent), to the multiple charges that airlines have to bear. To them, the aviation industry is not…

Airline, battery manufacturers want stiffer penalties In a bid to enforce enforcement of international regulations regarding the transport of lithium batteries, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has partnered into with leaders of the lithium battery supply chain.   In a joint letter to Ministers of Trade, Industry and Transport, and Directors of Civil Aviation in the world’s largest lithium battery manufacturing and export countries, IATA, PRBA, the US Rechargeable Battery Association, RECHARGE, the European…

*Occupy staff quarters illegally For allegedly holding on to their official apartment against the norm and for assaulting workers, two former top officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) could face jail sentences. The duo, Godfrey Eze, former Director of Engineering of NAMA and Moshood Kolawole Jimoh a former General Manager Stores/ Equipment Department have been arraigned before the Agege Magistrate Court, Lagos on a four-count charge bordering on assault occasioning harm, malicious damage…

Etihad Airways has joined with DSTV, one of Africa’s leading providers of premium entertainment, to sponsor the winner of The Voice Nigeria, a Nigerian version of the internationally acclaimed reality singing competition.   As part of the sponsorship, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates is providing the winner and their partner with air tickets to Abu Dhabi to experience some of the best entertainment and attractions the capital of the UAE has to…

The tough economic reality faced by the country has reduced capacity on routes, as fourth quarter 2015 saw air traffic decline by -nine per cent. And with the recent hike in air fares, Nigerian airlines may default on loans obligation, according to Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane. Rewane, who made this disclosure in his monthly economic news and views, said that the global airline share prices dropped by 11.6…

In furtherance of its continued commitment to youth empowerment across the country, Dana Air has supported the United Nations International Youth Day Celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.   Tagged: ‘Youth Leading Sustainability with special focus on eradication of poverty globally in 2030 through sustainable consumption and preservation,  the United Nations International Youth Day, is observed annually on 12 August. It is an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. According to the accountable Manager of…

In any depressed economy, air operators naturally try to cut corners (even in the USA and UK). It takes a vigilant regulator and active checks and balances to prevent such practices from becoming the norm. WOLE SHADARE writes Nigeria, others in recession Nigeria is not the only nation hit by economic recession. Many countries are also in that situation but how countries get out of it is one that has dominated headlines. Aviation like every…

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) has commenced the provision of handling services for the 2016 Hajj operations, with the take off of  Medview Airlines B747-400 aircraft first flight from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Hajj/Cargo Terminal to Saudi Arabia with about 450 pilgrims. Spokesman for SAHCOL, Basil Agboarumi said the firm shall be providing total ground handling services, covering Ramp, Passenger and Baggage to the three officially accredited airlines (Medview Airline, Max Air and…