Aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the clearing house for 260 airlines across the globe expressed concern that the demand for air travel is growing at slow pace owing to the fragile and uncertain economic backdrop, political shock and a wave of terrorist attacks that are contributing to a softer demand environment. This disclosure was made by IATA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Tyler when he announced global passenger traffic data for June…

Nigeria is firmly positioned to reap abundantly from aviation, occasioned by huge potential in the sector. But dominance of the market by foreign airlines, small aircraft capacity and faulty policies have eroded the gains that should have accrued to the sector. WOLE SHADARE writes   Frittered air pacts Nigeria has become the butt of jokes for her inability to position the aviation industry and for failing to capitalise on the different Bilateral Air Services Agreements…

*Airlines lose N4B on Naira depreciation on trapped funds *FG distances self from aircraft repair project    Aviation experts converged in Lagos to brainstorm on factors that have held the aviation industry down for many decades, warning that the aviation sector may collapse if the drift is not stemmed. They cited lack of maintenance hangar for airline operators which has cost them over N500 billion in the past five years; scarcity of foreign exchange which…

*Agency suspends suspect The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and arrested one Christy Olabode, a level grade 6 officer over diversion and theft of at least N70 million belonging to the agency. Olabode, who works in the accounts department at the agency’s headquarters at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), reportedly stole the funds by manipulating furniture allowances between 2013 and 2016. The management of the Federal Airports…

The Chief Executive Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Captain Jari Williams said Nigeria was long overdue for a world class Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility to serve the domestic and regional maintenance requirements of the aviation industry and provide support for the aircraft leasing business.  An MRO is, no doubt, a critical and very important aviation infrastructure. L-R: Representative of the Honourable Minister of State for Aviation and Director of Operation in the…

Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Arik Air has won another accolade with the award of West African Airline of the Year bestowed on it at the Ghana Aviation Awards 2016 held in Accra on Friday, July 29, 2016. The special recognition award, according to Ghana Aviation Awards Events Director, Richard Abbey Jnr, was conferred on Arik Air because of its achievement in airline business leadership and commitment to safety. The impressive award ceremony held at Movenpick…

Boeing has said that it is weighing a decision to end production of the B747 jetliner. The U.S. aircraft-maker is responding to a trend in the industry away from large jets like the B747 toward small and midsize planes that are more fuel efficient and suitable for the needs of airlines, especially the growing ranks of budget carriers. Boeing’s decision to stop manufacturing the 747 would close a chapter in the history of civil aviation….

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, July 28, visited the Head Office of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc. The visit which was without incident was basically a fact-finding one as the operatives asked to the see the MD/CEO, Mr. Norbert Bielderman, who was currently out of the country. In the absence of the MD, they asked to see the Executive Director/Company Secretary, Mrs. Folashade Ode, who was also…

*Action may hasten local airline collaps *African carriers play second fiddle to foreign counterparts   The Federal Government has promised to give more frequencies to foreign airlines operating into the country that wish to increase its frequency (flight time). This comes with a proviso as the government said it would be granted as long as the nation’s interests are not compromised. The disclosure was made by Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, saying it…