Aviation

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 says some international flight passengers who presented negative COVID-19 results tested positive for the virus on arrival in Nigeria. Sani Aliyu, national coordinator of the PTF, disclosed this on Tuesday while appearing before a joint senate committee on health and aviation. Appearing alongside Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, Aliyu said there was an instance in which 40 percent of passengers on a single flight tested positive for COVID-19,…

The weight of the coronavirus crisis on air travel could cost the Nigerian and other African economies 3.5 million aviation jobs, triggering a contraction of continental Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $35 billion in 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Wednesday. Until the pandemic outbreak, aviation’s contribution to African labour force and GDP  topped 6.2 million jobs and $56 billion respectively. In its commentary on aviation business in Africa and the Middle East, the…

Aviation unions carried out their threat as they have shut Arik Air operations for allegedly owing its workers several months’ salary arrears The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) as early as 7am barred workers from gaining access into the airline’s offices and disrupted operations of the airlines leading to stranding of passengers. This action has taken a toll on the airline and…

The management of Arik Air Air has called on the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika to intervene in the planned industrial action by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) slated for Monday, September 14, 2020. The two unions had promised to to call Arik Air workers out on a strike over alleged non payment of staff salaries in the airline since April after…

Allhaji Mohammed Tukur has been turbaned as the Walin Bakori by the District Head of Bakori, the Makama Katsina Hakimin Bakori, Alhaji Sule Idris Sule. The District Head, Alhaij Idris described Alhaji Mohammed Tukur as a philanthropist whose humanitarian services cut across boundaries. According to the traditional ruler, the tittle which means a Senior Special Adviser to the District Head of Bakori places him in position of an arbiter within the domain. The traditional ruler…

34 nations show serious commitment   Although, Nigeria has signed up to the Single African Air Transport Market, (SAATM), the country is yet to fully implement what is generally termed Africa’s own ‘Open Skies’ policy. Countries that have fully implemented the SAATM concrete measures include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Mozambique, Niger, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, The Gambia and Togo. But Nigeria appears among countries 34 nations that shown serious commitment to implementing the flagship…

 Emirates has announced it will resume passenger services to Lagos September 7 and Abuja September 9, 2020. The resumption of flights to both Nigerian cities takes Emirates’ African network to 13 destinations, as the airline works hard to help its customers travel safely and confidently, implementing industry-leading health and safety measures at all points of the travel journey. Flights to Lagos will operate four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.  Flights to/from Abuja…

IATA frowns at govts policies to air travel recovery   Top airline executives are becoming increasingly frustrated as government policies such as closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines continue to hamper the recovery of travel demand. This is at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to work together to come up with alternatives to blanket border closures and quarantine measures. “Protecting their citizens must be the top priority of governments,” said Alexandre…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to work together to urgently find ways to re-establish global connectivity by re-opening borders and to continue with relief measures to sustain airlines during the COVID-19 crisis. IATA’s call reflects deep industry frustration as government policies such as closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines continue to annihilate travel demand. The clearing house for over 290 global airlines said this was evident in a disappointing “peak…

House of Representatives has appealed to aviation workers to sheath their sword and prepare to present their grievances against the airports’ concession before the National Assembly. House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji who was reacting to the peaceful protest embarked by the aviation unions on Monday assured them that both committees of the Senate and House of Representatives would assiduously intervene in the matter as soon as possible. He commended the workers…