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African airlines are seeing growth and recovery after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Major airplane makers like Boeing and Airbus are becoming bullish in the aircraft supply market. But all these fleet expansions would amount to nothing until most of the bottlenecks hindering development in the continent’s air transport market are removed, writes, WOLE SHADARE   Bright future The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019 shocked the world. The fortune of airlines, not only in Africa…

Is ‘Open Skies,’ Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) a curse to the country? It depends on the divide one belongs. Despite its lopsidedness, Nigerian carriers can take advantage of the pact to enhance or expand their scope writes WOLE SHADARE   Nigeria holds talks with US The Nigerian government has begun a very high-powered discussion with the United States Government on how to extend the frontiers of the Open Skies agreement signed 22 years ago,…

It is still a surprise to many how Nigeria’s premium airline, Aero Contractors, was run aground. Like a scene in a horror film, Nigerians watched in disbelief how the carrier became a shadow of its former self. But, Capt Ado Sanusi who heads the carrier is in a race to turn the fortunes of the airline around, writes WOLE SHADARE A rebirth? The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)-backed Aero Contractors last week relaunched services…

The rush Every year, and most especially as the year begins to come to an end, many airline operators are in frenzy about how to cater to their travelers. During this period, many operators engage in the acquisition of aircraft either by outright purchase, which is rare at this clime or through the lease. The popular mode of acquisition, which is popular amongst airline operators in Nigeria, is either through wet lease or dry lease…

Whatever the argument is, the truth is that Lagos airport as it is today cannot be ranked favourably with some of its peers in many parts of the world. Successive governments have promised to deliver on how to make Lagos airport rank alongside OR Tambo, Bole International Airport, Mohammed V Airport, and Casablanca but that has not come to fruition. Many hope that the planned aerotropolis of Lagos airport whether now or in the future…

The first Nigerian pilot, Capt Bob Hayes would continue to be in the news for all the right reasons. His exploits in the field of aviation as a pilot who opened the floodgates for young Nigerians to embrace flying can never be over-emphasised. It was an evening of celebration of the iconic airman. Left to Capt Bob Hayes, he wouldn’t want an elaborate celebration. A very modest man who inspite of his accomplishments remains very humble…

The Phillips Consulting Limited’s Nigeria’s aviation industry 2022 survey report is a must-read for industry stakeholders. WOLE SHADARE who was at a Breakfast meeting held by the firm in Lagos recently to discuss challenges in the aviation industry observes how issues highlighted in the report could shape airline business, and customer service and help the growth of a sector with enormous potential The COVID-19 damage In 2020, the aviation industry in Nigeria was decimated by COVID-19, with…

For African carriers and some governments in Africa restricting air services to poorly served African destinations, the question is, what are they really protecting? WOLE SHADARE writes that the continent may actually be shooting itself in the foot with protectionism, constricting air traffic growth   Constrictions amid huge potential Aviation has the potential to make an important contribution to economic growth and development within Africa. Air transport can open and connect markets, facilitating trade and enabling local…

Ethiopian Airlines is in the eyes of the storm. The carrier is so successful that its success is becoming a huge problem for many airlines and other stakeholders who likened its role in many parts of Africa as predatory, writes, WOLE SHADARE Burden of success Never has success become a huge burden than what the best airline in Africa is going through at the moment. Is Ethiopian Airlines a victim of its own success? The…

Airports are more than runways and terminals. Airports are powerful engines of economic growth and possibility for local communities not only in Nigeria but across the globe, writes, WOLE SHADARE More airports spring up In Nigeria, airports are springing up at an alarming rate. In fact, cities of less than 100 kilometers are now been connected by air through aerodromes that state governments are constructing; one as a tool for winning elections, attracting economic prosperity to…