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How easy is it reviewing policies that have hindered the growth of Nigerian carriers? Time will tell if plans by the National Assembly to review multiple designations to foreign airlines won’t go the way of others, writes, WOLE SHADARE Strong battle ahead Aviation is not a stand-alone in any country. Aviation is a reflection of the policies and the financial health of any country. So, when aviation is taken and the country is not doing…

N4 billion stimulus package for Nigerian airlines amidst existential crises confronting them remains insignificant as the carriers need more urgent financial assistance. WOLE SHADARE writes Better late than never It took too long to arrive at whether or not Nigerian airlines need bailout. The general consensus among airlines and stakeholders is that the airlines need help. That help came two weeks ago when the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, announced that the Federal Government had…

No doubt, the aviation industry in Nigeria needs urgent reforms. Most of the laws operated by Nigerian aviation agencies are obsolete and do not meet the challenges of a fast-paced, dynamic aviation industry. WOLE SHADARE, who was at the public hearing, writes that passage of the six bills will engender best practices for the entire system The public hearing last week in Abuja may have come and gone. The three-day event, which sought inputs from…

Africa is an expensive place for airlines to do business. Having access to finance, market share, good route network, minimising costs and a harmonised regulatory system are all crucial for air transport to develop. WOLE SHADARE writes Airlines on life support The coronavirus pandemic has brought the global aviation industry to its knees, and African carriers are particularly vulnerable as they seek assistance from governments already facing constrained finances. The International Air Transport Association (IATA)…

The little hope of recovery for airlines from COVID-19 crisis may have been lost with the recent unrest that rocked the nation, WOLE SHADARE writes Setback The determination of Nigerian carriers to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak that grounded flights for more than five months was herculean. The nearly one week suspension of flight services by domestic airlines due to #Endsars protests and attendant violence that rocked most parts of the country may have set…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was established by Decree 49 of 1999 of the statutory responsibilities of ensuring regulating, monitoring and promotion of the safety, security, economic and reliability of air navigation oversight in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard and recommended practices. Prior to 1989, the regulations of the aviation industry as well as provision of air traffic services were carried out by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of the Federal…

The damage to air travel from COVID-19 extends into the long-term as African air travel is severely impacted with a slow rebound of the continent’s airlines, Wole Shadare writes     Slow measures The commercial aviation industry rebound from COVID-19 is underway, with the number of flights starting to gradually increase, but widespread recovery could take several years. Most governments in Africa have eased lock-down with the lifting of ban on air travel. Domestic air travel…

Fifth freedom flights would allow hubs carriers to consolidate their networks and boost revenues, says Linus Benjamin Bauer, Managing Director at Bauer Aviation Advisory   Airlines have begun to ramp up network connectivity at any cost. For what has felt like an age, the roars of the engines are finally starting to be heard again. With airlines resuming operations, jostling for prime positions in their core markets, they are signalling to the world that they…