Fleet depletion, capacity cut, reduced travel put airline business on edge

Fleet depletion, capacity cut, reduced travel put airline business on edge

 The vacuum created by the temporary absence of some carriers has created capacity issues for other operators, writes, WOLE SHADARE Scaling down While airlines are scaling up and acquiring aircraft by way of expansion, the country’s airline industry has taken a hit; no thanks to the downturn in the economy and the purchasing power of many Nigerians. Gone are the days when the middle-income earners could afford to engage in luxury and by extension see air…

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Protectionism: Barrier to Africa’s air transport liberalisation

Protectionism: Barrier to Africa’s air transport liberalisation

Despite very strong protectionism, we are all witnesses to the short life span of most of the African national carriers with an average life cycle of about 15 years maximum. WOLE SHADAREwrites that protectionism as much as it can be defended may have backfired on the continent’s air transport growth Key factor One key component of unlocking air transport connectivity in Africa is through the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) otherwise known as Africa’s ‘Open…

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Aviation half year review: Re-engineering for positive development

Aviation half year review: Re-engineering for positive development

The aviation industry in the first half of the year particularly the last quarter of the year did not perform too badly. However, more efforts must be put into ensuring the success of the entire value chain. WOLE SHADARE writes that the sector including airlines needs the government’s support to succeed The aviation industry in Nigeria for many has witnessed relative stability in the second quarter of 2024 much more different from the first quarter when the…

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Africa’s aviation obstacles to reaching 2050 net zero deadline

Africa’s aviation obstacles to reaching 2050 net zero deadline

The aviation industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices to mitigate its environmental impact. However, WOLE SHADARE writes that aside from the huge costs associated with SAF, other factors such paucity of funds that make it difficult for them to acquire newer aircraft may make the 2050 net zero target unrealistic Time frame The disclosure penultimate week at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) held in Dubai,…

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Evaluating TRACON, airspace architecture performance 13 years after

Evaluating TRACON, airspace architecture performance 13 years after

Nigeria was hailed for pulling through the total radar coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system. That era began the modernisation of the country’s airspace. WOLE SHADARE evaluates the effectiveness of the system 13 years after installation From worse to applause There was a time when Nigerian airspace was categorised as one of the worst in Africa comparable with many others put in that bracket. This was a horrible period in the history of aviation in the…

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Air transport, soft target for labour unrest

Air transport, soft target for labour unrest

The aviation industry has come under severe disruptions whenever labour unions call out their members for protest. It is seen as a soft target for protesters and its damaging effects on an industry that is on life support, writes, WOLE SHADARE Familiar feature Hardly six weeks goes by without the announcement of a strike in air transport in all its components: flight crews, airline ground staff, airports, handling agents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and air…

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BA: Consolidating presence in Nigeria with improved lounge

BA: Consolidating presence in Nigeria with improved lounge

When it comes to premium travel, British Airways prides itself as one of the leaders. Its newly refurbished First and business class lounge opens a new vista to giving high network passengers a new customer experience, writes, WOLE SHADARE Continuous improvement One of the world’s biggest carriers, British Airways may have cemented its position as a leader in the Nigerian aviation market just as the carrier is investing millions of pounds to improve its premium customers’…

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Visa: Remediating African obstacles

Visa: Remediating African obstacles

Embracing liberal visa policies will not only facilitate seamless travel but also contribute significantly to enhanced trade in goods and services, cross-border investment and shared prosperity, writes, WOLE SHADARE Visa-free Africa Lots of commentators/observers (international and local) have argued on the issue of a Visa-free Africa, being the route to Africa’s integration. Some have said it’s necessary for a liberalised Africa and easy movement of Africans across borders, free movement of goods and services and…

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‘Open Skies’ albatross for Nigerian carriers

‘Open Skies’ albatross for Nigerian carriers

  Despite a five-year head start, US carriers trump Nigerian carriers in the unrestricted capacity and frequency of service, writes, WOLE SHADARE Solidifying ‘Open Skies’ The US-Nigeria ‘Open Skies’, agreement which has been provisionally applied since 2000 entered into force on May 13, 2024. The agreement includes provisions that allow for unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities between the two countries.   “This bilateral agreement establishes…

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Exploring the economics of private jet charter business

Exploring the economics of private jet charter business

Private jet demand is booming as charter rather than ownership is becoming a cost-cutting measure for the wealthy and busy CEOs, writes, WOLE SHADARE Hard times The reality of the harsh global economy is making the ownership of private jets no longer something multi-billionaires now fancy. Even people who are not in the billionaire club but had once desired to own their jets as a result of the enormous financial resources they are surrounded with no…

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