Aviation
2013: Politicians should leave aviation industry alone says Okewu
…says it is possible to have an hours flight between N10,000 to N15,000
By Oyise OGHENE
LAGOS: President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Mr. Benjamin Okewu yesterday called on all politicians who have turned themselves to aviation experts and analysts to desist from interfering in the affairs of the industry.
Speaking to newsmen in his office, Mr. Okewu pointed out that in other climes it was only aviation professionals who were allowed to run and man the industry adding that aviation entails a lot of technicalities which should only be done by professionals.
According to him, the involvement of politicians in aviation business was a way of mortgaging the safety of the Nigerian travelling publics as he said that if safety should be adhered to as it is done globally then things should be done professionally.
He said “politicians who have turn themselves to aviation analyst and experts should leave the aviation industry alone in Nigeria this year 2013, so as to give safety a chance, this is how it is done all over the world. In the case of the Dana crash you witnessed and hear politicians who don’t know anything in the industry saying words that were derogatory to the aviation industry in Nigeria”
“By the grace of God, I will be in the inaugural flight of Dana air tomorrow and I wonder what role the House of Representatives have to do in matters relating to aviation. When have you heard that the House of Congress in the United States of America were legislating on issues relating to aviation, it is left solely to the Federal Aviation Administration ( US FAA) in America”
Commenting on the plans of the Federal Government to give 30 aircraft to domestic airlines and make airfares affordable between the rate of N10,000 to N15,000 for an hour flight, the ATSSSAN boss said that it is possible for airfare to be pegged at such prices depending on the type of the aircraft and the policies put in place by the government.
“It is possible to have such fares, it depends on the type of the aircraft and its fuel endurance. It also depends on the policies of the government, if the government wants to do that, then they must give a transition period. I don’t think that government should force any airline to fix their prices at N10,000 or N15,000, all they should do is to put favourable policies in place and the fares will naturally reduce on its own. When you use the word force it sound somehow, there is nothing wrong in government providing alternatives for the airlines” he affirmed.
Also speaking on the emergency installation of the Air Field Lighting System at Runway 18 left of the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Comrade Okewu pointed out that since the installation, airlines had been landing and taking off beyond 6pm.
According to him, from my discussions with Air Traffic Controllers, they said that the airfield lighting system is working adding that he wants to commend the government for putting such temporary measures in place to ameliorated the plight of the airlines.
“I want to thank the government for putting such emergency air field lighting system in place but we still need a permanent one. If it means re awarding the contract so that we can have a permanent solution to the problem of Runway 18 left once and for all” he added.
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Kyari Oversees NNPC Ltd’s Transparent Recruitment Aptitude Test
It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
READ MORE: JUST IN: FG Battles Against Seizure Of Presidential Jets In France
Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
READ MORE: Bobrisky Defends Egungun of Lagos Amid Viral Video Scandal
Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
