Aviation
Aero resumes Lagos – Kaduna flights
LAGOS – Aero airline has commenced daily commercial flight operations on the Lagos – Kaduna route and promises to increase operations to twice daily with a promotional ticket fare of N13, 000 one way from August 29, 2013.
The flight which will be operated with the modern Q-400 aircraft will depart Lagos at 7am to arrive Kaduna at 08.25am and thereafter leave Kaduna at 08.55am to arrive Lagos at 10.20am.
The afternoon flight will depart Lagos at 3pm, to get into Kaduna at 4.25pm and leave Kaduna for Lagos at 5pm to arrive Lagos at 6.25pm.
The airline announced suspension of flight operation into Kaduna and Jos effective from October 1, 2010.
The service into these two cities was launched in November 2009, but Aero says services into the cities would be suspended due to the state of revenue performance on the routes. the airline affirmed that it did not receive incentives from locals nor reduction in fees; which made flying the routes un profitable.
The airline claimed that its decision to resume to one of the North Central cities, Kaduna was borne out of the importance attached to the ‘Liberal State’ now ‘Centre of Education’ and Kaduna city which once served as the capital of old Northern Region of Nigeria.
Speaking on how the resumption of flight to Kaduna to further intensify its operations in the Northern part of Nigeria, the Managing Director of Aero, Hugh Fraser said; “These are indeed exciting times for us at Aero as our customers who use the Kaduna airport will now have more regular and timely flights between Lagos and Kaduna.”
The addition of Kaduna on our network is an indication of our commitment to the growth of Nigerian aviation. Moreover, Kaduna is Nigeria’s largest textile-manufacturing centre and has other major industries as well.
“We are resuming the route with two flights daily and as traffic increases on the route, we also anticipate increasing our frequency. The airline will be taking delivery of more aircraft any time from now to beef up its operations.”
With the resumption on the Kaduna route the airline remains the only airline to serve twice daily flights to Kaduna with a competitive fare in the market that appeals to families, students, business communities and leisure travellers.
The airline is the first domestic carrier in Nigeria to introduce online booking and payment, SMS booking with mobile phone payments, online check in, and automated customer care centre thereby making travel easier and convenient for the customers. It is also the first to acquire the aircraft maintenance organization (AMO) certificate which allows it to maintain its aircrafts and for other airlines.
At present, Aero operates over 55 flights a day to more than 13 destinations, including Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Warri, Benin, Uyo, Kano, Enugu, Accra and Douala with plans to open more routes.
Speaking on how the resumption of flight to Kaduna will further intensify its operations in the Northern part of Nigeria, the Managing Director of Aero, Hugh Fraser said; “These are indeed exciting times for us at Aero as our customers who use the Kaduna airport will now have more regular and timely flights between Lagos and Kaduna.
“The addition of Kaduna on our network is an indication of our commitment to the growth of Nigerian aviation. Moreover, Kaduna is Nigeria’s largest textile-manufacturing centre and has other major industries as well.
“We are resuming the route with two flights daily and as traffic increases on the route, we also anticipate increasing our frequency. The airline will be taking delivery of more aircraft any time from now to beef up its operations.”
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
