Aviation
Aviation Cargo Handling Agents Urged to Be Vigilant
LAGOS – Aviation cargo handling agents have been told to insist on 100 per cent examination of cargoes they handle for their clients in order to avoid being tricked into shipping dangerous goods that could lead to explosion on board a flight.
This advice was given by Mr Aghogban Bright, Group Head, Regional Biz/Cargo Shed Manager of Greater Washington Logistics during an enlightenment seminar organised for cargo agents in conjunction with Aero Contractor Airline at the airline’s head office. He said agents have been known to accept goods which turn out to be dangerous and inflammable goods, that have led to air crashes.
Bright further said inflammable goods are among items prohibited from boarding as they could easily ignite fire on board a flight. Most Nigeria domestic airlines do not accept inflammable goods on board. However, cargo agents have to been aware of the implications of having such inflammable goods on board. According to him; “your action or inaction can lead to tragedy. As a shipper, you have the right to know what the shipper is shipping . You must know what is inside the item.”
He, however, said inflammable goods are transported by air but special care is taken in packing and loading of the goods on board the plane.
Speaking also at the seminar, Mr Austine Eboigbe, a Safety Inspector with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, said airlines are mandated to give their cargo handling agents training on cargo handling. He said agents should be able to know and identify dangerous goods.
Eboigbe further said there are hidden dangerous goods that the agents must be able to identify. These include breathing apparatus for sick persons, lighters, perfumes, body sprays, magnets, etc. Items like magnets are dangerous to flight operation as they distort signals from control towers.
Eboigbe disclosed that there are sanctions for violators of the extant safety regulations. Airlines which breach these rules can have their operation licences withdrawn. If the breach is minor, fine can be imposed on the airline or the persons involved.
Also at the seminar, an official of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Nasril Kotangora, warned the agents to be wary of those shippers who insist on quick passage of their luggage without proper screening as they might have prohibited items on them. He further warned the agents that the agency will arrest whoever is found with prohibited items not necessarily the owner of the item. And so, they should not sacrifice themselves for unscrupulous businessmen.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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