Aviation
DHL’s focus on Africa pays off
• Over 20 external awards in 2013 across range of functions, including HR and Customer Service
• Managing Director, Charles Brewer: “We have 3,500 amazing people who put the customer in the center of their world and this is a great recognition for their efforts”
CAPE-TOWN – DHL, the world leader in international express delivery, has reinforced its claim to be “The International Specialists” with external recognition in all continents in 2013 across a broad range of functional disciplines.
The latest recognition, the Frost & Sullivan award for Market Penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa brings the total number of external honors won by DHL Express since January 2013 to over 20. Of these, awards have been won across numerous functions – from superior customer service, great operational quality to our marketing efforts and social impact in local communities.
“I love my people and the great work that they do. These awards are testimonial to their passion, speed, can-do attitude and team-work,” said Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa. “An award in Mozambique, Uganda or Gabon is not just significant for that particular market. We hope that this sends out a message to our customers about our commitment to Africa and the service excellence that we have built over the last 35 years.”
“When researching the logistics and Express sector, it was obvious that DHL was making major process in Africa, through its aggressive expansion programme,” comments Frost & Sullivan Business Unit Leader for Energy & Environment, Cornelis van der Waal, who awarded DHL for its expansion programme in Africa.
“Their foray into the informal retail market, and their partnership with postal operators has seen them more than quadruple their retail outlets across the continent in just a few months. It was an impressive story, and one that needed to be recognised.”
“We have gone from 300 to over 2,000 retail points because our customers asked us to. We are lucky that we have people who put the customer in the heart of everything they do and when you combine the attitude of our people with the skills they learn from our global Certified International Specialist program (CIS), it creates a winner.” said Sumesh Rahavendra, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
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.
2025: Nigerian States Fail To Achieve 60% Budget Execution In 2024
New African Magazine Reveals 2024’s 100 Most Influential Africans (Full List)
Northern Group Condemns Sokoto Bombing, Demands Independent Probe
Nigeria Denies Niger’s Allegations Of Collaborating With France
German President Calls Early Election After Dissolving Parliament
N180m Stolen From NGO Account, Says VDM
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
