Aviation
Domestic Airspace Witnesses 47,144 Delayed Flights in 2022
The vicissitudes of the economy and operating environment impact heavily on the aviation sector in 2022 with up to 47,144 flights delayed within the domestic airspace.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) made this disclosure in a recent report.
The report pointed at Overland Airways, Azman Air, Arik Air and United Airlines as toping the charts on flight delays in 2022.
According to the report, going by the number of flights carried out in year 2022 by a carrier over the number of delays, Overland tops the chart.
The airline operated 2926 flights, 2451 of which were delayed. This amounts to 84 percent delays in all flights it operated. In addition, the airline recorded 11 flight cancellations.
Next in line was Azman Air with 2,555 flight delays out of 3,713 flights operated. This indicates that 69 percent of flights operated were delayed.
Third on the delay ranking was Arik Air, which operated 9,750 flights within the period under review, 6,440 of which were delayed. This stands at 66 percent delays in its operations, while 110 flight cancellations were recorded within the period.
In the same vein, United Nigeria recorded 42 cancellations in its 6,097 flights, 4,000 of which were delayed. As in Arik Air, this amounts to 66 percent of flight delays.
In the case of Dana Air, it operated 4,440 flights, 2,906 of which were delayed. Also this translates to 65 percent delays and 24 flight-cancellations.
The annual report has it that Air Peace recorded the highest number of flights with 24,449 domestic flights and 14,908 delays. In this, the airline recorded highest operational efficiency with 61 percent flight delays, while also weighing in with 129 cancellations.
On its part, Aero Contractors recorded 3,106 flights, 1,889 delays and 99 cancellations. This put airline at par with Air Peace on the flight-delay radar at 61 percent.
The report also has it that Green Africa operated 4,648 flights with 2,111 delays showing a 45 per cent delayed flight. The airline also recorded 79 flight cancellations.
The report was titled Executive Summary of International and Domestic Operations in Nigeria (January- December 2022).
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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