Aviation
FG, US, Collaborate To Establish Direct Flight To Houston, Texas
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, representing the Federal Government of Nigeria, has given an assurance to the United States of America regarding the initiation of preparations for a direct flight route connecting Nigeria to Houston.
Additionally, Nigeria plans to establish a consulate office in Houston to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, conveyed this commitment during a visit by a delegation from the USA, headed by Sylvester Turner, the Mayor of Houston, Texas. The meeting took place in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Meribole expressed satisfaction with the current administration’s positive stance toward investment, tourism, and the enhancement of the existing bilateral relationship.
According to the statement, ”He assured them that all modalities required for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the nations as regards direct flight to Houston Texas will commence as soon as new Ministers are appointed and deployed appropriately.”
The Mayor of Houston, Mr. Sylvester Turner, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Government of Nigeria.
He emphasized that their visit aimed to strengthen the existing relationship between the United States and Africa. Mr. Turner highlighted Houston’s position as Africa’s second-largest urban trade partner in the US, as well as its significant Nigerian diaspora community, underscoring the importance of a direct flight route to the city.
In a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Relations, it was mentioned that Dr. Emmanuel Meribole reiterated the significance of Houston as a gateway for trade to the central and western United States due to its robust infrastructure and strategic geographic location.
The purpose of the visit was to further enhance Houston’s collaboration with Nigeria in areas such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy, and education.
Ambassador Akinyemi Bolaji, representing the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assured the Mayor that the proposal for a consulate office in Houston would be duly considered.
He stated that the Ministry would prioritize Houston, Texas, given their status as the first to make such a request, reflecting the importance placed on strengthening ties with the city.
Prominent figures from various organizations attended the event, including Engr. Gambo, the Director of Admin and Strategy of the Organisation of Youth in International Trade and Commerce, Engr. Akin Olateru, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, and Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, the Chairperson/CEO of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission.
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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