Aviation
FG urged not to destroy the aviation industry
By Oyise OGHENE
LAGOS: General Secretary, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Alhaji Muhammed Tukur yesterday warned the Federal Government and members of the National Assembly on aviation committees in both houses not to destroy the aviation industry and what the industry has achieved in time past.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Alhaji Tukur pointed out that for over seven months now since the ill-fated Dana crash occurred, politicians as well as airline operators have been witch-hunting themselves trying to undo one another.
He however called on the members of the National Assembly to do the right thing and to save the industry from total collapse adding that the Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah also has a role to play in whatever they were doing if not done right and appropriately that they were indicting the presidency for not delivering the dividend of good governance in the aviation industry as promised by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Alhaji Tukur said ’’We are all aware of the crisis that is going on in the aviation industry after the crash of Dana air in the National Assembly and that is why I have to invite you today to talk with you, it has to do with the policy going on within the operators and the National Assembly, so let me cease this opportunity first to call on the National Assembly to save the aviation industry, save the industry by doing the right thing and not destroying what the industry has achieved for long”
He further stressed that since the Dana air crash some people both on the side of the National Assembly and airline operators have used the opportunity in making a lot of money in what he described as eating from the dead stressing that the situation has gone to a level that if not properly checked would lead to a total collapsed of the aviation industry.
On the part of the airline operators, Alhaji Tukur stressed that they should work together as working at variance would only help in plunging the industry into further crisis situation adding that the situation has gotten to a level of security situation whereby AON had to advise most of the operators to improve on their security of their staffs and aircraft.
“It has gotten to the extend whereby we have to advice our members that you should add more security to your aircraft because the way things are going, we are getting news that there may be somebody that will connive in order to bring down an aircraft because they want to achieve political gain, I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, to call on all stakeholders and security agencies to focus on this aviation matter seriously because it has taken a dangerous dimension. In a situation whereby a particular airline owe, some people will just engage themselves for blackmailing other operators when they are using the same method, it is very dangerous”
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
