Aviation
How Aviation Solutions Group Will Help Nigeria’s College Of Aviation Technology
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, is set to receive a significant boost after the Aviation Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aviation Solutions Group (ASG).
The move is part of ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the college and position it as a regional training centre for Africa in civil aviation.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the MoU will help NCAT improve its competencies, training and certification, while the ASG and its affiliates will provide ground handling services, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO), and other training services for the College.
The partnership is also expected to create new “vistas of opportunities” for the college and the aviation sector in general.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribole, described the signing of the MoU as a “watershed” moment, noting that the collaboration would enhance NCAT’s capacity and improve the quality of aviation training and services in Nigeria.
He also informed the ASG management that Nigeria was the ultimate destination and hub of aviation in Africa, and any investment in the sector is an investment worth the while and not misplaced.
The ASG’s Business Development Executive, Vygaudas Usackas, lauded the collaboration and assured of the readiness of the company to ensure the implementation of the MoU to the letter. He described Nigeria as a very important country in Africa with huge potential and a ready market for aviation.
The group has a robust relationship with some domestic airline operators in Nigeria and has been offering some mutually beneficial services.
The Nigerian government has also expressed its commitment to invest in the sector, with the collaboration with ASG being a subset of the Aviation Master Plan envisioned by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This plan aims to enhance the safety and security of air transport in Nigeria, promote the development of indigenous capacity in aviation, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for air transportation in Africa.
The partnership between NCAT and ASG is expected to promote the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry, creating more job opportunities and boosting the country’s economy.
With the provision of assistance for the acquisition of three Full Flight Simulators and certification of one B737NG Full Flight Simulator, the college will be well-equipped to train aviation professionals to the highest standards.
Overall, the signing of the MoU between the Aviation Ministry and ASG is a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the Aviation Master Plan and promoting the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry.
It is hoped that this partnership will attract more investment in the sector and boost Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for air transportation in 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.
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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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