Aviation
Naira slump, hiked fuel price push up airfares
LAGOS-Airfares on domestic routes have gone up by over 60 per cent as a result of the fall in naira value and the fluctuating price of aviation fuel, popularly called Jet-A1.
It was gathered that most airlines operating one hour flights across the country had adjusted their fares upwards.
For instance, a one-way Flight from Lagos to Abuja that usually attracted between N15,000 and N20,000 had been raised to N25,000 or N35,000, depending on the airline.
Findings showed that Arik Air was charging about N30,000 for a one-way flight, while Aero Contractors charged N25,000.
Some front desk officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja told our correspondent that airfares were cheaper on Mondays and Tuesdays because of the low traffic on those days.
Although new carriers such as Air Peace charged between N18,000 and N20,000, they often directed passengers to do the transaction online so as to reduce the operating cost for the carrier.
High fares were also charged during rush periods, especially during weekends.
An airline operator and former Secretary-General, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Tukur, said aircraft of many airlines travelled with far less their passengers’ capacity.
He told our correspondent that this had been compounded by the recent crash in the naira.
“The airline operators have even tried. When the naira started falling, they did not increase airfares. But since it has persisted and is now affecting Jet-A1, they have to adjust the fares in order to survive. They have to pay salaries, buy spare parts, pay their dues to agencies of the government and service other costs that keep the business afloat. So, basically it is a survival strategy that the airlines have adopted to stay in business.”
Tukur also stated that the cost of maintaining airplanes was increasing by the day.
He said, “Some airlines flying out of Abuja travel with about 20 passengers onboard and this is as a result of the harsh economy. A lot of people do not have money to fly again. People are cutting down on travels in order to save money and this is because of the economic hardships.”
On how aviation fuel was affecting airfares, Tukur said the product was being imported and marketers had to buy it in foreign currency despite its high cost.
Tukur said, “The oil marketers import aviation fuel and that is a problem. They have to buy dollar at high rate despite interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria. So, it is a problem.
The President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Mr. Isaac Balami, told our correspondent that some operators were finding it tough to cope, especially when their aircraft was due for C-Check outside the country.
He explained that it cost about $2m to carry out the C-Check maintenance on aircraft.
Balami said, “We sell tickets in naira in the industry, but when we are paying for maintenance, insurance, expert services and others, it is in dollar. Now if you want to buy dollar, it is at a very high rate. So, this is the reason why airfares have been jerked up by airlines. The C-Check done by airlines cost between $1.5m and $2m and this is paid for in dollars. You now imagine how much naira you will have to change in order to get $2m.”
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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