Aviation
Nigerian Airports will not be transit points for Ebola-FG
The new Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka Tuesday assured Nigerians that the country’s airports will not be transit points for the transmission of the Ebola virus. The minister gave the assurance while briefing aviation reporters on the outcome of his facility tour of Lagos Airport and interaction with aviation union workers.
He also affirmed that the Aviation Master Plan was still on course. According to Chidoka “I assumed office at a time that the world is faced with a great challenge, the challenge of the Ebola Virus, so part of the visit to Lagos yesterday, (Monday), was to review the medical procedure that has been put in place at the airport, the screening of passengers coming in and leaving Lagos and to reassure all Nigerians that we are doing our best within our ability to make our airports safe from the virus”.
Commissioner, Accident and Investigation Bureau, Dr Felix Abali; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Dr Jumaila Shu’ara and Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday He also said “ You can agree with me that the testing so far has been useful, you may also agree with me that the proactive manner with which Mr. President has reacted to the issue of Ebola virus, highlighting it and making it of national importance and coming out to make sure that the country does not go back in the fight against that virus has shown a path way for all of us, so that is why we decided to go to the airport yesterday to interact at the airport and to reassure Nigerians of the government commitment to keeping our airports safe and to making sure that it is not a transit point for the transmission of the Ebola virus.
”The minister solicited the corporation of all Nigerians as according to him “Ebola virus is not a political issue, it is not an issue for passing the buck, it is an issue against humanity, it is an issue that we should all rise up and fight, it is an issue we should all show restrain and also compassion for those that have been infected with this illness especially members of the medical team who are everyday exposed to people with this virus.
”“So I want to assure all Nigerians of our commitment in keeping our airports Ebola virus free. It is a total commitment which I have the alignment of all the unions and stakeholders in the aviation industry. We will let you know our plans after we have met with the stakeholders in a couple of weeks, we will be sharing that plan with the media in making our airports safe and ensuring that passengers travel in comfort and convenience “Chidoka also restated his commitment to the implementation of the aviation Master Plan and Road Map. “
To this end, our visit yesterday at the airport showed that a lot of progress has been made in the industry. Our engagement with the stakeholders has led to the affirmation that the aviation master plan is a document to be built on, our engagement with the key unions have shown that the industry is align in making sure that the aviation master plan and the road map remains a defining document in chatting our way forward.
Vanguard-
Aviation
Accra Bound Aircraft Loses Engine Mid-Air After Departing NAIA, Abuja
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.
Aviation
FG Secures 12 Pre-Owned Alpha Jets to Bolster Nigeria’s Air Power
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.
Aviation
Festive Season: Aero Contractors Slashes Ticket Prices To N80,000
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.