Aviation
Senator Olujimi Warns Of Airfare Hike Impact On Aviation Industry
Senator Biodun Olujimi, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Aviation, has expressed concerns about the potential adverse effects of the recent rise in airfares on the aviation sector.
During the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria National Aviation Conference titled “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Monday, Senator Olujimi emphasized the need to prevent any work stoppages by aviation unions.
Senator Olujimi highlighted that if the significant increase in airfares persists, the aviation industry will face severe consequences.
In addition, Senator Olujimi elaborated that although there may be justifications for the rise in airfares, it is crucial to strike a balance that allows more individuals to travel by air while supporting the development of the aviation sector.
She said, “I think this is an opportunity for them to address it because the industry will suffer if there is this very heavy increase in airfares.”
“Yes, there are reasons why the airfares go up but there is also a need for us to have a balance for many people to embrace the aviation industry and that is key to the development of the industry,” she noted.
Senator Olujimi strongly reiterated that picketing is strictly prohibited in the aviation industry. She urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and workers’ associations to explore alternative methods for resolving their concerns that do not involve picketing at airports.
She stressed, “What I find very unnerving is that there should be a way for the NLC and workers association to settle all their grievances without bringing them to the airport and most of the issues that were put on the front burner were already settled and sealed by the various agencies.
“I think the time is ripe for the NLC and the worker’s unions to know that there are certain industries where picketing can not be allowed, and aviation is one of them,” she added.
During her remarks, Senator Olujimi took the opportunity to express her appreciation to the heads of various agencies for their commendable performance despite the challenges faced by the aviation sector.
She acknowledged the initial successes achieved in the industry’s roadmap; however, she emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance law enforcement and address unresolved matters that require attention.
Meanwhile, Capt Rabiu Yadudu, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, shared that the primary objective of the conference is to establish a cohesive platform where all industry stakeholders can convene.
“The primary aim of the conference is to provide a unified platform for all industry stakeholders to come together, with a view to discussing challenges militating against the growth and development of the nation’s aviation industry, as well as proffer viable solutions to such challenges.” he said.
Yadudu added that the conference would serve as an essential forum to showcase the existing investment opportunities within the industry. It aims to attract potential investors who are keen on making significant returns on their investments.
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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