Aviation
Vietnam Airlines Sign $1.7 Billion Engine Deal with GE
HANOI—Vietnam Airlines signed a $1.7 billion contract Monday to buy and lease 40 new jet engines from GE Aviation, a unit of General Electric Co. GE as it seeks to raise its profile as an Asian carrier.
The state-of-the-art GEnx engines will be used for the flag carrier’s fleet of Boeing Co. BA 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline is purchasing eight of the planes to be delivered beginning in the second quarter of 2015.
Vietnam Airlines said it would purchase 18 engines and lease 22 others from GE Aviation.
“I strongly believe that the operation of B787 will be a success, helping us to expand our network, improving our services and ultimately realizing our target of becoming one of Asia’s carriers of choice by 2020,” Vietnam Airlines Chief Executive Pham Ngoc Minh said.
State-owned Vietnam Airlines plans to expand its fleet to 101 planes by 2015 and to 150 planes by 2020, from 82 currently. The carrier operates more than 300 flights daily to 21 domestic and 28 international destinations.
The deal marks a milestone for the General Electric’s efforts to strengthen its foothold in Vietnam and Southeast Asia and underlines the growing economic ties between Vietnam and the U.S.
“GE and Vietnam Airlines are long-term partners…and providing (Vietnam Airlines) with the very latest technology will enhance its operating performance and environmental credentials,” said Stuart Dean, GE’s chief executive for the Southeast Asian region.
The U.S. increasingly sees Vietnam as an economic and strategic partner in Southeast Asia, where an ascendant China is exerting its influence. Two-way trade between the two countries rose to a record $24.5 billion last year from $21.5 billion in 2011. Vietnam is also in talks to join the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade pact, potentially boosting trade further.
Earlier this month, the Obama administration agreed to sell nuclear fuel and technology to Vietnam, which has an ambitious plan to develop up to 13 nuclear power reactors by 2030.
– WALL STREET JOURNAL
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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