…Aero, FirstNation still in business – NCAA
By Nse Anthony-Uko
ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Another domestic carrier, First Nation Airlines, has suspended its operations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has said.
This is coming less than 24 hours after Aero Contractors Airlines, Nigeria’s second largest commercial carrier, announced an indefinite suspension of its scheduled flight services and asked its staff go to home, with effect from Thursday, September 1, 2016.
No fewer than 14 airlines have withdrawn their services from the country due to low patronage on account of the economic recession, amongst whom are Iberia, United Airlines and Air Gambia.
Besides, foreign airlines operating in the country are estimated to have lost about N64 billion in the wake of the new foreign exchange (forex) policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, explained that the decision by Aero and FirstNation was taken in order to ensure that the airline carried out the required maintenance of its aircraft.
Usman, however, refuted claims that some of the domestic airlines were winding down their operations regardless of the fact that they had suspended flight services.
In a statement issued by the NCAA on Thursday and signed by its DG, it said, “The First Nation Airlines on its part is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircrafts. Another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as allowed by the regulatory authority.
“In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension.”
Usman insisted that the domestic carriers had not wound down their operations, but were “merely suspending their operations temporarily to enable them undertakes certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.”
The apex aviation agency, therefore, dismissed sundry claims that some airlines are winding down their operations due to the economic situation in the country.
Aero Contractors had on Monday announced the suspension of their scheduled operations while First Nation Airlines had not been operational for a couple of days.
Mukhar further said “In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the Authority’s regulations therefore cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation. The only option available is to suspend your operations temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course.”
“However, NCAA’s Regulations provides a window for such operator to embark on non-schedule operations in the interim.”
Aero in a statement through its media consultant, Simon Tumba also sent a statement stating that the airline has not shut down operations but suspended scheduled operations stating further that the Rotary Wing (helicopter and Dash 8 charter) and MRO are still in operations.
On First Nation Airlines, the DG in the statement said the airline part is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft.
“The First Nation Airlines on its part is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft. Another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the Regulatory Authority. In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension.”
Managing Director of the airline Kayode Odukoya confirmed as much in a telephone conversation with Nigerianflightdeck.com earlier today stating that what was done was voluntary to ensure maintenance took place.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in turn said that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace.
“Every facet of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) and Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) must be adhered to with due diligence. In addition, everything has been put in place to continue to ensure compliance.”