Author: Itohan Abaralaserian

Tinubu departs Lagos for South Africa

Departure

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Lagos at 11.06 a.m. for Pretoria.

Radar

By Itohan Abara-Laserian (08152358594)

Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) has insisted that the Nigerian airspace is fully covered by radar.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Ahmed Farouk, on Saturday in Lagos.

Farouk said that the radar stations in Nigeria located in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt are all serviceable.

He described as false and misleading the claims by a blogger that an unidentified aircraft was spotted at the Presidential Villa, Abuja undetected.

According to him, radar services for Terminal and Enroute flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users.

“The agency hereby wishes to state that the claim that the Nigerian airspace is not covered by radar is false and misleading.

“The radar stations in Nigeria (Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt) are serviceable. Radar services for terminal and enroute flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users.

“Yes, it is true that the TRACON system, like any other electronics systems, is undergoing an upgrade of software and modernisation to meet the ever growing demand for efficient, effective and seamless air traffic management services.

“Furthermore, the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers in terms of salaries and allowances is not in contention, as to suggest that it is the lowest in the world.”

Farouk added: “The reported ‘unidentified’ aircraft is a security terminology. In real terms, the aircraft in question is known, but only to the ATC.

“The violation was in the interest of safety, as a result of adverse weather (serious thunderstorm) on the said date.

“The purported circular issued by the NCAA is for airlines to be guided from straying into the marked and published prohibited or restricted areas of the Nigerian airspace.

“It is obvious that the journalist in question does not understand the workings of the surveillance systems, hence his misconstrued and misguided information on Primary and Secondary Radar.

“The agency shall willfully volunteer information on her services to anyone who requires them at any time,” said Farouk.”

The NAMA boss assured of the agency’s commitment to ensure sustainable welfare packages for its staff, especially the Air Traffic Controllers.

According to him, NAMA remains committed to its responsibility to provide safe, effective, economic, and efficient air navigation services in Nigeria.

He said that the existence of robust, effective civil and military coordination and collaboration guarantees a secured airspace and air navigation.

“We are pleased to say that the Nigerian airspace is safe and secured,” he noted. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/ADA

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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FAAN, NCAT to share revenue, liabilities from aircraft fire simulator

Simulator

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resolved to share revenue as well as liabilities with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) on a fire simulator located at the college.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Kuku had initiated a meeting to  resolve a dispute regarding the fire simulator at NCAT.

The Boeing 737-NG full-flight fit simulator was acquired in 2019 by the Federal Government and installed at NCAT, Zaria, for about N5.2 billion.

Kuku said that Multi-Purpose Aircraft Fire Simulator offered different practical fire fighting and rescue scenarios.

She added that the simulator would save the country billions of foreign currency in training costs.

The FAAN boss also said that the authority would use its network to attract foreign trainees to use the facility and raise revenue for both organisations.

“We are happy to have finally come to this agreement between sister organisations in the interest of the safety of our passengers and improving the competence of our brave firefighters.

“This will improve our image globally and attract revenue that both organizations need.

“As I have always said, safety will always take priority in everything we do at FAAN, and this is a demonstration of that,” she said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday,  National President, Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association, had ecently called for  certification of the simulator to enable its utilisation by firefighters for competency trainings. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma

Schedule
By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Air Peace has announced the extension of its schedule availability for the Lagos-London-Lagos route, with flights now bookable until March 2025.

This is contained in a statement by a Senior Communications Officer of the airline, Mr Efeoghene Osifo-Whiskey on Saturday in Lagos.

The airline stated that its London route, operated by Air Peace luxurious Boeing 777, which began on March 30, had quickly become popular among both business and leisure travelers.

“We are thrilled to inform the general public and our esteemed customers that they can now book flights for travel up to March 2025 on our London route.

“This extension is perfect for those planning to travel between Nigeria and London this festive season. With a variety of benefits and packages, Air Peace ensures that passengers will enjoy bespoke comfort and safety.

“This extended availability aims to provide more options and convenience for passengers, reinforcing Air Peace’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and seamless connectivity,” the airline noted.

The statement explained that the recent announcement of summer promo allowed passengers in Nigeria to connect to London from all Air Peace domestic destinations and London passengers to connect to various locations in Nigeria via Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ITM/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Cargo

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) has estimated that Nigeria lost about N7 billion during the two-day workers’ nationwide strike.

The strike was embarked on by Nigerian workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress on Monday and Tuesday.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DACAA,  Mr Ikpe Nkanang, made the disclosure in an interview wiith the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Nkanang said that about 30 tonnes of cargoes were lifted across the country’s domestic airports daily.

According to him, the volume of cargoes dumped during the two-day strike could only be imagined.

He told NAN that a lot of cargoes had been gathered and made ready for freight on Monday morning before the commencement of the strike.

“For those two days, the airlines were not working,  and once the airlines are not working, cargo cannot move, and it is a great loss to all of us.

“You needed to see the volume of cargo that was dumped over those two days; of course, you know we gathered cargoes during the weekend hoping that by Monday and Tuesday we would be able to send them out.

“It was a colossal loss to us in the cargo world, it affected our income and, of course, the economy of the country.

“For those few hours of the strike, the country lost about N7 billion across all local airports,” he said.

According to him, transporting  a kilogramme of cargo costs N300.

Nkanang urged the Federal Government to reach an agreement with the organised labour in time to avert resumption of the strike.

NAN reports that labour unions suspended the strike on Tuesday afternoon to enable continued negotiations on a new minimum wage.

Airport operations were grounded during the strike  as aviation unions blocked all access points to  domestic terminals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/EBI/IGO

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Edited by Benson Iziama/IjeomaPopoola

Suspension of $300 Helicopter Landing Levy right step —  AON

Operators

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Thursday applauded the federal government’s suspension of the 300 dollars helicopter landing and take-off levy as a step in the right direction.

The AON made this known in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, in Lagos.

Okonkwo commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) on the suspension, saying it would support growth and sustainability of operators in the industry.

He said that AON and other stakeholders’ stance on the matter was not ignored, as the minister listened and acted appropriately.

According to him, the controversial landing and take-off fee to be collected by Messrs. Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited, started in 2018, with the company demanding the levies to be paid in dollars, contrary to the provision of section 15 of the CBN Act.

The fees were to be paid for helicopter landings and take-offs on and from oil rig platforms and private helipads, among others.

Okonkwo said that the company had proposed to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who wrote to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), for comments.

He said that the NCAA, however, said there was no legal justification for the introduction of the levy.

Okonkwo said that the NCAA had stated that aside certification of helipads, most of which are privately-owned, and for which it charged certification fee, it did not provide any service to helicopter operators that would justify the imposition of such fee.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which manages airports also had neither legal framework nor justification to impose such a charge, other than at its airports, which helicopter operators pay just like other aircraft operators in Nigeria.

According to him, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has as one of its functions, under its Act, provision of navigation services necessary for the operation of aircraft taking off or landing, and to integrating them into the overall air traffic within the Nigerian airspace.

He said that NAMA did not charge helicopter landing and take-off fee on or from oil rig platforms, Field Support Programme Officers (FSPOs) and private helipads, because it did not provide any service in respect thereto, to the operators.

He said that Section 7(1) (r) of the NAMA Act which was in force at the time was clear that NAMA should charge fees only for the services provided by the Agency, and helicopter operators pay the air navigation charges as generated on monthly basis just like every other aircraft operator in Nigeria.

Okonkwo said that AON rejected the imposition of the suspended Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee for several reasons.

He said that NAMA does not provide any additional service to helicopter operators to justify the imposition of the fee at all helipads, oil rig platforms, FSPOs, FSOs among others.

Okonkwo said that when no service is provided at those locations to the helicopter operators by NAMA, such levy is contrary to the provision of section 7 (1) (r) of the then applicable NAMA Act as well as to section 1, paragraph 2 (1) of ICAO Document 9082 for such impositions.

He said that NAMA did not adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in ICAO Documents 9082 (ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services) and 9161 (Manual on Air Navigation Services Economics).

Before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee. Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (e) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations requires NAMA to adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in those documents.

He said NAMA did not obtain the approval of NCAA before imposing the new charge.

Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations require NAMA to obtain the approval of NCAA before imposing any new charges and fees for its services.

NCAA has the statutory power to regulate the charges that may be made in respect of air traffic control and for the use of aerodromes and for services provided at such aerodromes.

He said that NAMA did not consult the helicopter operators and other stakeholders before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee.

Okonkwo said Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (d) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations requires NAMA to adhere to the principles and procedures of consultation with users, cost-relatedness, non-discrimination and transparency in the application of charges and fees.

He noted that contrary to the Ministry’s Press Release of May 13, neither NCAA nor FAAN was a party to the MoU between NAMA and Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

FAAN announces one-hour power shutdown  at MMIA Wednesday

Shutdown

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a planned one-hour power shutdown at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday, June 5.

Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs/Consumer Protection made this known in a statement on Tuesday, in Lagos.

Orah said that the shutdown, for maintenance, would occur between 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. at the International Terminal 2 ( ITZ-2).

She said it was as a result of the urgent need to verify the issues affecting the Bus Riser 11K VA high tension (HT) panel on the ground floor, North of the International Terminal 2 (ITZ-2) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Orah said that FAAN would ensure that the shutdown of power supply was with  minimal disruption to flight operations and passenger facilitation.

“The identified airlines, namely Rwanda Air (WB), EgyptAir (MS) and Qatar Air (QR) that operate within the maintenance hour will be relocated for check-in and arrival (parking) formalities at the International terminal 1(ITZ-1).

“All intending passengers on these flights should please take note.

“The Authority regrets any inconveniences this might cause our stakeholders and the travelling public,” she noted.

Orah said that FAAN was committed to world-class safety standards and service to all airport users. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

IATA partners Emirates, Airbus on CBTA

Partnership

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the Airbus A350 type rating.

Mr Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Careen said that this was coming as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024.

According to him, an initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training College in Dubai starting from July.

“Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity.

“Our joint aim is to fully utilise the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible.

“By doing it together all three organisations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” Careen said.

Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, said: “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programmes. So, our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world.

“The tailored CBTA programme for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course.

“This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards.”

Also, Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, said that the A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which required equally advanced training solutions.

“Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide,” Labrucherie said.

The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organisations; IATA focuses on programme design using its published guidance for CBTA; Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience and Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience.

This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/FAA

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Airspace

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has assured the general public and airline operators that the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has not affected the Nigerian airspace.

Mr Abdulahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NAMA, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to Musa, operations of the agency remain uninterrupted as contingency arrangements have been put in place for processing of flight operations in the five major airports in Lagos, Kano, Port-Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu.

He said NAMA would continue to provide its services to airline operators in spite of the ongoing strike action, in keeping with its mandate to provide uninterrupted, safe, efficient, and economic air navigation services in the country.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) terminals, skeletal activities were ongoing.

NAN reports that as at the time of filing this report there were no union officials at the MMIA.

Also, some international flights had been cancelled while Hajj 2024 passengers were seen hanging around the airport.

One Mrs Ogunlana, a Hajj passenger, said no one had come to address them or passed any information to them.

“We are just sitting around and waiting for information, I cannot speak on anything, we were supposed to move today but nothing has been said,” she noted.

Aero Contractors,min a statement posted on its X account on Tuesday, said all flights scheduled had been canceled due to the strike by the NLC, TUC and their affiliates.

United Nigeria Airline also apologised to the flying public on its X account for the disruptions, stating that the ongoing strike had not allowed its aircraft to depart.

NAN reports that the nationwide indefinite strike commenced on Monday and activities were still grounded at the domestic terminals I and II. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/CHOM/SA=

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Salif Atojoko