NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Aviation , General News

Keyamo demands staff cooperation to advance aviation industry

159 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has pleaded for cooperation of all members of staff to work harmoniously together toward advancing the ministry.

According to him, the effective collaboration with the staff will enhance maximum output.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. The President did not send me here by mistake. I think he has clear ideas as why he sent me here. I will need your maximum cooperation to make us succeed.

“I have read your roadmap develope in 2016, read it thoroughly, point for point. Our intension is not to disrupt things that have been done so well. Government is a continuum.

“If there are things that have not been done properly within the road map, we may look at them again, “ he said.

The minister, however, said he might add to the roadmap but not to pull down the roadmap or tear it down to start over again.

Keyamo, who said he liked the aviation roadmap structure, stated that he would like to know the stage of its objectives and achievements.

“Like I said, government is a continuum, it is the same party that is in power. There are things that have been done properly well. There are things that have not been done properly well.

“Things that are still in the pipeline, we will look at all of these. My intention is to get my briefings within the few days or weeks. We will do this thoroughly as we can.

“We will develop our ideals and take it to the President for approval so that we can kick off. That is what I intend to do here,“ the minister said.

Keyamo said his watch word would be transparency in the ministry.

He said Nigerians, at any point, wanted to understand what the ministry was doing.

“For me, my watch word will be transparency here. At every point in time, the Nigerian people want to understand what we are doing. Nothing will be done in secrecy.

“They must understand what we are doing. We must carry them along so that we will not have the kind of complaints we had in the past.

“We should be as open as possible because we are serving the Nigerian people. My history is people oriented from private practice to public office,” he said.

Keyamo recalled that he was more than one decade prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to him, things from the more complex issues to the simplest issues that Nigerians want to see, the complaints they have, the part of the optics they see every day about the ministry will be looked into.

“Nigerians may not know the work you have been doing behind especially in terms of safety of passengers in the aviation environment. But, they may appreciate few things they see.

“We will look at all these to see how we can improve on them. For every point in time we must put the people first. This is not a forum I can mention all the things I noticed in your roadmap.

“We will have our briefings as soon as possible. We may work late to achieve our objectives. I beg for your cooperation, because I need you to succeed, “ he said.

Responding, Dr Emamanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, described Keyamo as a result and target oriented leader for having the aviation roadmap as his vision.

According to him, the members of staff are ready to work with Keyamo to position the aviation sector to where it is supposed to be.

“The good thing about our members of staff is when you lead we follow.

“ This gives us hope that what we will start doing in the aviation sector, we shall conclude them. We also have some litigation issues which you will also help us to bring into conclusion.

“Since you are in the right direction, we are hopeful to follow you in that way. I pledge our loyalty. We hope you will achieve the results in the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=============
Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Aviation

Multilateration surveillance project 90% completed – NAMA

107 total views today

By Oladele Eniola

The Managing Director, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr Tayib Odunowo, says the ongoing Multilateration (MLAT) surveillance project carried out in the Niger Delta region is 90% completed.

Odunowo said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 27th League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Conference in Lagos, themed: “Aviation Industry: Changing Times, Changing Strategies.”

NAN reports that Multilateration (MLat) is a proven technology that has been in use for many decades in both navigation and surveillance applications to track aircraft at any location.

NAMA recently installed an equipment known as Wide Area Multi Lateration in Port Harcourt for low flying aircraft in the Gulf of Guinea.

The project was approved by the the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2018.

Odunowo said the agency was on course to completing the project in few months time, adding that plans were on to also replicate the same development across the country.

“Presently, the multilateration system is 90 per cent completed. It is basically concentrated more in the Delta. That region is the busiest airspace right now in Nigeria.

“If you look at the proximity of all the airports, you have all these low flying objects. What NAMA is trying to do is to make sure that anything that flies in the Delta region is picked by the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).

“But right now, we intend to deploy Multilateration Technology (MLAT) all over Nigeria, starting from the Delta region.

“Don’t forget, even in foreign countries, MLAT kind of superimposes your regular radar. So, they actually work hand-in-hand.”

Odunowo said the equipment would help the agency in carrying out monitoring, control and surveillance of both the manned and unmanned aircraft in the Niger Delta region.

He added that the system also made provision for capturing of low-level flying helicopters in the Gulf of Guinea, especially as their activities increased in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

Odunowo said it had also incorporated the Unmanned-aircraft Traffic Management System (UTM system) otherwise known as remotely piloted aircraft systems.

According to him, the equipment can monitor drones and control them within the entire Niger Delta region.

Odunowo said in bridging the gap within the upper airspace, it had taken a three-pronged approach.

He said: “We are starting with rolling out nine solar-powered transmitters, then deploying manpower and also forging ahead with its AIS automation project.

“The ongoing AIS automation project is the backbone of everything, and before the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Audit, all five international airports in Nigeria will be operational.”

The MD said the communication gap would cease to exist once the first and the second phases were completed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Aviation

How we auctioned 2 helicopters – NCAT

71 total views today

 

By Mustapha Yauri

 

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, says it auctioned two helicopters at 556,200,322USD (N1.2 billion), because of under utilisation.

The Rector and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Capt. Alkali Modibbo, told newsmen on Sunday in Zaria that the two Bell 206B – III model helicopters were disposed after satisfying all due diligence.

Modibbo explained that a Federal Government licenced auctioneer, Messrs Tresmo Nigeria Limited, was appointed to dispose the affected helicopters sequel to the approval and valuation reports obtained from the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Works, respectively.

According to him, the auctioneer paid $275,782,661.25 and $280,417,661.25 (totalling N1.2bn) vide FGN Remita receipts bearing reference numbers 3008-4333-3046 and 1008-4304-1098, accordingly.

He recalled that the Nigerian Navy expressed interest to acquire the two helicopters via a letter dated 13th December 2022, with Ref. No: NHQ:04/61/93/OPS/VOL. VII/23.

“I am directed to convey the compliments of the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Rector and Staff of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and to further Express our interest to inspect the 2 Bell 206L – 3 (Long Range) helicopters proposed to be disposed by your organisation.

“The Nigerian Navy (NN) is aware that the 2 Bell 206L – 3 helicopters are currently grossly underutilised due to none training of helicopter pilots at the facility.

“I am to respectfully inform the Rector that the NN operates a similar type of helicopter and hereby expresses its interest to inspect the helicopters for possible acquisition with a view to bolster its operations towards ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment,” the letter  read in part.

Consequently, the Director of Tresmo Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyemi Apata, applied to be appointed as the auctioneer for NCAT vide a letter dated March 3, Modibbo revealed.

Furthermore, the NCAT chief executive said that the Federal Ministry of Aviation in a letter dated 15th March, 2023, granted approval for the disposal of the two Bell 206 helicopters to enable the college acquire Basic Trainer Helicopters.

Again, in furtherance of following due process, the college obtained the Valuation Reports of the affected helicopters from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing via a letter dated 30th March 2023.

This culminated to the engagement of Messrs Tresmo as the auctioneer vide NCAT.11/1204/VOL.1/043, dated 6th April 2023, Modibbo stated.

The NCAT Rector added that the auctioneer also accepted and executed the disposal of the helicopters via a letter signed by Mr Baba Malik on 7th April 2023, which also remitted the proceeds of N1.2 billion into the Federal Government account.

He, therefore, emphasised that due diligence was followed in the auctioning of the two unutilised helicopters to boost the training needs of the college. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Aviation

Passenger traffic: How aviation fared in Nigeria in Q1 — NCAA

128 total views today

 

By Oladele Eniola

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that 2,791,591 passengers passed through the nation’s domestic airports in the first quarter of 2023.

This was disclosed in an executive summary released by the NCAA and sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

It indicates that, of the 2,791,591 passengers,  1,391,560 were inbound and 1,400,031 outbound.

Also, the summary indicated a passenger traffic of 870,776 on international airlines operations in the first quarter of the year.

The breakdown showed that while an inbound passenger traffic of 375,700 was recorded, outbound traffic was 495,076 on the international routes.

In the first quarter, 25 foreign airlines operated 3,073 flights on the international routes, while 11 domestic airlines operated 182,88 flights on domestic routes..

Also, 1,193 complaints were received from passengers by the NCAA, on delayed flights on international routes, with 24 complaints of cancellations and six of air returns.

On the domestic flights, 101,028 flights were delayed within the first three months, with 284  cancelled and 28 cases of air returns

The report indicates that 499 flights were delayed on foreign flights in January, with Air Peace topping the list with 53, followed by Asky with 45, Qatar Airways, 41 and British Airways, 33, amongst others.

In February, delayed flights were 325, with AWA recording 30, Ethiopian Airlines 33, Kenya Airways 11; while in March, 369 flights were delayed, with Qatar Airways recording 32, United Airline had 1 and Air Peace recorded 64.

There were seven cancelled flights in January, 13 in February and four in March.

A total number of 25 Air/ramp return flights were recorded in the first quarter of the year.

Missing baggage were 9,087,  and number of those found was 7,942 on international flights, while 31 were found on the domestic flights.

During the period under review,  NCAA received 27 complaints from the international operations and 45 on the domestic flights.

Nine cases were resolved on international flights, while 22 were resolved on domestic flights. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
Aviation

10th Senate President: SW media stakeholders drum support for Izunaso

103 total views today
Sen. Osita Izunaso
By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade
 The South West Media Stakeholders on Saturday, expressed support for the aspirations of Sen. Osita Izunaso as the Senate President for the 10th the National Assembly.
Addressing a news conference in Ibadan, the group described his aspiration as the much-needed ‘Balm of Gilead’ to douse the general tension in the South East.
Izunazo, (APC – Imo West) is contesting the seat with Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and Sen. Abdulazis Yari.
 Speaking on behalf of the group ,Mr Kolawole Ilori, Co-founder of Tell Magazine, said that Izunaso possessed sterling qualities needed to preside over the affairs of the 10th Senate as President.
Ilori, Chief Executive Officer, Midas Media Hub International,  said ”to us, the best man for the job of Senate President at this time is Sen  Osita Izunazo.
“The leadership of the Senate has to be anchored by a Senator, who has a high pedigree with an unblemished record in terms of selfless service to fatherland, nationalism, patriotism and more importantly probity and accountability.
“Of all those jostling for the seat, Izunaso remains a shining example of competence, honesty, probity and character.”
According to him, in terms of cognate experience, Izunaso stands shoulder high over others, when his parliamentary experience and exposure, are put in perspective.
“Izunaso remains the most credible Sceptre of Unity and Symbol of Cohesion, on the national stage, if the current division and mistrust are anything to go by.
“Aside from the geo-political zone argument, Izunaso remains the most consistent and reliable party faithful over the years, the rare credential none of his opponents could boast of.
“He is the cleanest man for the job, who has a clean bill of probity from the anti-graft agencies, well educated, grounded in public service rules and well versed in National Assembly key procedures and politics that surround the political power play,” he said.
Among notable that present at the news conference are Mr Victor Oluwadamilare, Former Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists Oyo State Council and Mrs Bose Oyewole, Former Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that inauguration of the 10th National Assembly is fixed for Tuesday, June 13. (NAN)
============
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Isaac Aregbesola
Aviation

Aviation stakeholders partner with  FG to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2060

110 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Stakeholders in the aviation sector have reiterated their commitment to work with the Federal Government to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emission by 2060 and climate change actions by 2030.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the second annual Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) held from May 15 to May 18, in Abuja.

The communique was signed by Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, the Chairman, Planning Team, Mr Nath Abraham- Inajoh, the Alternate Chairman, Planning Team and Mr Adebola Odugbemi, the Conference Secretary.

Prticipants urged all stakeholders in the aviation industry to work with best standard practice to achieve the feat.

They urged the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to collaborate with other industry stakeholders and government agencies to achieve a 50 per cent carbon emission reduction.

They also urged the NCAA  to enhance its regulatory oversight to encourage or where necessary reposition the industry to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through the four basic pillars of Economic, Social, Environmental, and Information Technology with digitalisation.

Participants further called on the NCAA to review the Information Communication Technology and Cyber-Security Policy of the Federal Government as it affects the Aviation sector.

The conference resolved that  the NCAA should head the various stakeholders in a collaborative effort to develop a strategic plan for Aviation industry that would drive and enhance the sustainability of the industry.

According to it, such a plan must cover all processes from design, procurement to implementation.

The conference urged airlines in Nigeria to invest and key into the satellite-based navigation systems already provided by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to reduce flight time and carbon emissions.

It affirmed that data harmonisation was sine qua non for the development and growth of the industry.

“ There is therefore, a need to develop a credible data repository as proper data analysis is key for adequate planning and decision-making.

“The airports business model must change from the airport being a passenger hub to an energy hub as green energy hub is key to embracing sustainable aviation industry.

“To remain sustainable, the aviation industry must be innovative, constantly review its processes and invest in Research and Development, “ they said.

According to the communique, health and well-being of the aviation workforce is a veritable element to sustainable aviation development.

It stated that stakeholder organisations ought to ensure that their annual budgets make provision for carbon emission reduction and also carry out periodic review of the reduction CO2   process and attainment.

It said to facilitate ease of traveling for passengers, domestic network alliance (code-share) ought to be introduced to mitigate disruptions of passengers travel schedule and plan.

The conference encouraged FAAN to make airports tourist friendly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria.”

NAN reports that in November 2021, on the second day of the world leaders summit of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, UK, President Muhammad Buhari made a commitment that Nigeria will cut its carbon emission to net-zero by 2060.

While acknowledging the importance of COP26 in the midst of obvious changes in the climate, Buhari said that climate change is not about the problem of the future but about what is already happening.

“Desertification in the north, drought in the centre, pollution in the coast are enough evidence for all to see, Nigeria is committed to net-zero by 2060.”

While addressing world leaders, Buhari said Nigeria has developed a detailed energy transition plan and roadmap based on data and evidence and that with Nigeria’s transition plan, gas will play a key role in transitioning the country’s economy across sectors and the data and evidence show Nigeria can continue to use gas until 2040 without detracting from the goals of the Paris agreement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FGA/SH

======

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Aviation

United Nigeria Airlines Chairman tasks FG on apprenticeship centres to end unemployment

77 total views today

By Cecilia Ijuo

The Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has called on the Federal Government to create apprenticeship centre to curb rising unemployment in Nigeria.

Okonkwo, who made the call in Abuja on Monday, stressed that it had become imperative for government to adopt the system having been tested and trusted over time.

He was speaking when Mr Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Special Adviser to Anambra Governor on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism, led delegation of youths on a courtesy visit.

The delegation was on a visit to thank the airline for its support towards the show, which includes free domestic flights for winners.

Winners were drawn from four categories, technovation, music, dancing and acting.

Okonkwo said, creating a centre for the purpose of prioritising apprenticeship would go a long way in creating employment and ensuring self reliance, particularly among youths.

The airline chairman, said his foundation had embarked on research on apprenticeship, popularly called “nwa boi” to find out why it had remained effective over time.

He said adopting the South-East apprenticeship model would go a long way in tackling youth restiveness.

He further said Nigerian youths were greatly endowed and only required little support to blossom.

“On our part we are continuing our commitment to supporting youth development not only in the creative industry but other sectors.

“That is the reason why my foundation carried out a research on entrepreneurship, using Onitsha Main Market as a case study.

“Apprenticeship is one of the biggest things that has happened to the South-East and it can be replicated across the country.

“It is one way we have been able to raise capital for young people to start up something for themselves.

“We have published a book about it and if adopted, it will help to reduce youth restiveness,” he said.

On the part of the youth, the don said it was important to maintain high moral standards.

According to him, one of the driving forces of apprenticeship is trust and discipline, adding that it did not require much of formal education.

He added that business owners always looked out for people who could be trusted irrespective of status or educational qualification.

Earlier, Udokwu, thanked the airline for its sponsorship of the show.

“I am here with the winners of Anambra Talent Show Season Two on a courtesy visit to say thank you to the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.

“He was magnanimous enough to say that those who win will get the opportunity to fly to any part of Nigeria at any point in time.

“So, we are here to say thank you to the company and the chairman, who is so benevolent.

“We thank him for making it possible to benefit from the operations of the United Nigeria Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines,” he said.

He said, although the show was not funded by Gov. Charles Soludo was highly interested in youth development.

Udokwu, who is a veteran Nollywood actor, said Nigerian youths were multi-talented but required mentorship and support to explore their talents.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Nwolisa Paul, student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with “Legend 101″as stage name, won in the dancing category of the Anambra Talent Show.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah Sobechukwu, known as “Ecosafe Enterprise”, also a student, emerged winner in the technovation category.

Akaenyi Chukwubuikem, a graduate of Theater Arts and Film Studies, with the stage name “Ziggy Michael”, emerged winner in the acting category.

Okeke Chukwuebuka with the stage name “Howdy” and a Pharmacist, won in the music category. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Aviation

Bi-Courtney seeks regulatory approval to begin regional operations

124 total views today

By Adekunle Williams

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL) has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to grant the Murtala Muhammad Airport Two (MMA2) the regulatory approval to begin regional operations in the terminal.

The Chairman of BASL, Dr Wale Babalakin, made the appeal shortly after inaugurating ‘The Art Experience’ (Art Gallery) in MMA2 to celebrate its 16 years anniversary in Lagos on Tuesday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in May 2007, BASL completed and opened the MMA2 facility under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

 

The Ministerial Committee on Airport Security in 2016 had certified the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, fit for the commencement of regional operations.

 

Babalakin, however, decried the delay in starting regional operations from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, years after the terminal was granted approval by the government.

 

He said: ‘I am alarmed that we have not commenced regional operations because we went through the entire process, we were certified, but we have not been allowed to take off.

 

“I am shocked because the MMA2 terminal was built to provide services for both regional and domestic passengers but it is presently underutilised.

 

“We had already spent several billions of naira to acquire the state-of-the-art facilities in preparation for regional flight operations, but the inconsistency in government policy despite the approval, had prevented it from using the facilities.”

Bi-Courtney boss who said that the terminal remained a world class and the best in the country, explained that the best architects were engaged to design the terminal that would stand the test of time.

 

Babalakin noted it was a deliberate effort to design an outstanding world-class terminal that could stand the test of time.

He said, “From when passengers come off the escalator, it is a seamless process till they board the plane.”

 

According to him, “We didn’t just start building, we sat down with the best of architects in the world to design a terminal that will have a flow, it is the flow that has made it easy for people to operate here.

 

“You can see the link between the car park and the terminal, so you are not going through a disjointed journey because you want to travel.

 

“We think that it is backward to have passengers walking on the terminals because it is dangerous, it only takes one accident and the county will be embarrassed.”

 

Babalakin said with the newly commissioned art gallery centre, BASL planned to continue to raise the standard of the terminal and offer travellers an experience that was beyond just traveling.

 

He said what Bi-Courtney did was to uplift the terminal standards with the hope that anybody who decided to build a terminal in the future would have all these standards incorporated into their terminals.(NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Aviation

Akure Airport to metamorphose into first aerotropolis in sub-Sahara Africa – Investor

130 total views today

 

 

By Segun Giwa

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in conjunction with a private company, Ala Resort Ltd., has concluded arrangements to turn the Akure Airport to an aerotropolis.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the resort, Mr Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, stated this in Akure on Monday during a news conference to herald the inauguration of the project.

Niran-Oladunni said that the project would be inaugurated on Tuesday with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAAN and the management of the resort.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an aerotropolis is a metropolitan area developed in and well beyond an airport premises.

It involves the development of an airport based city, with air travel at its core, and surrounded by commercial, educational, entertainment, healthcare and hospitality centres.

Niran-Oladunni explained that the company was bringing ideas that would impact value on the state.

He said the aerotropolis, which would be first of its kind in sub-sahara Africa, would drive lives around the aviation industry.

According to Niran-Oladunni, the resort had begun moves on the aerotropolis since 2017 when experts were invited to assess the airport for its suitability for the project.

He revealed that FAAN had approved the project, which he said, would be constructed in phases including institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural.

According to him, the aerotropolis will parade institutional zone including sports academy that can host any sport club, which will be built by Emirate Foundation and a medical centre to be built by a U.S. company.

“The industrial zone will also enable all materials to be used for the construction to be assembled and manufactured in the sector within,” he said.

Niran-Oladunni added that the aerotropolis had the potential to catalyse cargo business in the airport, saying that the airport authority would activate the cargo shed in the airport.

He disclosed that no fewer than 14,000 skilled workers would be engaged by the aerotropolis with the infrastructure facilities gulping N56 billion.

According to him, the project is being developed as a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) between Ala Resort Ltd. and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“Ala Resort and aerotropolis will be a sprawling development for which air travel will constitute the driving force and central concept, surrounded by complementary developments of commercial, educational, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality and light industrial centres.

“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to perform the ground-breaking, assisted by the Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika,” he said.

Also, the General Manager, Business Development, FAAN Headquarters, Mr Hycinth Ngwu, said the decision was anchored on a PPP geared toward developing an aerotropolis in the airport.

Ngwu assured that the project would be executed as planned and Akure Airport would revolutionise the way the authority generates revenue.

“It’s in the interest of all stakeholders to support the project. It will increase revenue base of the state and local government.

“Certainly, majority of the employees will come from the locality. They should support it because it will transform to their successes.

“We intend to replicate this in other airports. We started in Akure because it initially had the largest land mass before being overtaken recently by Abuja Airport,” he said.

The Airport Manager, Akure, Mrs Lynda Ezike, assured that the management and members staff of the airport were expectant and ready to support the proposed unprecedented developmental mega project.

“We are ready to support Ala Resort Ltd. in ensuring the success of this mega project which is for the betterment of all stakeholders,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aviation

NSIB, NCAA begin investigation into Max Air incident

80 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have expressed readiness to conduct a thorough investigation on the cause(s) of Max Air craft tyre loss.

The accident occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja,  on Sunday.

The NCAA Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, said in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, that the outcome of the investigation would help the agencies to make appropriate recommendations to prevent any recurrence of such incident.

“A Max Air flight NGL1649 a B737 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD departed Yola for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with 144 passengers and 6 flight crew on board.

“During landing at Abuja airport the aircraft lost some tires, the flight crew brought the aircraft to a safe stop on Runway 22 at 2.57pm local time.

“All persons on board were evacuated safely and the airport emergency services including the rescue and fire fighting services response was excellent,” he said.

The NCAA boss affirmed that Abuja airport was shutdown due to the disabled aircraft on the runway, as Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is a single runway airport.

Nuhu stated that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued by NAMA accordingly.

“All relevant agencies including NCAA, FAAN, NAMA and NSIB swung into action collaboratively to ensure the prompt removal of the disabled aircraft from the runway and reopening of the airport for flight operations.

“Several flights both domestic and international flights were stranded at Abuja airport, while incoming flights diverted to other airports.

“The damaged wheels of the aircraft were replaced and the aircraft taxied on its power from the runway to an assigned parking position,” he added.

According to him, the runway was inspected and swept for damage and debris by officials of NCAA, Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) after which the runway was declared safe.

He said that, subsequently, the airport was reopened for resumption of flight operations after 8 p.m.

“It has come to the notice of NCAA of sensational media reports of the incident, classifying it as a crash landing thus creating panic and concerns amongst the traveling public.

“The media are urged to seek clarifications and or information as to make accurate reports of any situation.

“The traveling public should be rest assured that NCAA and other aviation agencies will spare no efforts to ensure the continued safe flight operations in Nigeria as has been the case over several years,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email