Air Peace pledges massive route expansion in 2018

The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, says the airline is determined to 

end the air travel woes of most underserved destinations in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa in 2018.

Onyema said the airline would also offer the flying public a preferred alternative on some key international routes in the incoming year. 

He was quoted by the airline’s  Communications Manager , Mr Chris Iwarah,  on Sunday as saying this at the management session to review the airline's flight operations in 2017.

 Onyema maintained that the airline deserved commendations for rescuing the Nigerian aviation industry and giving air travellers hope in the period under review.

He said he was quite satisfied that Air Peace was able to expand its fleet to 24 aircraft despite the economic downturn the country and its aviation sector experienced in 2017.

Onyema attributed the airline’s success in the three years of its existence to the unflinching support of the flying public and the quality leadership of its management team. 

The Air Peace boss said the airline would remain grateful to its customers for their patronage over the years, urging the flying public to continue to trust the carrier’s services.

 According to him,  Air Peace will  continue to strive to sustain its uncompromising approach to safety, prioritisation of the comfort of its customers and job creation.  

He, however noted that the airline  still had a lot of grounds to cover in its vision to transform air travel experience in Nigeria, the West Coast of Africa and the Dubai, Guangzhou-China, London, Houston, Mumbai and Johannesburg routes.

He charged the carrier’s management to brace up for the challenge of implementing the airline’s plan to deepen air connectivity on many routes in the North of Nigeria, including Kano and Yola, and other domestic routes.

He regretted that industrial unrest by Air Traffic Control in Senegal compelled Air Peace to suspend the launch of its Freetown, Banjul and Dakar routes planned for Dec. 15.

Onyema, however, assured that the carrier would soon announce a new date for the launch of the three suspended West Coast routes.

He said the airline, which began flight operations to Accra-Ghana on Feb.16, was determined to expand to about nine destinations on the West Coast of Africa. 

The Air Peace boss added that the airline was awaiting the delivery of the two Boeing 777 aircraft  it recently acquired to start its flight operations to Dubai, Guangzhou, London, Houston, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

8 pregnant women among 157 Nigerian returnees from Libya

157 Nigerians on Wednesday voluntarily returned from the volatile North African country of Libya where they had been stranded enroute Europe. 

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 9.45pm aboard a BURAQ Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft with Registration Number 5A-DMG.

They comprised of 54 adult females, 90 adult males, three children and 10 infants.

Amongst the returnees were eight pregnant women and one medical case.

The returnees were brought back with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)  and the European Union (EU). 

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, who received the returnees, said the Federal Government was ready to bring back Nigerians willing to return from Libya. 

Maihajja, who was represented by the South West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu, said special incentives were being put in place for all of them to restart their lives.

He  admonished the returnees  to turn a new leaf as they had seen that there was no greener pastures anywhere outside Nigeria for Nigerians than the resources available for its citizens in the country.

Maihajja said:" You have gone out and seen things yourself that Nigeria is a great country and your contributions can make it a greater country.

"I want you all to join the government in  turning things around for this nation.

"Nigeria is blessed with all resources that everyone can tapped from without any fear of being molested or exposed to inhuman treatment."

FAAN dispels poaching allegations; assures travellers of safety

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has dispelled the recent allegations of poaching of aircraft and stealing of baggage at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

FAAN,  in a statement signed by its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, in Lagos on Wednesday, described the allegations as baseless and practically impossible.

Yakubu said it was  not possible for anyone to burgle an aircraft in motion. 

"Furthermore, because aircraft are highly technical machines, it is practically impossible for anyone who does not have the requisite training and competence to operate or tamper with the baggage compartment," she added. 

Yakubu recalled that two incidents of alleged poaching were recently reported, the latest being that which occurred on a chartered flight from Uyo to Lagos on Dec. 26.

According to her,  in both instances, preliminary findings from investigations conducted by an inter-agency committee set up to probe the allegations could not substantiate the claims.

She said :" The purported victims in the said cases also did not make themselves available for questioning, in the quest to unravel the case.

"Although investigations are still on going, FAAN will like to reassure travellers and the general public that with the level of safety and security systems on ground at the airports.

"It is practically impossible for an aircraft to be burgled within our runways and aprons." 

Dana Air launches smart sale, appreciates travel agents with Christmas gifts

As part of efforts to ensure that its guests continue to enjoy best fares on its flights, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines Dana Air, has launched the Dana Air Smart Sale to encourage its guests to book early, plan their trips and get smart fares on their roundtrip booking on all its existing routes from Dec. 26 to Feb 28, 2018.

The airline also celebrated and appreciated the efforts of travel agents in 2017 with Christmas gifts to encourage them to maintain the momentum and thank them for their support.

Speaking on the Dana Air Smart Sale, the Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley said we want  our guests to get booking in 2018.

" It’s never too early to start planning your business and leisure trips for 2018, as this flash sale offers our guests an opportunity to plan ahead and get fares as low as 15,300 on roundtrip bookings. 

" All they need to do is visit our website www.flydanaair.com and  use the promo code ‘SMARTSALE’ to get best fares.  These amazing fares are available across our existing route network –Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo , and Owerri.''

Speaking further Kingsley said, ‘’our guests can take advantage of this impressive offer and start booking from now till Jan. 10, for flights between Jan.10 and Feb. 28, 2018. 

"This deal is based on first-come, first-served, with limited availability. So with these exciting low fares we want our smart guests to get booking.’’

On the gifts to travel agents, Kingsley said: travel agents are pivotal to the success of any airline and we decided to celebrate our travel agents for their constant support and contributions to the growth of the industry. We have had a very amazing longstanding relationship with the TAs, and this is just to appreciate and demonstrate our commitment to them. ‘’

Only recently, Dana Air celebrated its 9^th anniversary in the aviation industry and capped the year with its full membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and an award for the Most Efficient Airline of the year 2017 at the Nigerian Entrepreneurs awards.

  The airline is reputed for its unrivaled on-time performance, innovative online products and world-class in-flight service. 

Kaduna govt lauds Med-View on direct flights to Jeddah

Med-View Airline on Sunday commenced direct flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Muslims performing lesser Hajj in the holy land.

The flight took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), the operational hub of the airline in Lagos  is routed via Kaduna and Kano in the North West.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft conveying the passengers has a full load mostly Muslim Ummah traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.

The flight which took off from Lagos was welcomed with a ceremonial water shower at Kaduna International Airport by the officials of the Airport Fire Service in commemoration of the inaugural flight to Kaduna. 

Before now, the airline has been operating scheduled flights from Lagos - Kano to Jeddah but has now added Kaduna state to the Jeddah network amidst excitement from tour operators in the region.

The CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, who spoke at a brief ceremony in Kaduna before proceeding to Jeddah via Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano said the airline was pleased to expand its frontiers in Kaduna state.

Bankole disclosed that the new Jeddah flights would be operated on Sundays and Thursdays and continue throughout summer and Ramadan, saying, "This is a golden opportunity for our people to enjoy direct flight to Jeddah without any hassle."

He commended the Kaduna state government for its support to the airline as well as the tour operators who believe in the airline's capability to offer better alternative to foreign carriers.

Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor, Mohammed  Seidu, who was on board the flight to Jeddah alongside some senior government officials, said the state is more proud of Med-View Airline.

He said, "Med-View is the pride of the nation now and Kaduna state is more proud than any state or even Nigeria because earlier before now, the airport was virtually empty without any activity. 

"Then after the flights diversion from Abuja to Kaduna early this year, airlines began to fly the routes. Med-View started operating the domestic flights.

" Now all of a sudden, the airline has inaugurated international flight from the airport. We are proud of that. Activities have resumed in Kaduna.

"You have seen economic activities being boosted, everything is now moving. We are really very happy."

He described the flight operations as excellent and prompt.

"I was on board also from Abuja to Dubai and I've seen the operation is perfect, very unlike the tradition of some airlines that keep shifting the flight time. I can say it's wonderful. It was prompt", he said.

Cabin crew strike disrupts Arik Air operations across Nigeria

A strike by the Cabin Crew of Arik Air on Friday disrupted the airline's flight operations leaving hundreds of its passengers stranded across the country.

The strike began around 6.00am when passengers were trying to board their flights at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. 

A reliable source said that the workers embarked on the strike to press home their demands for increased wages and better working conditions. 

However, Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE),  said the union was not informed about the strike by the workers. 

Abioye said the management of Arik Air had informed the union that it had increased the salaries of the workers across board but was yet to implement the increase. 

"The management told us that they need approval from the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON)  which is currently in charge of the airline before the increase can be implemented. 

"So,  to us,  such delays are expected. We know that the workers have the right to demand for their wages but such things can be done through dialogue. 

"Our interest as a union is to see Arik Air flying and not the grounding of their operations, " he added. 

Some of Arik Air's passengers resorted to changing their travelling plans following the over four hours delay of their flights.

One of the passengers,  Mr John Odusi ,  said he bought a one-way ticket from Lagos to Abuja at N45, 000 three days ago.

" I came this morning and we were told that the cabin crew is on strike and that our flight will be delayed.

"I am really confused because I have an early morning appointment in Abuja, " he added. 

Another passenger,  Mrs Chioma Odey,  said an agent assisted her in buying an Air Peace ticket for Abuja immediately she sensed that there was going to be a disruption on Arik Air operations.

Odey said she would be demanding for a refund of her ticket from Arik Air when she returns from her trip.

When contacted, the Corporate Communications Manager of Arik Air,  Mr Ola Adebanji,  said the airline would soon issue a statement explaining their position on the situation. 

Hajj operations : Medview boss seeks allocation of more pilgrims to Nigerian carriers

Alhaji Muneer Bankole, Chief Executive Officer, Medview Airline, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to give priority to indigenous airlines in allocation of pilgrims during Hajj operations. 

A statement signed by the airline's media consultant, Mr Obuke Oyibhota in Lagos on Thursday, said Bankole made the call at the 

inauguration of a 28-member Air Carriers  Screening Committee for the 2018 Hajj operations in Abuja. 

Bankole said the call was necessitated by NAHCON's awarding the lion share of the pilgrims to be airlifted to foreign operators over the years.

He said giving more allocations to indigenous carriers would create employment opportunities for Nigerians. 

Bankole  commended the commission for the transparency and accountability it had displayed in the handling, screening and selection of air carriers since its inception in 2006.

He said Medview Airline and Medview International Travel and Cargo Ltd. Were among the eight airlines that applied to participate in the airlift of pilgrims for the 2018 Hajj.

The screening committee is headed by NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Moddibo.

Its membership is  drawn from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the  Nigerian Airspace Management  Agency (NAMA).

Others are the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigerian Custom Service. 

FAAN boss inspects Enugu airport runway repairs

The Managing Director, Federal  Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)  Engineer Saleh Dunoma, has carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the on-going work on the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

A statement signed by FAAN's General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu,  on Wednesday in Lagos said Dunoma was accompanied on the inspection visit by a team of engineers on Tuesday.  

According to her, the FAAN boss expressed optimism on the timely completion of the runway rehabilitation.

Yakubu had earlier confirmed that the first phase of the repair work would begin on Dec. 14 to Dec. 21, while the second phase would be from  Dec. 27 to Jan. 4, 2018

"There will be skeletal operations at the airport while the work is ongoing as the runway will open for operations from 7.00am till 3.00pm on the proposed dates.

 "This is to enable the contractor have ample day-light working hours in order to obtain stable and even runway surface, while also completing the work within the stipulated timeframe, " she said. 

According to her, in line with Standards And Recommended Practices, FAAN has requested the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to issue a Notice To Air Men (NOTAM) in this regard.

Yakubu, had on behalf of FAAN, apologised to travellers and the general public for any inconvenience the action might have on their plans. 

Why we delayed, cancelled flights - Air Peace

Air Peace has attributed the delay and cancellation of some its flights on Monday and Tuesday to a power surge at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT)  of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

A statement issued by the Corporate Communications  Manager of Air Peace, Mr Chris Iwarah, on Wednesday said the surge cut power supply to the airline’s server room and other facilities critical to its flight operations.

Iwarah said the airline  had to resort to alternative arrangements to save its operations from entirely grinding to a halt pending the intervention of the managers of the facility, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He said:  "Despite our best efforts to ensure smooth flight operations in the run-up to the yuletide, a power surge occurred at our base at the GAT of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Monday.

" The unfortunate incident, which stretched into Tuesday, cut power supply to our server room and other critical facilities for our operations.

“While FAAN was trying to fix the situation and restore power to the facility, we resorted to emergency measures to mitigate the impact of the incident on our flight schedules. 

"Notwithstanding our efforts, the incident seriously affected our check-in and boarding operations and occasioned a lot of delays and outright cancellation of some of our flights."

Iwarah, therefore appealed for the understanding of air travellers, assuring that it had taken steps to normalise its operations.

“ While FAAN works to guarantee uninterrupted power supply to the airport, we will continue to work round the clock to normalise our operations and sustain our on-time reputation,” he added.   

Meanwhile, FAAN in a statement signed by its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, apologised to passengers and other airport users for the power surge. 

Yakubu said :" Our teem of  engineers had since swung into action and power has been fully restored back to the Terminal and seamless operations have ensued.

"While assuring airport users of safety and security at our airports, FAAN wishes to apologise to passengers, airlines and the general public for the inconvenience caused by this interruption." 

NEMA receives 167 Nigerians from Libya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday received 167 stranded Nigerians from Libya bringing the total number of Nigerians brought back to the country in the last four days to 532.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with Registration Number 5A-DMH, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 7:47pm.

The returnees were assisted back to Nigeria by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU). 

They comprised of 21 adults female, 145 adults male and one child. 

The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, who received the returnees confirmed that three of them had medical cases and were promptly given treatment by doctors and paramedics. 

Maihajja, who was represented  by the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of NEMA,  Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu, said two of the returnees were now in stable conditions while the third person had been referred to hospital for further treatment. 

He advised the returnees to take advantage of these programmes to acquire vocational skills or further their education in order to contribute their quota to national development. 

Air Peace assures on yuletide operations, regional expansion

Nigeria’s leader carrier, Air Peace has assured air travellers of smooth flight operations in the run-up to, during and after the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

In a related development, the airline has said it will operate all its daily flights into and out of the Enugu Airport between the hours of 7am and 2pm during the partial closure of the facility’s runway to traffic by the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, Air Peace has regretted the suspension of the launch of the second phase of the expansion of its regional route network due to industrial unrest in Dakar-Senegal, a critical connection in its route plan.

A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said more of the airliners in its 24-aircraft fleet had returned from maintenance to cater to the spike in air travel demand around the Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

The carrier, the statement assured, was ready to do everything within the parameters of safe flight operations to deliver on-time and consistent services during the yuletide.

“We recently deepened our capacity with the expansion of our fleet size to 24 aircraft.While some of our newly-acquired aircraft have started coming in, others that went on maintenance are returning to service. 

"This obviously is a pleasing development, coming very close to the yuletide when there is usually a great rise in the demand for air travel.

“Although inclement weather, as we have experienced in the last few weeks, is a huge challenge during this period, we have a solid plan to ensure our esteemed guests have the best of flight experience in the run-up to, during and after the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. 

"We, however, appeal to our valued guests to show understanding and cooperation when there is a challenge of bad weather and other such circumstances that work against safe flight operations during the period.

"As a safety-centric airline, Air Peace sincerely values the lives of its guests and crew and will never operate a flight except it is truly safe to do so,” the airline said.

Commending the Federal Government for the ongoing effort to fix the runway of the Enugu Airport, Air Peace assured the travelling public that all its daily flights into and out of the facility from 7am to 2pm would operate as scheduled.

The airline, however, said other Enugu-bound flights from around 3pm when the runway of the facility was expected to be shut daily would be diverted to either the Owerri or Port Harcourt airport.

The airline added that passengers affected by the partial closure of the Enugu Airport could reschedule to any of the alternate airports for free.

In another development, the carrier regretted the postponement of the launch of its Freetown, Banjul and Dakar services as part of the second phase of the expansion of its regional route network.

The airline blamed the development on industrial unrest by air traffic control (ATC) in Dakar, a critical chain in its route map.

Air Peace said: “We were all set for the launch of the second phase of our expansion on the West Coast of Africa, connecting Freetown in Sierra Leone, Banjul in the Gambia and Dakar in Senegal.

"Members of our advance crew were already on ground in Dakar when we received the disruptive news around midnight of December 14, the eve of the launch, that Dakar’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) would shut down on December 15 we had planned to operate our inaugural flight into the destination.

“This development completely upset our plan, as Dakar is critical to the new routes launch. 

"We had no choice than to take the painful decision to call off the launch to avoid our esteemed guests getting stuck in the area despite the huge financial and material resources we had committed to the process. 

"Our decision to call off the launch turned out to be quite right as members of our advance crew were eventually caught in the industrial unrest and got stuck in Dakar.

“The incident, rather than discourage us from servicing the routes, has more than ever before fuelled our resolve to tackle the difficulties experienced by air travellers on the routes.

" We have immediately begun fresh arrangements to expand to the routes and when we are really certain that the industrial unrest in Dakar has been fully settled, we will announce a new launch date and deliver on our promise to end the nightmare of air travellers on the route. "