Economic recession? Commotion as another airline shuts down operations
– The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) discloses that The First Nation Airlines suspended its operations
– The NCAA however dismisses claims that some airlines are winding down their operations due to unfavorable economic climate
– Says the suspension is to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay
Just when Nigerians were grappling with the news that one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, Aero Contractors will shutdown its operations indefinitely over speculation of harsh external business environment, another airline is doing same.
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According to The Nation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in a statement on Thursday, September 1, said The First Nation Airlines will suspended its operations.
However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed claims that some airlines are winding down their operations due to unfavorable economic climate.
According to the Director General, NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman , the suspension is to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.
The DG explained that one of the airlines, Aerocontractors Ltd., at present has only one serviceable aircraft.
He said that this is in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) which stipulates that no airline operator shall carry out schedule commercial operation with only one aircraft, noting that the minimum acceptable number is three aircraft.
He 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.”
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The DG added that the NCAA regulations however provide a window for such operator to embark on non-schedule operations in the interim.
He explained that The First Nation Airlines halted operation because the airline is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft.
He said another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the Regulatory Authority.
Captain Usman noted that in these circumstances, the airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self regulatory suspension.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wishes to reiterate that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace, he said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians that change cannot be attained on a bed of roses.
According to Vanguard, Buhari speaking on the backdrop of information released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which indicts that Nigeria’s economy has slid into recession, on Thursday, September 1, demanded understanding of Nigerians while he deals with the ailing economy.
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