Industry News
Virgin Atlantic justifies sack of cabin crew amid protests…Telegraph
British carrier, Virgin Atlantic Airways, has reacted to insinuation that racism was at the heart of the decision it took to relieve Nigerian cabin crew of their jobs. It said that the global economic situation forced it to prune down its workforce.
The representative of the airline in Nigeria, Chief John Adebanjo, told New Telegraph, yesterday that what happened was not peculiar to Nigeria, stressing that the carrier, like other global airlines is seriously cutting down cost and as such, was looking at some ways to cut cost without impacting on safety.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/virgin-atlantic-justifies-sack-of-cabin-crew-amid-protests/
Why Nigerian airlines are weak, small…Telegraph
Running a successful airline is a very difficult job. Deep pocket, viable business plan, competent management and an enabling regulatory and economic environment are requisites to run a profitable airline anywhere in the world. Many Nigerian airlines today are disadvantaged from the outset.
Struggle
It is no longer news that Nigerian airlines are weak. If the biggest of them could be enmeshed in big problems that threatens its existence, it therefore means that the entire sector is in serious crisis. Despite the over N200 billion aviation intervention fund given to airlines some years ago, not much was achieved with the funds apparently misapplied by beneficiary airlines.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/why-nigerian-airlines-are-weak-small/
Nigerian airports ready for Yuletide, says FAAN…Telegraph
The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured members of the public, especially passengers and airline operators, that necessary operational and security measures have been put in place at all the nation’s aerodromes to ensure hitchfree passage of passengers and cargo during the forthcoming yuletide holidays.
Apart from the statutory security and safety measures already in place at the airports, the agency stated that members of the bomb detection unit of the Nigerian police Force have also been deployed at the airports, to compliment the effort of our Aviation Security Personnel at the security screening points.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/nigerian-airports-ready-for-yuletide-says-faan/
Med-View new Lagos-London route flights excite stakeholders…Mirror
Med-View Airline last Friday commenced scheduled flights from Lagos to Gatwick International Airport, London. In this analysis by OLUSEGUN KOIKI, aviation stakeholders bared their minds on expectations from the airline, challenges and prospects of the route and how it could explore its opportunities and cope with the hurdles.
Nigerian air travellers on the Lagos- London route have over the years complained of indiscriminate airfare regime on the most lucrative route out of Nigeria, but their grumble received little or no attention as a result of ineffective competition from other Nigerian carriers flying into the route.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/med-view-new-lagos-london-route-flights-excite-stakeholders/
SAA to begin Johannesburg-Abuja direct flight January…Telegraph
seventeen years after it commenced flight operations to Nigeria servicing Lagos route, South African Airways (SAA), has announced the introduction of direct flights from Johannesburg to Abuja and vice-versa. Direct flight from Johannesburg to Abuja will commence January 26, 2016 with South Africa Airways using a modern Airbus 330-200s, Regional General Manager (Africa and Middle East), Aaron Munetsi, said in Abuja.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/saa-to-begin-johannesburg-abuja-direct-flight-january/
Africa to gain 280 million passengers in 20 years…Telegraph
As the global aviation industry passenger growth continues on the upward curve, African continent alone is expected to record over 280 million passengers growth in the next 20 years, but this target can only be achieved if countries in the continent improve on its aviation connectivity.
This disclosure was made by the regional head, member and external relations of the international air transport association, Adefunke Adeyemi while speaking yesterday during the aviation day of the ongoing Akwaaba, African travel market – a travel trade expo – in Lagos.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/africa-to-gain-280-million-passengers-in-20-years/
NAF begins local production of aircraft spare parts…Mirror
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has commenced the production of locally-made spares and other related equipment for its aircraft. NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, DOPRI, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, made the disclosure yesterday in a statement made available to journalists.
Alonge said the effort was in a bid to address the challenges associated with spares procurement from third party countries.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/naf-begins-local-production-of-aircraft-spare-parts/
easyJet orders additional 36 A320 family aircraft…Telegraph
EasyJet has signed a firm order for a further 36 A320 Family aircraft taking its cumulative order for the type to 451. The agreement for six A320ceo and 30 A320neo makes easyJet one of the world’s biggest airline customers for the A320ceo Family with 321 ordered and also for the A320neo with 130 on order. In the year that easyJet celebrates its 20th anniversary, earlier in April 2015, the airline took delivery of its 250th A320 aircraft.
As with other recent deliveries to easyJet, the A320 is equipped with the latest technology and fuel-saving sharklets. “Our mission is to make air travel easy and affordable and Airbus is a key partner in delivering this to our passengers.
http://newtelegraphonline.com/easyjet-orders-additional-36-a320-family-aircraft/