Ten African heads of state have confirmed their attendance at The New York Forum AFRICA, to be held in Libreville, Gabon from June 14-16. The leaders, including heads of state from all six of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC), will join more than 1,000 business and political leaders.

The New York Forum AFRICA is the largest pan-African business summit in the world; this year it plays host to the Summit of the Heads of CEMAC, whose members are Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo.

The six CEMAC heads of state joined other political leaders and more than 1,000 business leaders from the region and further afield, to discuss issues as diverse as national and economic security, infrastructure, foreign direct investment, with a special focus on SMEs and entrepreneurs.

A communiqué, including policy initiatives from the CEMAC meeting and discussions from the opening day of the NYFA, will be presented at the G8 pre-summit event on Africa. The communiqué will be presented by H.E. Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the Francophonie for the Republic of Gabon.

A final communiqué from the CEMAC leaders will be delivered upon the conclusion of the NYFA to the G8.

Now in its second year, the New York Forum AFRICA is organized by Richard Attias & Associates under the patronage of the Office of President Ali Bongo Ondimba and in collaboration with the Government of Gabon.

The high-profile forum will host economic leaders, business executives, young entrepreneurs, investment funds, policy makers, and international media for intense discussions and working sessions. They will discuss how to accelerate economic development across the African continent through increased trade transparency, governance, safety, entrepreneurship, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which accounts for 90 per cent of the private sector on the continent.

"Sustainable, long-term growth in Africa will not be possible without two things: the partnership of African governments and the mobilization of Africa’s young workforce. We will have a very strong level of attendees from both of these communities at this year’s New York Forum AFRICA,” said Richard Attias, Founder of the New York Form. “No other event gathers such a combination of African leadership and private sector innovators,” he added.

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Kalamaya: He was already working on the loop holes, by eating his cake and still want to have it. 9ja!

adepojuot: Thank you very much for the info,do I have to pay for the ticket or book a flight with them. you know buy ticket is different from flight reservation. Can I book a flight or I must buy ticket before I can submit my application. Please advice.

"The promotion only applies to travelers who have purchased tickets on Etihad Airways". This was clearly stated in the release. The aim is for you to buy the ticket with them. Anyone can make a reservation nah..haba

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is offering free 30-day tourist visas to Nigerian travellers who choose to fly to the UAE. This promotional offer is valid from June 10 to July 10, 2013, and is open to Etihad Airways’ existing and new customers.

Maurice Phohleli, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, said: “With this offer we hope to support and assist Nigerian visitors in gaining their visas for the United Arab Emirates, so that they can visit many of the UAE’s popular attractions, and experience for themselves the renowned Arabian hospitality the region is so famous for.”

The promotion only applies to travellers who have purchased tickets at Etihad Airways’ standard published fares, and a period of seven days is required for processing the visa. Furthermore, all outbound travel from Nigeria must be completed by July 10, 2013.

Passengers submitting their visa applications must hold a valid international passport, a confirmed Etihad Airways ticket issued at least 24 hours prior to visa application, one colour passport photograph with white background, and confirmation of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi. Passengers under 40 years of age will also have to present a birth certificate and/or marriage certificate where applicable.

Pearl Business class passengers may apply for their tourist visas by submitting an application at the airline’s office in Ikoyi, Lagos, while passengers travelling in Coral Economy class can apply online at www.ttsuaevisas.com or directly in person, by visiting the UAE Visa Application Centre at Falomo Shopping Centre in Awolowo Way, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Approval of visa applications is at the sole discretion of the UAE Immigration authorities.

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information please go to www.ttsuaevisas.com
[url]http://f

In our over six years experience in this industry, we have come to realise that Nigerians will NEVER book their travel tickets early. Sometimes we wonder maybe it has to do with the general lack of trust among the people. The rule of the game is if you want a cheap ticket, you have gotta book your travels early.

Before searching for the cheap airfares, it is always a good practice to decide your expected price bracket. You should have a clear idea that how much you want to pay for a particular flight. There are extreme and continuous fluctuations in airfares till closing of booking for a flight, so you can not predict that when the fare is at minimum. Once you find the fare in your expected price bracket just go ahead and book at that moment. Do not wait for another day.
Here’s is a list of tips on when to buy and when to travel to increase your chances of a good deal:

* Purchase your tickets at least a few weeks in advance: Last minute deals are rarely good. According to CheapAir, the best time to buy a domestic ticket is 79 days, or seven weeks, in advance of your trip. For international tickets, 81 days is best, and deals are generally available 11 to 12 weeks in advance. Kayak found 21 days prior to departure to be the best deals for domestic flights and 34 days for international.

* If you are planning a trip, follow the airlines and hotels you are considering on social media. This applies to international trips, most Nigerian domestic airlines don’t even have a social media account, and those that have are very dormant. International airlines however often post flash sales on social media platform and if you pay attention, there might be a great deal. JetBlue has had cross-country flights for less than $100. The only caveat is the flights are often during limited time frames and with short notice. This is where a travel agent comes handy…yea, you don’t trust them in this part of the world but they are very important. By the way, those that want to start a travel agency in Nigeria can check our tips [url]ht-travel-agency-in-nigeria/[/url]

* Keep track of the fluctuations in price to your destination for a week or two: Prices vary with seemingly little or no reason, and that may be the best way to figure out when flights are cheapest for your specific journey.

* For peak travel times, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, 14 weeks in advance is likely to yield the best deals.

* Don’t believe myths: According to numerous studies on airline pricing, the idea that shopping for tickets on Tuesday or Wednesday is cheaper is not true. Data published in the Journal of Economic Behaviour & Organization found that weekend fares could actually be five percent cheaper. However, airline sales often occur earlier in the week, so it is best to monitor the flights price fluctuations.

* The best way to get a good deal on a flight is to travel off-season. This results in significantly lower fares.

* For summer travel, booking three months in advance is recommended for the best fares.

* Sunday is usually the most expensive day to fly, and Saturday is usually the cheapest.

NOTE: You don’t have to book your domestic fares several weeks before departure date. With three to four days before your flight, you still stand a very good chance of getting a cheap ticket
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Now taking off: Your career

Where do you want your career to take you? Chances are you can get there with United Airlines. Our environment is open, honest, and focused on your success. So choose a career path. And rediscover what it’s like to enjoy your job.
Regional Manager – Security Operations, Africa
Lagos, Nigeria

Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice.

Travel subject to service charges/restrictions. Bonuses awarded only under terms of United’s policies.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Overview
The Regional Manager of Security Operations – Africa ensures the implementation of security programs. Conducts investigations that maximizes revenue protection and increases regulatory compliance while minimizing their affects on customer service and operational performance.

Responsibilities
Security Operations
Investigate and assess operational security incidents in stations within region (LOS and ACC)
Conducts regional field investigations of company policy violations, internal/external fraud, theft and other criminal acts
Ensure investigative findings / intelligence reports are consistently communicated to appropriate management and or Law Enforcement Agencies
Assist operational security staff in analyzing and assessing risks to customers, employees and assets.
Conducts station assessments to proactively identify security vulnerabilities in stations within region
Provides testimony in civil and criminal proceedings as required
Cooperate and assist with Law Enforcement investigations
Assessment and response to emergencies under extraordinary situation
Regulatory Compliance
Assist in the implementation of TSA security requirements, Super Carrier Initiative Security Program requirements and host government security requirements at stations within region
Facilitates security training as mandated by the TSA and other aviation security programs within region.
Conducts regulatory compliance assessments within region and communicates findings to the respective managers
Establish and maintain key relationships with local, state, federal (foreign and domestic) agencies in the interest of enhancing security / and or regulatory compliance
Assist in minimizing operational and customer service impact resulting from changes to TSA and host foreign government security programs
Investigate metrics: Compliance with US and host government regulations, Investigations conducted, cases closed, prosecutions and case values

Qualifications

Education
High School Diploma / GED or equivalent school leaving certificate required
Bachelors Degree or equivalent work experience preferred
Knowledge/Skills
Familiarity with airline business systems and processes required
Familiarity with Airport Operation required
Familiarity with U.S. and foreign Aviation Security Regulations required
Must be fluent in English (written and spoken)
Fluency in local dialects a plus
Familiarity with interviewing techniques and investigative processes required
Experience
At least 2 yrs Aviation Security experience preferred
At least 3 yrs U.S. and foreign regulatory compliance experience preferred
At least 2 yrs investigative experience preferred
Other
Must be willing to live and work in Nigeria
Regular attendance and punctuality in accordance with United’s policies is required
Attendance is required at work location

Apply here: http://flynaija.org/vacancy-united-airlines-lagos-office-recruitment/

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency on Friday grounded a chartered helicopter conveying Edo State Government, Adams Oshiomhole, from Benin, the state capital, to Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Critics of the federal government see the development as a continuation of the onslaught against state governors who opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s anointed candidate for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

According to reports, the OAS Helicopter, which was flying Mr. Oshiomhole from Benin City to Awka for the funeral of late Colette Obi, wife of Ben Obi, a presidential adviser on political matters, was already airborne before authorities recalled it.

“I was surprised that I was recalled after taking off from Government House (in Benin City) because I had communicated with the control tower on radio,” explains Captain James Manahash, the Filipino pilot of the helicopter. “We were already airborne when we got the call to return to the airport and we were even threatened that failure to do so would lead to complete grounding of the aircraft.”

He continued, “The governor prevailed on me to return and listen to them. When we got back to the airport, I was told to pay landing and aerodrome fees which, ordinarily, we could pay later because we were already airborne. Even after completion of the process of payment within 10 minutes, we were still delayed for one hour fifteen minutes. The governor left in anger after that.

“I am surprised by this development because this is not the first time I would be coming to Benin to fly the governor. I was even threatened, after payment, that the aircraft would be grounded completely if I argued with them. I have flown for 35 years, seven of which I spent in Nigeria and this is the first time I am encountering a situation like this. I do not know what problem they have with the governor.”

Contacted on the matter, the Managing Director of OAS Helicopters, Everest Nnaji, said, “I am still making calls to find out exactly why they did not allow the pilot fly the helicopter conveying the governor to Anambra State. I am really angry. I don’t know why they did that and that is why I am still trying to make contact because we have no problems with NAMA.”
The Acting Manager of NAMA in Benin, a Mr. Okolie, wouldn’t comment on why his agency treated the governor that way. He simply said, “I don’t have anything for you.”

A visibly angry Mr. Oshiomhole wouldn’t also comment on the accident after he abandoned the journey and hurried into a waiting car which sped towards Iyamho, his hometown.

But the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Kassim Afegbua, who reacted to the incident, said, “I think the government of the day is competing with too many crisis and it is disturbing that governors are no longer respected or recognized even in their own domain when it is known that they were duly elected by the people.

“How else do you explain the role of a NAMA clerk who grounded the governor’s aircraft and prevented him from keeping his appointment in Anambra State because he is acting out a script that has become the rule of engagement by a dictatorial PDP regime? We remain unprovoked because we are a civilized people.”

Mr. Oshiomhole played a lead role in the defeat of Governor Jonah Jang, the presidency’s anointed candidate in the recent chairmanship election of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Already, the winner of that election, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, has been suspended from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party for daring to present himself for the election despite the opposition from his party.

The aircraft owned by Mr. Amaechi’s state has also been grounded by Nigerian aviation authorities.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto, suspected to have voted for Mr. Amaechi, has also been suspended from the party.
[url]http://f

What is it about?

Airline passengers, consumer advocates and travel companies from across the United States few weeks ago launched “This is Your Passenger Speaking” campaign, a new nationwide grassroots campaign demanding an end to hidden fees in airline travel.

This campaign, which already counts the support of more than 60,000 consumers who have spoken out against hidden fees, is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish consumer protections ensuring travelers can see and compare the total cost of their air travel, and buy all essential parts of their air travel experience, wherever they purchase airfare.

According to said David Kelly, spokesman for the campaign “For far too long, airlines have been hiding fees from millions of travelers for things like baggage, seat assignments and boarding. Passengers from once-a-year vacation goers to frequent business flyers have had enough of hidden fees.”

While DOT has taken important steps towards addressing fee transparency, most notably issuing a 2011 rule requiring airlines to disclose fees on their own websites, much more can and should be done. The current rule does not sufficiently protect consumers from hidden and unexpected fees, and does not protect consumers’ ability to effectively comparison shop for airfares.

This Is Your Passenger Speaking is hosting an electronic petition on their website, www.passengerspeaking.com[url][/url] as well as other action steps people can take to support the campaign’s efforts. Another great achievement for the campaign was the recent nod given by The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, (AAPR) when it announced its endorsement.

"The Association for Airline Passenger Rights is committed to improving price transparency within the airline industry, and ending the practice of hidden fees for checked baggage, seats, boarding options and other ancillary services," said Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights. "To that end, we have publically endorsed this campaign because it represents a unique opportunity for individual passengers, business groups, travel agents and all aviation stakeholders to unite behind greater transparency."

Lesson for Nigerian Travelers

Nigerian air travelers have in the past been clamouring for better service(s) from both domestic and international airlines operation in the country. The most prominent of them, which also doubles as the one that has received the most attention from relevant authorities is the issue of fare disparity by foreign airline operating in the country.

This problem once again came to the front burner few months ago as Nigerians who travelled recently on these foreign airlines complained bitterly about paying higher fares than their fellow passengers from Ghana, for instance, on the same flight.

Investigation revealed that as at April 19th, 2013, passengers travelling on First Class of British Airways from Abuja, Nigeria, to London, Heathrow Airport pay 9,548.25 US Dollars, while another passenger travelling from Ghana on the same First Class, same plane to London Heathrow Airport will pay 4,970.55 US Dollars. Similarly, passenger on Business Class on the same British Airways from Abuja, Nigeria, to London Heathrow pays 4,708.80, US Dollars while another passenger from Ghana on the same Business Class, will pay 2,920.55 US Dollars.

It will be recalled that Nigeria Government, through the Aviation Ministry, had on March 25, 2012, issued the offending airlines a 30-day ultimatum to address this disparity or face been ban from operating in Nigeria. The ultimatum expired and after Senate Committee on Aviation public sitting on the issue, the airlines still stuck to the offensive fares.

We, as well as many Nigerians know the lackadaisical attitudes of our leaders and all those at the helms of affairs, when it comes to addressing issues of consumer rights and foreign organisations.

As a result of this, we would only encourage Nigerian travelers to take a cue from the “This is Your Passenger Speaking” campaign by US travellers and begin to take matters into their hands when it comes to issues that affect them directly, at least y’all know what the alternative is.

http://flynaija.org/this-is-your-passenger-speaking-campaign-lesson-for-nigerian-travelers/

The following items are completely banned from aircraft, and should not be brought to the airport:

Explosive and Incendiary Materials: Gunpowder (including black powder and percussion caps), dynamite, blasting caps, fireworks, flares, plastic explosives, grenades, replicas of incendiary devices, and replicas of plastic explosives.

Flammable Items: Gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, cooking fuel, other types of flammable liquid fuel, flammable paints, paint thinner, turpentine, aerosols (exceptions for personal care items, toiletries, or medically related items).

Gases and Pressure Containers: Aerosols (with the exception of personal care items or toiletries in limited quantities in containers sized three ounces or smaller), carbon dioxide cartridges, oxygen tanks (scuba or medical), mace, tear gas, pepper spray, self-inflating rafts, and deeply refrigerated gases such as liquid nitrogen.

Matches: All matches are banned from checked baggage, and strike-anywhere matches are banned completely from aircraft, but you can have a single book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches with you in the passenger cabin.

Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides: Bleach, nitric acid, fertilizers, swimming pool or spa chemicals, and fiberglass repair kits.

Poisons: Weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, rodent poisons, arsenic, and cyanides.
Infectious Materials: Medical laboratory specimens, viral organisms, and bacterial cultures.
Corrosives: Drain cleaners, car batteries, wet cell batteries, acids, alkalis, lye, and mercury.
Organics: Fiberglass resins, peroxides.

Radioactive Materials: There are some exceptions for implanted radioactive medical devices. Contact your airline for details on how to ship other radioactive materials.

Magnetic Materials: Strong magnets such as those in some loudspeakers and laboratory equipment.

Other Dangerous Items: Tear gas, spay paint, swimming pool or spa chlorine, and torch lighters.

Note: If you are in any doubt about whether your item may be hazardous, you should bring it to the attention of either your airline or the security screener.
http://flynaija.org/a-complete-list-of-banned-items-on-an-airplane/

Pretoria — Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor says her department is in talks with United Kingdom authorities in a bid to lift visa requirements for South African passport holders.

Briefing journalists in Pretoria on Thursday, 23 May 2013, Pandor said the discussions follow government’s consistent calls to British authorities to change their passport regime, which requires all South African passport holders – including those who hold diplomatic and official documents – to apply for a visa when travelling to Great Britain.

This follows public outcry over the past few months over why South Africans should apply for a visa to travel to the UK, while British tourists are not, according to current laws, required to apply for a visa.

Other media reports pointed to concerns that should Home Affairs impose similar requirements, this would affect the country’s tourism industry.

“While we respect the right of the British to manage immigration in a manner they may deem fit, we also believe the international practice of reciprocity should apply as a principle.

“We have undertaken to continue the current discussions between our two governments and to give officials an opportunity to find a speedy resolution of the matter.

“Based on the outcomes of these discussions, the government will make a final decision based on principled international best practice,” Pandor said.

In March 2008, British authorities imposed visa requirements to South Africans travelling to the UK after their tests led to security concerns that some South African passports could be fraudulent.

While this only affected ordinary passport holders, British officials later extended the visa requirements to holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Pandor said the concerns raised had since been resolved after the SA government has since enhanced the security and integrity of the country’s travel documents.

“Since then we have been involved in discussions with our British counterparts to find an amicable solution to the matter.

“In various discussions with our colleagues, we have consistently called for a review of the current regime and reciprocal treatment of holders of official and diplomatic passports.”
http://flynaija.org/south-africa-in-talks-with-uk-to-lift-visa-requirements-for-south-african-passport-holders/

Aero Contractors Airline is a well respected aviation service provider in the rotary wing (helicopter) offshore oil and gas sector plus the fixed wing scheduled and charter passenger sector. Aero is uniquely placed in the Nigerian market to offer both rotary and fixed wing services to the highest international standards of safety.

Currently the fastest growing Nigerian carrier passenger, Aero is focused on bringing customers world class aviation services with affordable fares, quality on-board services, good customer relations with effective online services and operational competence. Aero pride itself in its punctuality and safety record. Aero has established itself as the leading regional and innovative carrier in West Africa.

We are recruiting for the following positions:

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers

1. Licensed Aircraft MTCE Engineer – Airframe & Engines
2. Licensed Aircraft MTCE Engineer – Electrical & Avionics

Job Purpose

duties and responsibilities depends on the company and the category of license and endorsements held by the engineer; however in general

Perform ;preflight inspection and post flight inspections.
Perform daily, scheduled and non routine inspections
Authorized to release aircraft for service
Remove and install line replaceable units (lrus)
Test the operation of aircraft systems to locate source of malfunctions and trouble-shoot problems
Inspect parts for wear or other defects
Defect rectification
Perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing of oil and cleaning of filters
Conduct and record routine and special inspections as required by regulations
Certify that maintenance practices meet standards
Supervise aircraft maintenance workers
Make entries into the technical log
Perform systems & operational checks in accordance with aircraft maintenance manual.
Competencies
Ability to use tools, equipment and machinery to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information and troubleshooting problems and having organized methods for work.
High level of safety consciousness and awareness
Ability to select, interpret and follow instructions provided in written or maintenance manual and to interpret regulations.
Knowledge of ncaa regulations and the company’s procedure
Ability to coordinate line maintenance activities.

Requirements
Typerated aircraft maintenance engineer licence on the following helicopters: aw 139; aw 109; ec 135; as 365.
Minimum of two (2) years cognate experience on the type rated aircraft listed above.

Application Closing Date
11th June, 2013

Apply Here: http://flynaija.org/engineers-wanted-at-aero-contractors/

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO AVIANCE) has Job Recruitment 2013 for the position of Head of Human Resources Management.

The responsibilities include but not limited to:

Champion the articulation and implementation of organisation’s HR strategy and ensure alignment with overall corporate/ business strategy, goals and objectives.

Provide strategic leadership and direction to the HR function in the design and execution of key human resource management strategies, work plans and programmes.

Initiate and propose an operational plan and direction for the HR function that clearly outlines the critical success factors and key performance indicators.

Facilitate the development of an optimal human resource management framework/ system that enhances organisation’s human resource management capability and enhances its value proposition in the labour market

Ensure the deployment of appropriate people management structures, policies and processes that enhance the organisation’s ability to attract, develop and retain the quality of employees required to attain optimal performance and compete effectively.

Ensure the organisation’s human resource management work plans and programmes are an on-going concern and facilitate the development of a performance driven culture.

Periodically identify, customise and adopt relevant leading practice approaches and techniques in strengthening and upgrading the human resource function within the organisation.

Provide guidelines and strategic and operational direction in ensuring the immediate and long-term human resource management plans/ needs of the Company are prioritised and in line with relevant labour laws.

Monitor and track the performance of the HR function vis-à-vis agreed performance targets and proffer suitable work plans and programmes.

Facilitate a smooth and conflict-free relationship between the company’s management, employees and their unions.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Attributes:

Candidate must have minimum of a second class lower division or its equivalent in any discipline from a reputable University, with relevant professional qualifications. A relevant postgraduate degree will be an added advantage.

Candidate must have minimum of ten years post qualification relevant experience of which at least three must have been at a senior management level.

An appreciation of the aviation industry at large and the peculiar HR issues and challenges.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of HRM strategies, systems and leading practices in the areas of organisation development, recruitment, manpower planning and development, career management and performance management; and compensation and benefit management amongst others.
Good leadership, interpersonal, relationship management, communication (written and oral), presentation/ facilitation, and negotiation skills as well as appreciation and working knowledge of Microsoft office tools

Please be brief and direct when filling the forms. E.g. use the acronym ICAN rather than write it out full.

Apply http://flynaija.org/nahco-aviance-recruitment-2013-for-head-of-human-resources-management/here:

Nigerian businessman Jimoh Ibrahim, chairman of the Energy Group, of which the now defunct Air Nigeria Development Ltd. is part, has been dragged to the US District Court in New York by creditors who are claiming over $7,685,837.55 plus interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.

United States-based aircraft leasing company and its affiliates, Aersale Inc., Aersale 27910 LLC and Aersale 27469 LLC are responsible for the joint lawsuit.

Legal documents seen by SaharaReporters suggest that Ibrahim, who is the sole or majority owner of Air Nigeria, entered into an agreement with the Aersale Group as the Guarantor to lease two Boeing 737-300 airplanes for his airline.

The plaintiffs allege that in order to induce lessors into the agreement, Mr. Ibrahim issued a guarantee to execute prompt payment and also to ensure the swift conduct of Air Nigeria’s obligations under the lease agreements. They charge, however, that Ibrahim’s Air Nigeria breached the lease agreements by failing to, among other things, make the basic and additional payments to the Aersale Group and also failing to return the aircraft in the condition required under the Lease Agreements.

According to the plaintiffs, a clause in the Lease Agreement required Air Nigeria to make monthly payments of $125,000 for the first thirty-six (36) months of the lease term and $120,000 for each subsequent month.

The Basic Rent Payments were supposed to be paid on the first (1st) day of each month throughout the lease term while Supplemental Equipment Rent payments were to be paid on or before the tenth (10th) day of each consecutive month during the term. The agreement stipulates that default would occur when Air Nigeria failed to make basic or supplemental equipment rent payments within three (3) days of the due date; when Air Nigeria becomes unable or admits its inability to pay by the due date; or when Air Nigeria fails to comply with any of the stipulated clauses in the agreement.

Once an Event of Default is established, the agreement gives Aersale the right to declare the Lease Agreement null and void and to cancel it, proceed to court to recover lost revenue, demand that Air Nigeria returns the aircraft in the manner and condition required by the specified redelivery conditions, and lease the repossessed Aircraft to any third party; among other things without recourse to Air Nigeria.

Under the terms of the agreement, upon a declaration of default, Air Nigeria is also obliged to pay all arrears of rent as well as the other amounts pertaining to Supplemental Equipment Rent. In addition, Ibrahim, on behalf of Air Nigeria is also liable as the Guarantor to pay for costs incurred by Aersale in the process of repossessing and refurbishing the aircrafts, recovering rent or other amounts due under the Leases etc.

In spite of the guaranty however, from December 2011, Air Nigeria has been late in its payment of a series of Basic Rent and Supplemental Equipment Rent. As a result, Aersale cancelled the Lease Agreements on March 27, 2012. At the time of the termination, Air Nigeria was in arrears of $1,271,447.31, a figure that is likely to increase with each passing day.

Upon receipt of the Termination Notice, Air Nigeria pleaded with Aersale to suspend the termination and resolve the issues out of court. In response, on March 30, 2012, Aersale agreed to temporarily suspend termination of the Lease Agreements provided that Air Nigeria remitted full payment of all outstanding balances under both Lease Agreements together with its Basic Rent payment for April 2012.

On April 3, 2012, Air Nigeria paid $1,000,000 of its outstanding obligations under the Lease Agreements, promising to make good the remaining balance by the end of April, 2012. However they failed to honor that promise.

When approached on the subject, Air Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Kinfe Kahssaye declared “Unfortunately, we were not able to do it due to few aircraft in operation.” Despite persistent demands by Aersale since then, Ibrahim and his Air Nigeria have failed to discharge the outstanding obligations under the Lease Agreements.

On May 25, 2012 Aersale sent a letter to Air Nigeria, copied to Ibrahim, reminding them of the breach of contract and demanding that Air Nigeria immediately cease operating the aircraft and redeliver them in accordance with the terms of the lease agreements. Then on May 29, 2012, another letter was sent notifying them of the rental arrears in the amount of $1,185,572.62 and demanding prompt payment. Several other letters were sent after that but up till today, Air Nigeria and Ibrahim the Guarantor have failed to comply.

Aersale has thus filed a lawsuit against Ibrahim, the Guarantor, in a New York court claiming an amount not less than $7,685,837.55 plus interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.

It will be recalled that Jimoh Ibrahim has been the subject of a number of lawsuits and investigations over issues including falsely issuing a guarantee for his own company, diverting funds secured with one of his companies illegally into another and dishonestly acquiring shares in other companies.

Notably, he is alleged to have fraudulently hijacked 51% shares of the popular Newswatch magazine only to run it down. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has also questioned him over the establishment of Energy Bank in Ghana and Sao Tome and a shady purchase of a private jet in 2009 which he allegedly laundered monies from a pension fund to acquire.

Mr. Ibrahim is also alleged to have channeled over N35 million of aviation funds – a loan granted to Air Nigeria as part of the government’s efforts to rescue the ailing domestic aviation industry— into the account of NICON Investment Limited, a company owned 100% by he and his wife.
The enigmatic Lagos businessman has also been sued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria for 5 years of tax evasion and forgery of Tax Clearance Certificates against Air Nigeria. Aggrieved former staff of Air Nigeria who he fired en masse has also sued him.
http://flynaija.org/jimoh-ibrahim-sued-over-dubious-aircraft-deals-in-us-creditors-demand-over-7-68-million/

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Igbuya, and other government officials, Tuesday, escaped death as what could have turned out to be an air mishap was avoided by Arik Pilot of Flight W 3788 conveying over 100 passengers from Lagos to Asaba.

The flight, which was supposed to take off at 8:30 am was delayed in Lagos on account of bad weather. Though travellers had boarded the flight, after about two hours inside the plane, they were asked to go back to the departure lounge as the plane could not take off on account of what the pilot described as “terribly bad weather at Asaba.”

After about three hours, the flight was boarded again because weather reports showed improvement within the internationally accepted landing standards. By the time it was boarded again, many people who saw the situation as warning from providence cancelled their trips.

On getting to Asaba, the weather became bad again while attempt at landing was difficult. The pilot, who did not want to take chances promptly returned to Lagos. On reaching Lagos, however, the weather there had already gone very bad by aviation standard.

The plane had to circle around for hours amidst dwindling aviation fuel. It finally landed at 4:45 pm amidst signs of relief from traumatised passengers who clapped in jubilation. The pilot, Captain Sandy Miller, merely told passengers to thank their God for His mercies when they got home.
Speaking to aviation correspondents at the Domestic Wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Governor Obi, who traveled to South-Africa on Sunday and came back, yesterday, to Lagos said he was determined to make the flight to Asaba en route Awka because he did not like staying outside Awka more days than necessary.

On whether he was frightened, the governor laughed and said that nothing again should be frightening to a person that governs a state like Anambra. Moreover, he said, he was always at peace with his God and fellow human beings and couldn’t worry over the vicissitudes of life.
http://flynaija.org/gov-obi-others-escape-death-as-arik-air-pilot-asks-passengers-to-thank-god/

Massive protests trailed the arrival of a British Airways’ flight from London at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, last night, as passengers aboard the flight could not retrieve their luggage, following the technical problem suffered by the airliner on touchdown.
Vanguard gathered the luggage cabin of the aircraft failed to open after the plane landed at exactly 6:15pm.

Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that what infuriated the aggrieved passengers was the failure of the crew to empathise with them.

Over 300 hundred passengers on board the flight were reportedly stranded for hours, as children cried uncontrollably due to the stuffy nature of the arrival hall, where they were cocooned, waiting for words from the crew.

The crew were said to have left the airport to avoid being manhandled by the passengers, who were getting very restive.

The eyewitness said: “The situation here right now is chaotic. Hundreds of passengers are protesting the shabby treatment of British Airways’ flight crew, who appear helpless to enable the passengers retrieve their luggage.

“The crew members are saying the aircraft suffered technical problem and it was making it impossible for them to open the luggage cabin.”
Passenger’s story

As at 9:05pm last night, the airline crew were said to have abandoned the passengers and left the airport, saying there was nothing they could do to open the luggage cabin.

One of the passengers on board, Mr. Crosby Eribo, confirmed to Vanguard that passengers, who arrived the airport on board the flight were suffering, with none of the airlines’ staff addressing them.

He said: “What is happening here is unfortunate. The airline’s officials have abandoned us here and children are here crying because of the humid nature of the arrival hall.
“Is this how we are going to run our aviation sector?”

He said efforts to get officials of the airport authorities to intervene yielded no results, as they said the problem was strictly a British Airways affair.

Efforts to reach British Airways’ officials proved abortive, as calls pull to their phones failed to sail through.
http://flynaija.org/protests-trailed-arrival-of-british-airways-flight-from-london-to-lagos/

Aviation Minister Stella Oduah is seeking presidential approval to hand over the management of airports infrastructure to a Chinese firm.

In an April 4 memo to President Goodluck Jonathan titled “Proposed management structure for international airports and perishable terminal in Nigeria,” Mrs Oduah made the case for the Chinese takeover.

In another memo, also of April 4, the minister informed the Presidency about the registration of “Nigeria 1 Aviation Limited” as Nigeria’s national carrier.

The minister identified Fraport AG Airport Services Worldwide (“FRAPORT”) a Chinese firm, which it described as a reputable international airport operator, as the preferred contractor.
But, according to sources, due process was not followed before “Madam Minister unilaterally decided to give the job to Fraport AG”.

The memo said that the Ministry of Aviation has already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FRAPORT for potential cooperation in airport operations, management and development of airport related services.

The minister noted that the ministry worked on the extensive remodeling and reconstruction of 11 domestic and international
“In addition to the on-going airport remodeling and reconstruction, Government recently entered into agreement with Chinese investors for the construction of state-of-the-art terminals at the four major international airports in Nigeria.”

The MoU, according to the minister, was signed because of the need “to guarantee the proper maintenance of the remodelled and new airport terminals and facilities to the highest international standards, in order to safeguard government’s investments in the airport infrastructure as well as ensure the sustainability of government’s effort at transforming the sector.”

Besides the ministry’s MoU with FRAPORT “for potential cooperation in airport operations, management and development of airport related services, FARPORT is to consider training Federal Airports Authorit of Nigeria (FAAN) employees “to deepen local capacity and ensure on-the-job transfer of management expertise in a through and sustainable manner.

The memo said: “It is proposed that FRAPORT will provide its services in collaboration with local private companies to further ensure the effective transfer of their specialist management skills, work ethics and technology to capable Nigerians firms.

“It is also proposed that FRAPORT will receive management fees as a negotiated percentage of revenue derived from the airports and terminals under management. All other terms of their engagement will be contained in a carefully negotiated management contract, with the expectation that in the not too distant future our local Nigerian companies and expertly re-trained FAAN staff will eventually take over management of our airport facilities to same international standards set by FRAPORT.”

The memo on registration of a national carrier is titled “implementing the establishment of a Nigeria national carrier (passenger and cargo).”

Nigeria 1 Aviation Limited is described as the vehicle for realising the dreams and aspirations of the Nigerian people for establishing a national carrier.”
The memo said its shares are held in trust.

Among other benefits, it said that Nigeria 1 Aviation Limited would ensure sustainable transparency, good corporate governance and accountability in running a national carrier.
These, it said, would eliminate the factors that led to the demise of Nigerian Airways and arrest the dominance of foreign airlines on Nigerian routes and its attendant capital flight, estimated at over N300 billion per annum.

It said that Nigeria 1 Aviation Limited would enable Nigeria reciprocal equitably on the BASA routes, enhance the development of Abuja/Lagos as regional air transport hubs and strengthen the Nigerian aviation sector to play the expected pivotal role in national economic development.
It said that Nigeria 1 Aviation Limited would create up to 100,000 additional direct and indirect jobs and enhance the rapid development of national aerotropolis projects.

It said that the ministry had engaged renowned consultants PriceWaterhouseCoopers to work with identified private sector investors, with a mandate of ensuring the launch of Nigeria 1 Aviation Limited not later than the third quarter of 2013.

“I am pleased to report that the Federal Ministry of Aviation is on track to achieve the projected launch date” it said.
http://flynaija.org/aviation-minister-to-hand-over-management-of-airports-to-chinese-firm/

eNKe!:
Has anyone flown with MedView Airlines before? Please, I need an opinion on them for better judgement.

Read this:
http://flynaija.org/review-of-medview-airline-by-a-customer/

Activities at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos have been grounded for two days running due to lack of power supply to the airport.

A source confided in Saturday Mirror that the power outage affected both the international and the local wings of the airport.

Although, reports gathered that the airport landlord, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, switched on the generating set as an alternative at the airport, but the generating set was not capable of powering the air conditioners at both terminals.

While some offices at the airport have been thrown into total darkness since Thursday, some with power supply to their offices could not make use of the air conditioners, while users of the airport, Saturday Mirror gathered, have resorted to the use of hand fan to cool themselves
Some of the areas affected by the outage include the check-in counters; immigration areas and the baggage reclaim areas. Also, the departure wing of the airport had been in total darkness since Thursday.

But the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, denied the existence of any outage, which could cripple activities at the airport, stressing that power outage is a national issue.

Speaking of phone with Saturday Mirror, Dati refuted that the generating sets at the airport were incapable of carrying the air conditioners at the strategic places within the two terminals.

He said: “Power outage is not an issue. It is what we experience everyday in our houses. I don’t know why that has become an issue. It is because of power outage that we have generating sets, which are capable of powering all the facilities at the airport. You are aware that if there is an outage, we switch immediately to our generating set, which have been serving the airports regularly.”

Frequent power outages have been a major issue at the nation’s airports over the years. Just two months ago, the airport experienced similar outage, which disrupted operations at the international terminal for several hours.

FAAN had attributed some anomalies in the source of power supply detected by its engineers to the outage. According to Dati, the detection of the anomalies led to the prompt shutting down of power to avoid further damage to the system.

He added that temporary emergency power was consequently provided to allow for basic check-in, baggage and security processes. He assured that the problem would be resolve soon.

He said: “The emergency power however cannot carry the air-conditioning system. In the interim, industrial fans have been mobilised to alleviate the obvious inconvenience being experienced by our passengers while our combined team of engineers are working closely with staff of PHCN to restore power in the shortest possible time.”
http://flynaija.org/power-outage-cripples-activities-at-lagos-airport/

Job Title:
Planning and Production Control Manager

Job Summary:
Provides and manages maintenance plans and work packs, so that required maintenance is performed when due, and there by assues continued aircraft air worthyness and flight safety.

WORKING RELATIONSHIP
- Relates with the AVP Engineering and Planing, Engineering Manager, AVP Maintenance, Maintenance Service Providers, MROs, Supply chain etc.
Location:
Lagos – Nigeria
Job Description:
Analyses maintenance forecast to plan for all inspections, overhauls, AD compliance, SB/EO compliance and other maintenance requirements on Airframes, engines, LDGs, APUs, Components etc. in accordance with the Nig.CARs;
• Develops and issues maintenance work packages and coordinates manpower, parts, tooling, etc. requirements with the Associate VP - Maintenance and the Quality Manager;
• Maintains liaison with the other areas in the Technical Department to resolve problems related to time limits, work instructions etc, and exercise follow-up and control on the implementation schedule for various maintenance activities, and assure timely implementation of the schedules
• Ensures all maintenance requirements controlled by Flight Hours, Flight Cycles, and/or Calendar times are complied with in accordance with the Nig.CARs;
• Monitors completion of assigned workloads, rescheduling them as necessary to comply with appropriate limitations;
• Assure that the planning and production control process shall be effectively accomplished and manages the coordination between the planning and maintenance.
• Set up and maintain material planning efforts to support maintenance department and provide material control functions
• Coordinates with Supply Chain, Records, Maintenance Control and Quality Control as required; and ensures that major components are available for forecasted scheduled changes.
• Develops a Production Man-hours Plan that shows sufficient availability of man-hours for each intended work-scope
• Ensures completeness and accuracy of all documentation used for the planning, executing and recording of all maintenance tasks;
• Manages Aircraft Records / Documentation ensuring secure and safe retention of all aircraft maintenance records and documentation, and keeping compliance status records updated.


Required skill set & Qualification: • B.Sc Degree in an Engineering field is absolute essential
• Sound airline engineering knowledge, extensive proven experience in airline engineering field including some experience in a supervisory / managerial role.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, proven analytical skills and computer literate.
• Attention to details
• Excellent organizational / managerial skills & Good Team Player
• Hardworking, self motivated and result-oriented

APPLY HERE: http://flynaija.org/planning-and-production-control-manager-wanted-arik-air/

The federal government’s allegation that Rivers State Government falsified permits used in operating its aircraft, is a deliberate falsehood that cannot be substantiated and enforces the state’s claim that it was a victim of federal “witch-hunting”, a House of Representatives committee has said in its report of an investigation into the matter.

The report, submitted by the investigating committees to the House plenary Thursday, said federal aviation authorities deliberately refused to acknowledge Rivers State’s ownership of the aircraft, and may have indeed pressured aviation agent, Caverton Helicopter, to deny having a business relationship with Rivers State.

The committees said it was clear Caverton willfully misled the authorities by denying it acted on behalf of Rivers State. The report recommends officials of the company be prosecuted.

The controversy, which led to the grounding of the aircraft, is widely seen as a face of a political feud between Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and President Goodluck Jonathan over the 2015 presidential election. Mr. Amaechi has criticized the government’s policies, and is reportedly against Mr. Jonathan’s plan to seek a fresh term.

During investigations, lawmakers ordered the list of all private jets and owners and documentations to be submitted by the Ministry of Aviation to enable the committees examine whether the Rivers State treatment was any different, particularly as it regards ownership and expiration of license.

The committees said ministry and its departments blatantly refused to send in the required materials despite assuring to do same.

“This attitude may be interpreted as an attempt to hide the suspected fact that many aircraft air being operated with expired permits or licenses,” a likelihood which would nullify one of the government’s allegations that Rivers state operated the aircraft on an expired permit.
http://flynaija.org/jonathan-vs-amaechi-house-of-reps-report-indicts-jonathan-in-aircraft-grounding/

The liquidation of Nigeria Airways Limited in 2003 left Nigerian air travellers at the mercy of foreign mega carriers operating in the country. Despite having enjoyed concessions which they do not have elsewhere, even in their home countries, they have adopted tactics to fleece Nigerians. Though different aviation minsters have impressed upon these carriers the need to treat Nigerians with dignity, such directives have been taken with a pinch of salt. IME AKPAN, an editor with Leadership News writes.[i][/i]

Recently, the minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, assembled the representatives of most foreign airlines operating within the country. Some of them included; British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Egypt Air, United Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Delta Airlines, Iberia Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Air France/KLM, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airways, among others and accused them of “ripping off Nigerian passengers through fake promotions” and some other sharp practices.

The minister acused the airlines of embarking promotions that do not exist and advertising fares that could never be secured by passengers. She also said the airlines embarked on media campaigns without obtaining the mandatory approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as well as factoring all kinds of illegal fees into tickets prices.

“These surcharges have absolutely no basis or justifiable reasons to be imposed, maintained or increased,” said the minister.
“Surcharges are also a way of cheating the federal government and local businesses in Nigeria, since they are non-taxable but are being used to load up the cost of travel outside the basicfares.”

Oduah stated that the “Nigerian market remains open for exploration but will be permanently closed to exploitation” and insisted that “ . . . in exchange for the continuing profitable business environment and hospitality it provides for the airlines (Nigeria demands that), its citizens must be treated fairly and equitably, according to international best practices.”

Although the British Airways’ Kola Adeyinka and his Emirates’ counterpart Paulos Legesse, pledged to improve their services and denied discriminating against Nigerian passengers, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, saidmatter-of-factly that foreign airlines “fenced off” seats on cheaper fares and force Nigerians to buy high-priced ticket.

It was gathered that most airlines have in excess of 20-25 fare classes while only a fraction of such are available in Nigeria. The NCAA chief described as “very poor” the quality of service on the Nigerian segment of trips, and added that the condition of service for Nigerian employees “is materially different from non-Nigerians.” He said the carriers promoted mediocrity by elevating rooky expatriates to senior management positions,despite the presence of more qualified Nigerian personnel. According to him, the federal government “is now focusing on consumer protection and there are several regulations which require better services and treatment of Nigerians.”

Also, reports showed that between January and September 2009, the NCAA received approximately 46, 998 complaints through its Consumer Protection Unit from aggrieved passengers who were badly treated in one way or the other by some airlines within and outside the country. The complaints pertained to lost baggage, flight delays and cancellations, poor in-flight service, high tickets and shabby treatment by airline personnel.

Oduah may not be the first cabinet minister to have a running battle with foreign airlines operating in Nigeria. Femi Fani-Kayode, who served as minister of transport and aviation during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime brought up the issue of maltreatment of Nigerian passengers travelling on foreign airlines and threatened to ground any one of them that would continue with the practice. To prove his seriousness, he ordered the airlines to ensure that all its flights into Lagos arrive latest, 6p.m (1800 hours) local time, instead of 8 or 9p.m which the airlines were used to.

Equally, former minister of aviation, Babatunde Omotoba, specifically declared war on the British Airways for what he described as the airline’s “insensitivity.” Despite being provided a conducive environment to operate and rake in so much money in ticket sales, the minister regretted that the British airline was yet to reciprocate the gesture by having Nigerian flight attendants in its employ.

He accused the airline of operating against industry regulations “in a manner which is inimical to Nigeria’s airspace safety and security, and against airline regulations and security of the airspace.

“Some of them have been coming here for over 50 years, yet, they have never trained any Nigerian pilot. They have never trained any maintenance engineer or employed any Nigerian into their cabin crew. Even the travel agents that they should be paying their commissions are not paid by them. They are just very selfish,” Omotoba added.

It would be recalled that on March 27, 2008, the airline committed a contemptuous act by evicting 136 Nigerian passengers from a Lagos-bound flight from London.

Nigerians aboard that flight had reportedly protested the maltreatment of one of their compatriots who was being deported and was on the same flight. The miffed passengers, including one Ayodeji Omotade, who had served as spokesman, were later ordered out of the aircraft. The airline, according to British media had to offload the passengers in consultation with, and on the advice of the United Kingdom (UK) Police. After the incident, the British Airways in the face of rising public outrage and criticism, maintained disdainful silence until May 2, when it issued a press statement, through a media consultant. The official response arrived more than a month late, and over a week after the federal government had expressed serious concern.

Many aviation analysts and stakeholders in the sector blame the audacity of foreign airlines to commit infractions and get away with them on the undue preferential treatment they enjoy. They point out that foreign carriers have long capitalised on the loopholes created by the bilateral air services agreement (BASA), for instance, to gain so much economic power to the extent that they could challenge the authority.

They said the federal government gave the mega carriers undue advantage by granting them more frequencies and multiple entries into the country’s international gateways through Lagos, Kano,Abuja and Port Harcourt. They also said the airlines had not been investing in the country. Instead, all the money made in Nigeria was repatriated to their home countries to develop the economies of those places.

The national presidents of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Benjamin Okewu andSafiyanu Mohammed, argued that the vacuum created in the aviation industry by the absence of a functional national carrier for the country remained a major problem.

The death of the Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) in 2003 made Nigerian airlines play second fiddle in the global airline business. All the airlines which came after the death of the NAL have found it extremely difficult to match the standards set by the liquidated carrier.

The union chiefs said that since the liquidation of the NAL no Nigerian airline had obtained air traffic rights to serve a growing number of international routes from Lagos or anywhere. Thus, the lucrative international routes and frequencies are dominated by foreign airlines operating into Nigeria. About 42 international scheduled and cargo airlines operate more than 200 weekly flights into Nigeria while Arik Air is the only Nigerian carrier that operates services to New York, London and South Africa.

A Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) report showed that all the foreign airlines included British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Delta Air, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Kenya Airways and Turkish Air repatriated over N200 billion in one year while the only indigenous airline with appreciable share of the ticket sales was Arik Air.

According to the document, British Airways topped the list with approximately N32b, while Emirates earned N21,522,232,269.60; Virgin Atlantic grossed N11,832,010,763.40; Air FranceN10,859, 450,927.40; KLM N10,507,299,275; Delta Air N7,001,304,508; Qatar AirwaysN6,799,302,758; South African Airways N5,775,448,204; Egypt Air N4,831,799,154.60; Kenya Airways N2,807,340,905 and Turkish Airlines, N1,825,406,905.40. Alitalia grossedN931,339,519; Iberia, N769,187,923; Saudi Air, which only flies into Kano from JeddahN846,133,401; China Southern N769,187,932; Afriqiyah N302,496,743; while Royal AirMaroc, which began operations a little over a year ago, made N266,627,990. The only Nigerian carrier among the big players, Arik Air, recouped N4, 343,492,015 from ticket sales.

The president, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Dayo Adeolaattributed the problem to lack of clear-cut aviation policy.

“It is one policy today, another policy tomorrow or the issue of multiple airport operators. When you buy a ticket worth N1m, what stays in the country out of that N1m is the five per cent government tax. Five per cent of that amount is N50, 000, and then the airport tax is $35. That is all. The remaining amount is changed to dollars and taken abroad,” said Adeola
Arik Air chairman, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, who had always been on the forefront in the fight against capital flight from the airline sub-sector, said that foreign airlines were making brisk business in Nigeria, much to the disadvantage of the local carriers.

The director-general, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Segun Runsewe, contended that for the Nigerian aviation industry to move forward, the country would need a national carrier, but warned that if it was not well managed, Nigerians would not patronise it, considering that air travellers in the country have options.

He however recalled that while the NAL operated, flights were delayed, because of a political or royal individual who should have been at the airport at least an hour before boarding. According to him, such delays and incompetence sound the death knell for the airline. He stated that unlike the past when Nigerians had limited options, the contrary is the case now, as many international airlines fly in and out of the country.

“Look at this: in those days of the NAL, they would delay a flight because of a personality. You can not do this with some of these international airlines. I am not arguing against a nat
onal carrier, but efficiency should be in place,” said Runsewe.

He pointed out that aviation and tourism are an inseparable duo, as they sell the country to the international world, and stressed that countries of the world now consider tourism, a way of developing their economies.
The Congress of Aviation Unions and Professional Associations (CAUPA) maintained that the liquidation of the NAL occasioned huge economic losses.

“A national carrier is a generator of employment and sustenance of economic and industrial development,” said the CAUPA.
However, it explained that establishing a national airline would not necessarily mean a 100 per cent investment by government.
“The federal government, as a morale booster, should invest at least 10 per cent in the proposed airline and the public allowed to invest a sizeable chunk, so that some facilities and waivers can come to the airline,” the CAUPA said.

A former engineer of the defunct airline, Engineer Sheri Kyari, contended that it is not a hard and fast rule that the proposed national carrier should be owned solely by the federal government.

“I am looking at a situation in which the federal government has 10 per cent holding temporarily and allow Nigerians to be the majority shareholders. The 10 per cent shareholding is just to give investors the confidence that government is participating in building such a carrier. I am not talking about the British Airways’ model. I am talking about government sharing percentages to the states, local governments and individuals. Let them invest, let it be a Nigerian thing,” saidKyari.

Sounding sentimental, he said Nigerians would be patriotic enough to fly their country’s flag carrier and be spared the harrowing experience they have on board foreign airlines.

“Nigerians are very patriotic people when they know that this is their own thing. I believe that giving them the opportunity to invest in the airline will make them identify themselves with it,” he remarked.

If the type of ownership model proposed by both Kyari and the CAUPA were adopted, it would be necessary for the federal government to enact the ‘Fly Nigeria Act’, so as to make the airline competitive on international routes. The legislation, according them, would “compel government officials who travel overseas to patronise the carrier”.

It would be recalled that a memo on the need to make government functionaries fly Nigerian carriers when they embark on overseas trips was submitted to the federal executive council meeting for deliberation in 2009.

Christened ‘Fly Nigeria Policy: Patronage of Indigenous Airlines by Federal Public Officers’, it sought the council’s “approval for the introduction of a policy (Fly Nigeria) making it compulsory for all federal public officers to patronise Nigerian airline operators when undertaking official trips overseas on routes operated by the indigenous Nigerian airlines.”

The new policy was one of the initial outcomes of meetings between the federal government and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

A 10-member committee comprising federal government officials and members of the AONwas set up to look into grievances raised by indigenous airline operators.

Indigenous airline operators had, in a petition to the late President Umar Yar’Adua, stated that some of them might go down if identified challenges in the sector were not given urgent attention. The airlines also complained that government officials hardly patronised the indigenous airlines.

They also expressed worry that airline ticket sales were a major avenue for capital flight and the Central Bank of Nigeria figures indicated that foreign airlines operating more than 180 weekly frequencies into Nigeria repatriate about N200 billion annually to their various home countries, while Nigerian airlines on foreign routes operate less than 45 weekly frequencies.

Former secretary-general of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Nick Fadugba, who welcomed the move, said it was a “vote of confidence passed on Nigerian carriers”.

“It is a welcome support for Nigerian airlines. This is what obtains in the United States of America, under the ‘Fly American Act’. US government employees must fly American airlines. Why should Nigerian government employees who love to fly business and first-classes fly foreign airlines?” said Fadugba.

Arik Air chairman, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, said the nationals of some big carriers patronisetheir local airlines.

“I remember when I was in the USA, I had a meeting with an international institution and they said they wanted to come visit us in Lagos, I said, ‘Okay, we will give you a ticket to fly from New York to Lagos’. They said, ‘No’, that they would prefer to fly in a US carrier, and I said, “But our aircraft is
brand new”. They said they were aware, but that they are not allowed to fly a non-US carrier, as long as a US-carrier goes to that country. Unless there is no US carrier going there,” saidArumemi-Ikhide.

“The government has to make a policy. On the other hand, Nigerians need to take a stand by taking pride in our products. Yes, we have made some mistakes. We are just about five years as an airline and two years now as an international airline.

“Some people told me that we don’t have frequent flier when we started in those days. Before the British Airways came, there was no frequent flier. We should understand that before Arik came, Nigerians were treated like dogs by some of these foreign airlines.

“They didn’t have respect for Nigerians. It was when we came and we introduced Nigerian food, music and the rest. If we show that we have some dignity that we can be given due respect. Government should understand that Nigerian airlines have difficulties and we as a nation should support our own.”

However, managing director and chief executive of Sabre Networks, Gbenga Olowo, does not believe that a national carrier is a necessity.

“We do not need another national carrier. Who will own such an airline? Is it government that has proved incompetent in a less demanding industry, talk more of aviation? That concept is obsolete and events have overtaken it. We now have almost 10 flag carriers, with different potentials. The pilots, engineers and commercial/operation workers, one way or the other, have had stints with the NAL.

“Government should be serious about the provision of the needed support to them, and make them economically viable and internationally competitive. Subsidy on aviation fuel to help their growth remains a strong option to consider as an oil producing nation,” Olowo said.
http://flynaija.org/how-foreign-airlines-cheat-nigerian-air-travellers/

Two staff of Nigeria’s largest airline, Arik Air have been arrested at the Heathrow Airport in London for suspected drug trafficking on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency disclosed that they had opened investigations after the Arik Airline workers were allegedly caught with cocaine in the Uk.

NDLEA spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju said the allegations constituted a national embarrassment.
“We are aware of the arrest and we have opened an investigation into the matter,” Ofoyeju said.

Banji Ola, Arik Air spokesperson said he was not aware of the incident or flight details.
However, Arik Air image maker, Banji Ola said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

It would be recalled that in December 2011, a 29-year-old Arik Air female hostess, Miss Chinwendu Uwakaonyenma Ogbonnaya, was arrested at Heathrow Airport over allegation of drug smuggling into the United Kingdom and was thereafter sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment last year.
http://flynaija.org/two-arik-air-staff-caught-with-cocaine-at-heathrow-airport/

Lakayana: why is it that the poster didn't tell us what the schengen countries are I but he too does not know cut and paste.

Sorry, we tot you would be smart enuf to know them already..

Planning to visit a Schengen country? Effective 6 June 2013, Schengen member states will start collecting fingerprints for visa applications, requiring applicants to appear in person to apply for their visas.

The biometric data of the visa applicants (10 fingerprints) will be taken at all application centres (embassies as well as visa application centres). For subsequent applications within five years, fingerprints can be re-used from the VIS file unless there is reasonable doubt regarding the identity of the applicant.

When the visa holder arrives at the border, the authorities have access to the VIS to verify the holder’s identity and the authenticity of the visa.

Categories of applicants exempt from the requirement to give fingerprints:
• Children under the age of 12 • Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible • Heads of states and members of their official delegation when invited for official purposes.

Couriers can be sent to collect the passports.

Always remember to check specific visa requirements with the relevant country embassy before travelling as visa requirements are subject to change at any time.
http://flynaija.org/new-rules-for-schengen-visas-from-june-6th2013/

The staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have suspended their industrial action slated to start on Monday to press home their demand for additional welfare package.
The workers decided to suspend the planned strike after a meeting between the management and union leaders.
Supo Atobatele, the General Manager, Public Affairs of NAMA, disclosed this in a statement he issued in Lagos after the meeting which ended late on Friday.
“The meeting is however expected to continue on Monday to further deliberate on issues at stake after the parties agreed that dialogue remains the best way of resolving industrial crisis,’’ he said.
Mr. Atobatele said the meeting was attended by representatives of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees.

Abdulkareem Motajo, who led the team from NUATE, was quoted as saying during the two- hour deliberation, that the union leaders were not interested in creating problem for the management.
“The ultimatum earlier issued was to send a friendly warning that there were issues yet to be resolved,” he said.

NAMA’s Director of Human Resources, Uwem Akangson, who represented Nnamdi Udoh, the agency’s managing director, said the meeting was necessary due to communication gap between the management and unions.

“This had made it difficult to appreciate the extent of achievement on the implementation of the new salary package for the workers,’’ he said.
http://flynaija.org/nigerian-aviation-workers-cancel-planned-strike/

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is seeking to employ a suitable and qualified candidate for the position of Visa Assistant in the Consular section.

Position: Visa Assistant

Ref: A31907
Location: Abuja

Basic Function of the Position:

Incumbent acts as a full NIV Team member, performing difficult and responsible clerical and related work, pertaining to the full range of non –immigrant Visa services. The incumbent performs relevant clerical duties involved in the delivering of Visa services within the non-immigrant Visa Unit of the Consular Section, in accordance with Unit Standard Operating procedures and established visa processing guidelines.

Position Requirements:
NOTE: All applicants MUST address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each criterion or the application will not be considered.
A University degree in one of the following: Art, Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Foreign Language, History, International Relations, International Affairs, Literature, Liberal Arts, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, Pure Science or Sociology is required.

Minimum of six (6) months clerical work experience in a busy office environment is required.
Level IV (fluent) Speaking/Reading in English is required.

Level III (good working knowledge) Speaking/Reading in Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo is required.
The incumbent should have a general knowledge of U.S. Embassy and Consular Section functions.
Must be proficient in Microsoft office applications (Word, Excel and Outlook).

Selection Process

When fully qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and U.S. Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.


Additional Selection Criteria
Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.

Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.

Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.

Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.

Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.

Remuneration
OR –Ordinarily Resident – N2,250,420p.a. (Starting basic salary) Position Grade: FSN-06
In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the Mission Local Compensation Plan.

Application Closing Date
28th May, 2013

APPLY HERE: http://flynaija.org/graduate-level-visa-assistant-wanted-at-us-embassy-nigeria/

The Canadian company which arranged how the Rivers State Government’s controversial Bombardier Global 6000 private jet was ferried into Nigeria last year has written to the Federal Government, explaining how the jet got to the country through Senegal, among other details.

The company, ACASS Canada Limited, stated how it assisted the Rivers State Government to take the delivery and possession of the aircraft from the manufacturer, Bombardier of Canada.

The letter dated May 1, 2013 and signed by ACASS’s Executive Vice-President, Mr. David Dorrance, was directed to the Federal Government through the Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Joyce Nkemlokam.

The company, however, said its support service contract with the aircraft culminated in the delivery and turnover of possession of the Canadian-made jet to the Government of Rivers State on September 28, 2012, in the United States of America.

The letter reads in part, “ACASS Canada Ltd is a Canadian, incorporated company, working in the business aviation industry. We offer our expertise to clients around the world, including assisting new aircraft owners with the entry into service of their new aircraft and sometimes, providing temporary crew and logistics support of such aircraft operations by their owners.”
“It has come to our attention that you are inquiring about the operations of a certain Bombardier Global Vision Aircraft, registration number N565RS, concerning its activities in Nigeria.

“We assisted the Government of Rivers State of Nigeria with taking delivery and possession of their new aircraft. During these preparations, we requested, on behalf of our client, assistance for the Nigerian importation of the aircraft through Caverton Helicopters which was never consummated or received.

“Our entry into service support culminated in the delivery and turnover of possession of the aircraft to the Government of Rivers State on September 28, 2012, in the USA with the exception of crew support and advisory support.”
http://flynaija.org/canadian-company-acass-canada-limited-writes-fg-over-amaechis-jet-investigation/

THREE aviation unions – Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) – yesterday served a notice to shut the Nigerian airspace beginning from May 20.

The unions said their planned action is to protest the failure of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to address issues bordering on new salary scale.

Their threat came ahead of the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to NAMA on the vexed issue, which expires next Monday.

A bulletin jointly issued by the unions to the workers, advised them to immediately embark on strike until all issues raised with the NAMA are resolved.

The bulletin was signed by Olayinka Abioye (ATSSSAN), Aba Ocheme (NAAPE) and Odinika Igbokwe (NUATE).

The union leaders also expressed bitterness over NAMA’s failure to invite them for dialogue since the ultimatum was issued. They also raised concerns over the non-payment of 13-month areas that have accrued on the new salary scale.

On May 6, the unions wrote a letter to NAMA’s Managing Director, Nnamdi Udoh, to immediately resolve all issues raised by the workers.

He was given a 14-day ultimatum to act, failing which they threatened to embark on strike.

Two months ago, aviation unions threatened a one-day warning strike.

NAMA failed to implement the approved salary structure for its personnel.

The agency said it would implement the new condition of service.

NAMA attributed the delay to some critical omissions in the document approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

Addressing members of the union at the Freedom Square, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, NUATE’s National President Safianu Mohammed said the strike was imminent.
http://flynaija.org/aviation-unions-pilots-and-engineers-threaten-to-shut-airspace-on-monday/

blank:

Went to their office in MM2 (upstairs) and presented my ticket and id.

Alright. Thanks.