The Jonathan administration secretly, and in open violation of lawful contracting procedures, has awarded an Israeli firm, Elbit Systems, with headquarters in Haifa, a $40million contract to help it spy on citizens’ computers and Internet communications under the guise of intelligence gathering and national security.

According to Premium Times Elbit announced the contract award Wednesday in a global press release but was silent on the Nigerian destination of the contract. Its general manager, Yehuda Vered, opaquely announced that “Elbit Systems will supply its Wise Intelligence Technology (WiT) system to an unnamed country in Africa under a new $40 million contract announced on 24 April… for Intelligence Analysis and Cyber Defense,” but effusively claimed, in the statement, that his company is “proud to be selected to supply this unique system, which is already field-proven, fully operational and customisable.

“Elbit Systems is a world leader in the fields of intelligence analysis and cyber defense, with proven solutions highly suitable for countries, armies and critical infrastructure sites. We hope that additional customers will follow in selecting our highly advanced and cutting edge systems in these fields as their preferred solution,” Mr. Vered added.

CONTINUE READING: http://flynaija.org/jonathan-awards-40million-contract-to-israeli-company-to-monitor-computer-internet-communication-by-nigerians/

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Mixed Fleet where you have the chance to excel and be recognised for your individual contribution as Cabin Crew.

If you aspire to be the very best, you’re customer focused and work well as part of a team, then this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

APPLY HERE: http://flynaija.org/british-airways-recruiting-cabin-crew-for-2013/

The suspended proceeding before the Coroner court, unravelling circumstances leading to the Dana air crash in Lagos last year resumed, yesterday, with the presiding judge, Mr Oyetade Komolafe, directing that witness summon be issued on the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, to appear before it.

Also to appear is a pathologist, Prof. Adekunbi Banjo, who is to testify on his observations of the victims, who lost their lives during the ill-fated air crash involving Dana plane on June 3, 2012.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/aviation-minister-summoned-to-testify-on-dana-air-crash/

Abuja – The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, says that obtaining police permit for the use of vehicles with tinted glasses “is free of charge and does not attract any charge”.

Abubakar made the clarification on Friday while speaking at a meeting with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the 12 zonal commands in Nigeria.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/obtaining-tinted-galass-permit-is-free-says-ig/

British Airways thursday announced another special discount offer for its World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World customers travelling to London and other European destinations.

The new offer comes less than two months after its Valentine Special Offer to the UK and select destination to Europe, the United States and Canada, and the ‘Discover Canada’ fares, the firm said in a press release.
According to British Airways, the latest offer sees World Traveller fares to London and the UK reduced to $206! For those travelling on the World Traveller Plus, the fare was slashed to just $806, while the Club World fare starts at just $1870, adding that its customers must hurry as these amazing return fares are limited.

READ MORE:http://flynaija.org/british-airways-offers-promo-fares-to-london-for-nigerian-travelers/

The customer service culture prevalent in Nigeria is indeed very appalling. From the public to the private sector, one only needs to see how apparent the disdain is for the very customers each sector is supposed to serve.

The attitude to customer satisfaction is totally non-existent and provision of services to customers is conducted in such a way as to think a favour is being bestowed upon the customer.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/appalling-customer-service-culture-in-nigeria-worries-airline-passenger/

Jacob Olakunle Ajomale, a Nigerian who was allegedly badly maltreated by officials of the United State of America, has filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Lagos against United Airline and the Nigerian Minister of Internal Affairs.

Ajomale’s story, according to an affidavit in support of the suit, was rather pathetic and strange coming from the United States, a country that frowns at all forms of human rights abuses.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/nigerian-seeks-justice-against-united-airline-and-minister-of-internal-affairs/

THE interview granted by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to Qatar-based private broadcasting channel, Al Jazeera, stirred a heated debate on social networks on Sunday.

In the interview conducted by Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Adow, Adeboye justified his ownership of a private jet, saying it is necessary for efficiency in his assignment.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/private-jet-pastor-adeboyes-defence-stirs-debate-on-social-networks/

This year's edition of the Skytrax survey set a new record with more than 12 million respondents. In the World Airport Awards, passengers take a close look at international airports and airlines every year.

Skytrax asks them to evaluate airports under 40 criteria, including quality of handling and services, staff courtesy and efficiency, shopping and leisure amenities, and transit facilities.

For a 9th consecutive year, Munich Airport was named Central Europe's Best Airport in the World Airport Awards by the London-based aviation consultancy Skytrax. In the overall European rankings, Munich was number two, behind Amsterdam, as in the previous year. At the global level, the surveyed passengers ranked only five airports ahead of Munich: Singapore, Seoul, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Beijing.

With these results, the Bavarian hub maintained its number 6 position from the previous year, and placed among the world's 6 best airports for the ninth consecutive year. In its "weight class" – airports with 30–40 million passengers a year – Munich was actually number 2 in the world.

Commenting on the excellent results, Munich Airport's CEO, Dr. Michael Kerkloh said, "Despite the major construction work on the new satellite Seite 2 von 2 terminal, we obviously succeeded in maintaining our high service and quality standards even when measured against the world's best."

SEE FULL LIST HERE: http://flynaija.org/top-10-airports-in-the-world-revealed/

FRANKBENN:

i like to make such one in mate.
Op gt link?

Thank you!

Hope of our celebrities who plan to travel to the United States of America to have their babies has finally come to a halt, as the new policy of Uncle Sam’s country may not favour 90% of them.

The likes of Mercy Johnson who recently had her baby there should be thankful to God because she is likely going to be the last woman standing in Nollywood.

According to report gathered from Compass, the United States government appears to have tightened the noose on Nigerian pregnant women who have formed the habit of traveling to the US to deliver their babies. The women employ the ploy to ensure that such babies become citizens of the US in order to enjoy all the benefits of US citizenship.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/pregnancy-nigerian-celebrities-hope-dashed-on-us-green-cards/

gunuvi: Okay na. Make she come sit beside me for flight. I no go talk wetin we go do inflight o when cabin light is switched off.

Hian...lol

The Ministry of Aviation has begun moves to amend the enabling laws setting up the aviation parastatals, particularly some sections of the 2006 Civil Aviation Act, which among others, vest the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/aviation-ministry-seeks-to-take-over-issuance-of-operating-licences-from-ncaa/

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Nigeria’s aviation regulatory body, Monday, grounded a British Airways flight, schedule to depart Abuja by 8.14am for London Heathrow, when the aircraft developed a snag in one of its engines before take-off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Acting Director General of NCAA, Dr. Joyce Nkemakonam, said that the aircraft had a snag and was subsequently grounded by the agency.

“The aircraft had a snag and the airline notified NCAA and it was subsequently grounded.”

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/nigerian-government-grounds-british-airways-aircraft-over-engine-failure-in-abuja/

A woman in a wheelchair arrived at an airport wearing only her underwear to avoid an “enhanced” pat down, only to be subjected to an hour-long security search after traces of nitrate were found on her body.
Tammy Banovac, 52, said she decided to travel wearing only knickers and a bra after undergoing a search two weeks earlier. Referring to the earlier search, she told Oklahomannewspaper: “If it happened anywhere else, it would have been sexual assault.”

When she turned up at Oklahoma City airport hoping to be processed quickly, she was once again given an extra search, which caused her to miss her flight to Phoenix.

A video of the incident, showing the wheelchair-bound passenger in her black underwear and carrying her pet lapdog, was filmed by another passenger and posted on YouTube.

The telegraph officials said she was given the “enhanced” search this time because traces of nitrates, which can be used in explosives, were found on her body.

Nitrates are also found in medications and could also have come from a recent hunting trip she went on.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has faced a growing outcry over new security measures at U.S.airports, with many travelers complaining they are invasive and humiliating.

In the latest case an Oklahoma City Airport spokesman said the TSA acted appropriately and “did everything they should have done.”

http://flynaija.org/woman-wears-only-underwear-to-the-airport-to-reduce-security-check/

What would have been another air disaster in the aviation sector in Nigeria was on Saturday afternoon averted as the Arik aircraft with registration number 5N-MJE developed fault at take off at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar, Cross River State.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/another-air-mishap-averted-at-margaret-ekpo-airport-calabar/

Some of the 100 indigenes of Kano State, North-West Nigeria, currently undergoing training in piloting abroad will, upon graduation, be most likely be recruited by the world-famous Emirates Airlines

Already, Kano State Gov. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has travelled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to hold talks with Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

READ MORE: http://flynaija.org/kano-pilots-to-get-jobs-in-world-famous-emirates-airlines/

megastu: Same opinion, i have. Good reads dont generate traffic. Nice post.

Thank you!

U.S. Airways are accused of refusing to let two young black men into first class until they changed their clothes.
McCraig and Miles Warren are suing the airline for discrimination, claiming that when they tried to board the plane in Denver, they were told by an employee that they should change into more appropriate attire.

According to the federal discrimination lawsuit which was filed on Wednesday, the employee repeatedly told the brothers that their jeans, hooded sweatshirts and baseball caps violated an alleged first-class dress code.

Check Video Below
McCraig and Miles Warren are suing U.S. Airways for discrimination, claiming that when they tried to board the plane in Denver, they were told by an employee that they should change into more appropriate attire


Discrimination: The brothers were shocked to discover two young men in first class – one Caucasian and one Filipino – wearing jeans and hooded sweatshirts
They were told they should change into button-down shirts, dress shoes and slacks if they wanted to sit in first class and were told that was the airline’s policy.

The men went to the bathroom and changed before boarding the plane bound for Los Angeles. They were shocked however to discover two young men in first class – one Caucasian and one Filipino – wearing jeans and hooded sweatshirts

Upon questioning the two men, the men revealed that they were ‘not instructed to change their clothes prior to boarding, nor at any time during the flight’.

Policy: They were told they should change into button-down shirts, dress shoes and slacks if they wanted to sit in first class and were told that was the airline’s policy


Justice: The Warrens say they were shocked, humiliated and confused by what happened and are seeking punitive damages
The Warrens say they were shocked, humiliated and confused by what happened and are seeking punitive damages.

U.S Airways spokesperson Andrew Christie told AlterNet: ‘We welcome customers of all ethnicities and backgrounds and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We take these allegations seriously.

‘Initial indications are that these pass-riders were traveling on non-revenue tickets as part of our employee travel program. All employees and pass-riders are expected to comply with the policies associated with this travel privilege.’


SEE VIDEO HERE: http://flynaija.org/video-u-s-airways-forced-two-black-passengers-to-take-off-their-jeans-and-hoodies-before-boarding-first-class/

ochukoccna: Thanks for the educative post
Too bad Tonto Dike's left yansh photos and Yvonne Nelson's right yansh threads tend to make nairaland's FP nowadays

Sad! sad! Good reads dont generate so much traffic. Glad you like it.

Since we started this blog, we have received a ton of messages from people who want to know how to start a travel agency in Nigeria.

It is common knowledge that Nigerians travel to different countries a lot. Those who do so by air will always need the services of travel agents to help them book airline tickets and sometimes arrange accommodation at their final destinations.

When these facts are considered, therefore, it becomes apparent that running a travel agency can be one of the most lucrative ventures if certain basics are got right. The travel agency business involves offering comprehensive travel needs such as booking airline tickets, hotel, train and planning visits to important tourist destinations.

However, you will need to decide if you intend to operate a comprehensive travel agency which will include organising tours, or just the mere aspect of booking tickets, hotels and others for various categories of travellers, including organising a chartered flight.

Another thing is to also decide whether you want to be a freelance agent or licensed travel agent. Freelance agents are like third party. They are the middle-men between the travel agency who actually issues the travel tickets or packages the tour and the traveller. They make their income from the additional costs they add on travel deals and air tickets as the case maybe.





Opportunities

The process of acquiring visas in Nigeria to most countries has been made a lot easier than what it used to be in the past. This means a lot of people will travel more.
The advent of new domestic airlines e.g.Medview Air. The government is also in the process of licensing seven new domestic airlines. The more the aircraft and airlines available, the more the number of air travellers.
You can also offer some additional services like assisting travellers with their travel documents (medical & visa). This would give you an edge over your competitors.
You can package tours for your customers. It could be to lovely places in Nigeria, wonders in Dubai or as far as Hawaii.
There are hundreds of hotels, spas, recreational centres spread around the world that are willing to partner with travel agencies.


Challenges

The capital for starting a travel agency is a bit on the high side contrary to what most people think, especially if you are starting a licensed agency. This is further exacerbated by the epileptic power supply in the country.
A lot of people still find it difficult to understand why they need a travel agency. The reason for this is that most people think they are being cheated for paying an extra cost on their travel tickets.
The advent of the internet and the continuous accessibility by air travellers in recent times has reduced the income of travel agencies.
Getting the required international certification (IATA) maybe a little daunting.


Requirements

Computers
Internet Service
Business registration of the agency. It advisable you register your travel agency business with relevant government agencies in Nigeria.
With a laptop, reliable connection to the internet, coupled with printed business cards and fliers and a two- week training, a freelancer is on his way to becoming a successful travel agent. A freelancer’s room can be his office once necessary contacts have been made.Passengers do not have to see you once they know you. You can be on the road or anywhere without hindering the progress of the business in any way.The only difference is that you cannot pay airlines directly when you book tickets for passengers because you are not an International Air Transport Association licensed operator.You need to attach yourself to a licensed agent to pay.
A licensed operator on the other hand needs between N1m and N5m depending on how big its operations are. Starting as a licensed agency also requires getting an International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) licence and they also demand an office apartment with a sign post carrying the name of your agency mounted in a conspicuous position, four to five permanent employees of which two must have worked either in an airline or a licensed travel agency for at least two years, and then get about five computer systems connected to internet facilities.
The operating licence, issued by IATA, the global body representing airlines and travel agents worldwide, is obtained free oncethe prospective operator has met these conditions.
With an established office, an agency is expected to subscribe to a GDS company,a computer reservations system through which it can access airline ticket inventories, hotels, trains, road transport etc. Some of the major global distribution systems available in Nigeria are Amadeus, Sabre and Galileo
It is however important for a prospective operator to go for a minimum of two-weeks training in any of the registered and IATA certified training institutes in Nigeria.


With all these points, it is obvious to any discerning individual that the tools to start a travel agency are available to everybody. You just need to identify that area which could distinguish you from the next agency, equip yourself with the right certifications and understand the regulations guiding the practice. Once you have all these, then you can comfortably begin fulfilling your dream of owning a travel agency.

More tips on [url]flynaija.com[/url]

This might not come across as news if you are a frequent traveler, but for a newbie traveler or flyer, it is important to know what Excess Baggage Allowance is. Excess Baggage Allowance is what you pay for luggage that exceeds the limits for weight, size, or number of pieces allowed by a particular carrier. Excess baggage requires payment of additional freight and may be sent separately as cargo and not as accompanied baggage.

Depending on your route, your baggage allowance may be calculated by piece or weight. For instance, passengers flying from the Lagos Airport to Dubai on an Economy Cabin have a standard baggage allowance of 30kg, with the excess per kilogram as $30 (plus applicable taxes).

A lot of Nigerian travelers run into problems at the airport when returning home from their foreign trips because they could not afford to pay for excess luggage - Nigerian women in particular love good things and they can “shop to the death” when travelling.

Their bags are stuffed with designer clothes, shoes, sun glasses they bought from major shops in London, Paris and Dubai and they are left with just their return tickets back to Nigeria.

Therefore, we've tried to put together a few tips to help you avoid or at least reduce any charges you may incur.
Whenever you book a flight, part of the ticketing conditions should indicate the checked in luggage allowance. If you know in advance that you will exceed your allowance, you should contact the airline as paying charges in advance will almost always reduce your excess costs. You should also be aware that more and more airlines will restrict the number of items you can check in. If an airline has a limit of one piece and 30kg per person, you need to be aware that you may well be charged if you try to check in 2 pieces at 15kg each.

The first thing you need to do is to check your luggage allowance with the airline. This information is usually on their website or you can call them to find out. Many passengers don’t even read the rules that apply to their tickets. Set this as a standard from today, always read the rules of your airline tickets. Spending about 5 minutes to go through the rules can save you a lot of time and money at the airport.

You should also check the hand luggage allowance as some airlines will strictly enforce the weight of this too. If it is over the allowed weight, you will have to repack items into your checked in baggage and this could put you over your allowance.

One of the best items you can purchase is a portable set of luggage scales. They are cheap and lightweight which means you can take them with you. We have often heard people say they weigh the suitcases by getting on the bathroom scales to weigh themselves and then re-weighing themselves holding the suitcase. That method is all very well when you are at home but how about on your return trip? One of the tricks some airlines use to trap passengers into paying excess charges is to allow them carry slightly over their allowance on their outbound flights, but on the return flight strictly enforce baggage rules.

Another rule you need to be aware of that some airlines enforce is the maximum weight of a single item. Often, this is set at 23kg so you also need to check the airlines rules and take this into consideration when packing. If an airline has a 15kg limit and you are traveling with your spouse, it is unlikely they will accept a single suitcase weighing 30kg.

However, when travelling as a family of more than three or in a group, you should be able to take advantage of the joint allowance. Usually, there is nothing wrong with spreading the allowance between all members of the travelling party.
Also, note that children are also usually entitled to the same luggage allowance as adults.

Because of the economic crunch in Europe and other parts of the world and most importantly, competition amongst the airlines which sometimes is not healthy, luggage rules are never enforced consistently. The airlines are suffering financially and often they will use any excuse to get more money out of passengers. This is why it is important you know the luggage allowances and stay within them. If you don't, you have no-one else but yourself to blame if you get charged.

Frequent travelers most especially should try to get scales for home use. If you have weighed your luggage at home and the scales at the airport check-in show a big difference that will cost you money, you should re-pack your items and reweigh your luggage to double check.

Having to pay excess baggage charges can be expensive and could ruin your holiday. It is easy enough to avoid these charges: you just need to get your information from the airline and plan ahead.

www.flynaija.org

expertman: Guy dubai is pretty cool in all Areas thats Why we all love that country while their visa too is easy.

The same process applys to Abu Dhabi when it comes to Visa

Capitalising on its central location between east and west, Dubai has expanded rapidly over the past decades with its economy now based around trade, manufacturing and tourism. Liberal regulatory conditions, free zones such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai International Financial Centre plus excellent transport links have made the emirate the natural location for regional head offices for multinational companies as well as local enterprises.

For Nigerians specialising in trade and commerce, Dubai, in United Arab Emirates, holds a particular attraction. It is a haven for various goods which can be obtained at a bargain if the trader knows his/her way about the numerous souks (markets) in the desert city. Dubai, which some time ago was in the news for harbouring some corrupt Nigerian politicians, is without doubt a world trading post.

Owing to demand, three major airlines - Emirates, Qatar and Ethiopian Airlines - offer daily flights from Lagos and Abuja to Dubai. So with what appears to be affordable fares, Dubai is for many traders the supply centre for all kinds of products. This is despite the complaints by many Nigerians that the depreciation of Naira against other currencies, including the US dollar, pound sterling and dirham, which is the currency in UAE, has had an adverse effect on their profit margins.

On the flip side, the UAE has a capital city callled Abu Dhabi - yea I have to mention that. A lof of Nigerians are not even aware that Abu Dhabi is the capital city. Abu Dhabi might have grown up in the shadow of glitzy Dubai, but things are changing. A raft of attractions — all built or started in the past decade — is helping the city carve out a niche as the cultured, grown-up alternative.

We cannot over emphasize that the popularity of Abu Dhabi brought about the existence of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emiratesto Nigeria. The airline also offers an in-house visa services for Nigerians which makes it quite easy to visit the beautiful city.

Take in any of the following sights and you'll understand why Abu Dhabi is staking a claim as the true jewel of the Middle East.

The Emirates Palace

A trump card in the rush to build the most extravagant hotel possible, the Emirates Palace makes Dubai's Burj al-Arab look like a social housing project. The cost of construction for this gold-leafed homage to wealth is estimated at US$3 billion ($3.2 billion). Take a walk along its cavernous corridors or peek into an ultra-luxury suite and you'll understand why.
Sprawled across a 1 million-square-metre plot of beachfront land, the complex includes its own water park (with lazy river and slides), a 1200-seat theatre and a golf-leaf dome larger than London's St Paul's Cathedral. There are 104 lifts and more than 12,000 pieces of signage, and chauffeured golf buggies to take visitors from one end of the hotel to the other — a journey of more than a kilometre.

Wildlife watching
Dubai can keep its artificial ski slopes. One of the largest islands in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to thousands of rare animals as well as millions of plants and trees.
Formerly the private nature reserve of late ruler and UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this 87 square-kilometre park boasts the world's largest herd of Arabian Oryx (extinct in the wild) and cheetahs. Yes, cheetahs! An ongoing conservation project of the Emirati rulers, the island is also a bird sanctuary, and can be explored on a jeep safari, by kayak or on a mountain bike.

World's first Ferrari theme park
Petrolheads have a better reason than many to visit Abu Dhabi, as the city is building a theme park dedicated to the Italian racing giant. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is due to open in 2010, and promises to boast more firsts than an F1 champion.

Among the 20 rides will be the world's fastest roller-coaster (to be called the F1 Coaster) and a journey through a Ferrari engine. The entire complex will be housed under a bright red roof in the shape of a classic Ferrari GT racer — one that's big enough to make it the world's largest indoor theme park.

World-class art
Fancy getting a glimpse of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa without having to go all the way to Paris? That might soon be possible, as the first outpost of the Louvre is being built as part of a 270-hectare "cultural district" on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island. The district has been designed by some of the world's top architects.
Also being built is another Guggenheim Museum, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, who masterminded the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain. Set for completion by 2012, plans are on exhibition in a corner of the Emirates Palace, open to public viewing.

Desert life
While convoys of four-wheel-drives head to the desert outside Dubai for a bit of bush-bashing Middle Eastern-style, the same experience can be had outside Abu Dhabi — without the crowds.

Arabian Adventures runs sundowner tours which take visitors desert driving over dunes near Sweihan, followed by camel riding and dinner under the stars. Sightings of snakes and scorpions are common, while Arabian gazelle inhabit the area. Abu Dhabi is the gateway to the ancient fort town of Al Ain, an inland oasis giving an insight into traditional Arabian life.

Over 75 passengers and crew narrowly escaped death Thursday as a Rabat, Morocco-bound Royal Air Maroc flight lost one of its engines mid-air.
The flight, which took off at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 7:30am, had on board National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Garba Mohammed, and seven other Nigerian journalists who were to attend the Federation of Africa Journalists conference in Morocco.

According to Vanguard Newspaper, the other journalists include National Secretary, NUJ, Shuaibu Liman, National Treasurer, Fatima Abdulkarim, Mukhtar Gidado, former Vice President, Zone E, Gbenga Onayiga, as well as chairmen of Bauchi and Kogi states chapters of the union.

Also on board the flight was a group of Beninois journalists who were billed to attend the same conference.

Vanguard gathered that the aircraft, Boeing 737-800, was already an hour into the flight when the pilot noticed failure in one of the engines of the twin-engine aircraft.

He was said to have immediately embarked on a return to point of take-off and called for emergency landing.

Lagos airport officials who preferred anonymity, said fire tenders and ambulance vehicles were deployed in response to the emergency declared by the pilot.

Fire hydrants were reportedly deployed in runway 18R where the pilot was expected to land the aircraft, having shed off fuel.

The pilot was, however, said to have landed safely without any injury to passengers and bodily damage to the aircraft.

Passengers who had urgent appointments to keep in Morocco reportedly engaged officials of the airline in war of words for deploying an aircraft deemed not airworthy.

The intervention of airport officials was said to have prevented what could have been an ugly spectacle at the airport.

NUJ President, Garba Mohammed, who thanked God for averting what could have been a major disaster, said the aircraft engines on take-off made some deafening vibrations, which frightened passengers on board.

He quoted the Beninois journalists as saying the engines gave a similar sound when they took off in Cotonou yesterday morning en route Lagos.

At press time, it was learnt that the airline was making arrangements to check the passengers into an hotel as stipulated by international civil aviation regulations, with a promise to airlift them to their destination today.

http://flynaija.org/nuj-president-74-others-escape-death-as-aircraft-loses-engine-mid-air/

Sky-walker:


i understand your stand but do you want to wait till lots of Nigerians get scammed by this guys?

Thank you. We will do our bit to get people informed. Welldone! @op

Airlines should charge ‘fat tax’ on obese travellers because their extra weight burns more fuel, says Professor




A pay-what-you-weigh airline pricing scheme should be introduced because heavier people cost more in fuel to fly, a professor has claimed.

Heavier passengers would pay more for their plane tickets and lighter ones less under plans put forward by Dr Bharat P Bhatta.

Writing in this month’s Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management publication, Dr Bhatta said weight and space should be taken into account when airlines price their tickets.

Dr Bhatta, of the Sogn og Fjordane University College in Norway, said: ‘Charging according to weight and space is a universally accepted principle, not only in transportation, but also in other services.

‘As weight and space are far more important in aviation than other modes of transport, airlines should take this into account when pricing their tickets.’

Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management editor Dr Ian Yeoman said: ‘For airlines, every extra kilogram means more expensive jet fuel must be burned, which leads to CO2 emissions and financial cost.

‘As the airline industry is fraught with financial difficulties, marginally profitable and has seen exponential growth in the last decade, maybe they should be looking to introduce scales at the check-in.’

Dr Bhatta says the fare could be generated with a fixed rate for kilograms per passenger so that a person weighing 60kg pays half the airfare of a 120kg person.

Alternatively, airlines could have a ‘base’ fare with an additional charge for heavier passengers to cover the extra costs, as well as a discount for lighter flyers.

The proposals have detractors, such as Bob Atkinson of TravelSupermarket.com. He questioned whether passengers would be entitled to a discount if they lose weight between when they booked their tickets and when they arrive at the airport.

He told the Daily Express: ‘Customers are already paying extra charges for their baggage, but actually making one for a person – I think that’s a bit distasteful.’

http://flynaija.org/airlines-should-charge-fat-tax-on-obese-travellers-because-their-extra-weight-burns-more-fuel-says-professor/