Airport Reporters

Emirates engages experienced captains to fly the airline’s future fleet Emirates is rolling out the red carpet to welcome experienced Airbus captains, as the airline continues to expand its all wide-body fleet while enjoying exceptional demand across the network. The airline is now inviting applications from seasoned commanders to join its Direct Entry Captains programme for its fleet of Airbus A380s.  Emirates has launched a recruitment drive globally. Interested pilots and their families can join an online info session on 4 October at 1pm Dubai time, attend open days in select destinations, and keep an eye out for exciting opportunities here:  https://www. emiratesgroupcareers.com/ pilots/ The Direct Entry Captains programme is for technically skilled captains with a minimum of 3,000 hours of recent command on Airbus fly-by-wire wide-body aircraft such as the A330, A340, A350, and A380. Candidates are required to have a minimum of 7,000 hours of total flying time on multi-cr...

  L Passengers laud DANA on  safety procedure  P assengers onboard Dana Air praised the airline’s pilots for initiating a go- around in Abuja due bad weather. In aviation, a go-around is an aborted aircraft landing that is on final approach or has already touched down.  It is a safety procedure that can either be initiated by the pilot  or requested by air traffic control for sundry reasons. Captain Abiodun Lawal and First Officer Toluwase Oluwani operated Dana flight 9J355 from Lagos to Abuja with over 140 passengers. The pilots on approach noticed that conditions for landing were not good enough and resulted to initiate the safety procedure. A trending video showed passengers taking snapshots and recordings elated passengers  with the captain and his first officer. Some thanked them for their situational awareness and regard for high safety standards. Others were grateful for the constant reassurances  from the cockpit through the duration of of the ...

Africa World Airlines  marks eleventh   anniversary with exciting passenger rewards  ....Plans expansion  Africa World Airlines (A.W.A) celebrated its 11years on Thursday 21 st September, 2023 across its networks. As part of the anniversary celebration, which was themed on awarding passengers for their loyalty, there was a ‘lucky dip’ organized at the departure halls across its operated networks which is Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos and Abuja. The lucky dip was to reward passengers with 11 free return tickets across its network to appreciate their loyalty since the company started it operations. According to the Head of Commercial Jonathan Appiah, this year’s anniversary is to give back to the passengers to honor their loyalty and commitment to A.W.A as it grows to serve them well. He further said, there are plans of operating to Dakar, Banjul, Cotonou, Conakry and Port Harcourt and also resume their suspended operation to Abidjan, Freetown and Monrov...

  Arik Air shareholders tackle AMCON  ...Say aircraft fleet dips from 19  to 2 in six years    Shareholders of Arik Air Limited has  tackled the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) , on its alleged  mismanagement of the fortunes of the carrier put under its watch as receiver manager , saying the interventionist agency is misleading the Federal Government on its assignment to turn around the airline. The shareholders said AMCON has mismaged the airline with its fleet comprising 17 serviceable and operational aircraft;  two air planes parked for minor maintenance on February 9, 2017 to the current fleet of only two aircraft. Besides the dip in the aircraft fleet, the shareholders said the takeover of the carrier did not follow due process of taking inventory of assets, liabilities and proper  hand over. The shareholders said AMCON, under  the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Kuru ,  a senior government official, entrusted with t...

FAAN team concludes Aviacargo bench marking visits to Addis Ababa, Nairobi Airports   In order to grow Aviacargo Business in Nigeria a team led by FAAN visited the leading Air Cargo Airports in Africa to benchmark their Services. Kenya currently leads Africa in Air Cargo Business while Nigeria is number five FAAN set up the Aviacargo Roadmap committee to design a plan that will lift Nigeria to the first position in the Shortest possible time. To meet this target FAAN team had to find out what the other Airports have done well and why Nigeria is Failing despite its huge Economy ,Production Capacity and Population. The Benchmarking visits was carried out in Partnership with Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Kenya Airport Authority KAA to enable the officials from Nigeria to engage with Stakeholders in the Cargo Ecosystems in Both Countries. It also witnessed Facility tours of Equipment, Terminals and Transit Sheds in Both Countries. The FAAN team was led by the Di...

Dana Air, 7 Star Hanger, Deepen Maintenance Partnership ....Commends Minister, DG over commitment on airline growth, industry development  In line with it's commitment to continue playing a key role in the development of Nigeria's aviation industry, Dana Air has announced that it will further strengthen its partnership with 7 Star Global Hanger The airline made this known at the just concluded Aviation Africa Conference 2023 held at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja. Speaking during a chat with the media, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete said Dana Air has shown massive commitment to the development of the sector from capacity building, to training, recruitment of Nigerians in key areas of the sector and first- of- it's kind support for a homegrown Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO)." ''Our contribution and commitment to the growth of the industry, the Nigerian dream and local con...

Foreign airlines trapped funds in Nigeria hits $738 million Trapped funds belonging to foreign carriers operating flights into and out of Nigeria has hit $738 million , the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has disclosed. The clearing house for over 200 global carriers said the funds hit the mark as of August 2023. In a statement released on Tuesday, the body it is engaging the Nigerian government on how to improve airport infrastructureand service levels at the Lagos International Airport. The global airlines' body said it has endorsed facility upgrade for the Lagos Airport By the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) within the next twelve months. The body said the endorsement was a fall out of a number of safety, security, and passenger service level concerns in Lagos airport raised by IATA member airlines over the past year. A high-level meeting between IATA and FAAN, represented by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kabir Yus...

NIDCOM boss petitions EgyptAir over death of Nigerian passenger The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ), Mrs Abide Dabiri- Erewa has written a petition to the management of Egypt Air to demand for justice on the death of a Nigerian passenger : Ms.Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye on board the airline's aircraft in Cairo September 4, 2023. The petition according to NIDCOM was necessitated by the non - reponsive attitude of Egypt Air on the matter. In a letter personally signed by her and was delivered by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun to Mr Majdi Al Aridi, the General Manager of the airline in Abuja office, she described the sudden death of Remilekun as sad and painful. Dabiri-Erewa in the petition stated that Remilekuni's case was drawn to the attention of NIDCOM in a petition sent by Mrs Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, her elder sister based in Uk on behalf of the Family to the Co...

NIDCOM boss petitions EgyptAir over death of Nigerian passenger The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ), Mrs Abide Dabiri- Erewa has written a petition to the management of Egypt Air to demand for justice on the death of a Nigerian passenger : Ms.Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye on board the airline's aircraft in Cairo September 4, 2023. The petition according to NIDCOM was necessitated by the non - reponsive attitude of Egypt Air on the matter. In a letter personally signed by her and was delivered by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun to Mr Majdi Al Aridi, the General Manager of the airline in Abuja office, she described the sudden death of Remilekun as sad and painful. Dabiri-Erewa in the petition stated that Remilekuni's case was drawn to the attention of NIDCOM in a petition sent by Mrs Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, her elder sister based in Uk on behalf of the Family to the C...

NIDCOM boss petitions EgyptAir over death of Nigerian passenger The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ), Mrs Abide Dabiri- Erewa has written a petition to the management of Egypt Air to demand for justice on the death of a Nigerian passenger : Ms.Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye on board the airline's aircraft in Cairo September 4, 2023. The petition according to NIDCOM was necessitated by the non - reponsive attitude of Egypt Air on the matter. In a letter personally signed by her and was delivered by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun to Mr Majdi Al Aridi, the General Manager of the airline in Abuja office, she described the sudden death of Remilekun as sad and painful. Dabiri-Erewa in the petition stated that Remilekuni's case was drawn to the attention of NIDCOM in a petition sent by Mrs Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, her elder sister based in Uk on behalf of the Family to the C...

Arik Air shareholders tackle AMCON ...Say aircraft fleet dips from 19 to 2 in six years .....' Airline forceful take over reprimandable ' Shareholders of Arik Air Limited on Wednesday tackled the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) , on its alleged mismanagement of the fortunes of the carrier put under its watch as receiver manager , saying the interventionist agency is misleading the Federal Government on its assignment to turn around the airline. The shareholders said AMCON has mismaged the airline with its fleet comprising 17 serviceable and operational aircraft; two air planes parked for minor maintenance on February 9, 2017 to the current fleet of only two aircraft. Besides the dip in the aircraft fleet, the shareholders said the takeover of the carrier did not follow due process of taking inventory of assets, liabilities and proper hand over. The shareholders said AMCON, under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Kuru , a senior government official, en...

Emirates to scale up London Heathrow flights from October Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced it will operate an additional five-a-week service to London Heathrow starting from 31 October 2023 until 30 March 2024. This temporary service will meet market demand during the busy winter season and offer customers more travel choices. Emirates currently serves London Heathrow with six daily A380 flights. The additional flight will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and will be served by Emirates’ wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, fitted in a three-class configuration split between First, Business and Economy classes. Emirates flight EK41 will depart Dubai at 13:20hrs and arrive at London Heathrow at 17:20hrs, local time. The return flight, EK42, will depart London Heathrow at 20:15hrs and arrive in Dubai at 07:15hrs local time, the following day. Tickets can be purchased on www.emirates.com, Emirates Sales Offices, via t...

EasyMarkets, Real Madrid mark partnership anniversary with $1 million contest Picture Caption: Left to right- Nikos Antoniades, CEO at EasyMarkets; former Real Madrid player Roberto Carlos. EasyMarkets, a pioneer in the Contract for Differences (CFD) brokerage industry, and Real Madrid are celebrating the three - year anniversary of their fruitful partnership with a $1million thrilling fan contest at the newly world - class Bernabeu Stadium. Real Madrid is the record holder of UEFA Champions League and LaLiga titles. The exciting initiative, according to a statement, promises innovative benefits for fans of both brands. The statement added that the high point of the partnership celebration is the upcoming Bernabéu Crossbar Champion – Shoot for the Million promotion presented by easyMarkets. Inspired by the legendary example set by Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos and current club ambassador, four lucky contestants will get the chance to hit the crossbar at the Santiago ...

NCAA lifts suspension On XEJET Airlines operations The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), has lifted the suspension placed in the operations of XEJET Airline on account of insurance issue with one of the aircraft in its service. In a letter to the airline signed by the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu titled: "Lifting Of Suspension On Your Air Transport Licence (Atl) And Air Operators Certificate (AOC), the regulator said it took the decision after considering the carrier's submissions. The letter reads ;" Further to the NCAA’s letter on the above subject matter referenced NCAA/DGCA/GC/8/16/628 and dated 30 August, 2023, the authority hereby lifts the suspension on your ATL and AOC after considering your submissions. “Consequently, you have been cleared to exercise the privilege of your ATL and AOC.” The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Mr. Emmanuel Iza said: “The suspension is within the regulatory framework and we want to...

Foreign carriers relocate to new international terminal of Lagos Airport The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday flagged off the redirecting of passengers processing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA ), Lagos through the New International Terminal. The new arrangement- expedited relocation to the New International Terminal of the MMIA, it was learnt came on the heels of the unfortunate fire incident that occurred at the International Terminal on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Confirming the development, FAAN's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu - Funtua said the airport is responding to speedy passenger facility and the need to give airport users a good deal. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo last week during his maiden visit to Lagos airport directed FAAN to relocate airlines to the New International Terminal for the shutdown of the Murtala Muhammed Internat...

Family demands corpse of Nigerian lady who died travelling to London The family of one Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye, a lady who boarded EgyptAir on Monday through Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) Lagos but died travelling to London, has demanded that the corpse of their daughter be released to them by the airline. The lady was said to have left Nigeria for London on board Egypt Air on Monday through MMIA Lagos but unfortunately the lady was said to have died on board, her corpse was however deposited in Cairo Egypt by the airline. The family had issued a statement saying the airline didn’t inform them, but rather they got a message from the consular office in Cairo informing them of the death of their daughter on board the flight. The family has also demanded that they need to know what exactly happened and how to get her corpse back t Nigeria. Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, the elder sister of the deceased who spoke on behalf of the family, in a statement said her sist...

NSIB probes United Nigeria Airlines aircraft incident at Lagos Airport The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has commenced investigation into the incident involving an aircraft in the fleet of United Nigeria Airlines. The Bureau equally unveiled the identity of the aircraft as an Embraer ERJ145 with Nationality and Registration Marks: 5N-BWY. The NSIB in a statement said: “The Bureau has been notified and commenced investigation into a serious incident involving an Embraer ERJ145 with Nationality and Registration Marks: 5N-BWY belonging to United Nigeria Airlines, which occurred around 06:33pm (Local Time) on 8th September, 2023. “The aircraft with 51 passengers and 4 crew members onboard was en-route Lagos from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State. “The aircraft on landing on at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, skidded off the runway.There was no injury or fatality. “The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public...

No plans to replace remove Kano Airport runway lights for Lagos, says NCAA The Nigeria Civil Authority (NCAA) has stated that there are no plans to replace the runway lights of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano with the missing airfield lights of Runway 18R of Murtala Muhammed Inyernatuonal Airport (MMIA) , Lagos. Its Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu said reports suggesting that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo ordered such removal is false. Nuhu said there is no way the minister could have given such order considering that MAKIA , Kano is among the five International airports in the country close to receiving certification as required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The NCAA boss clarified :" The authority wishes to assure the traveling public that it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring continuous safety of flight operations in all sectors of civil aviation in Nigeria. ...

United Nigeria secures approval to operate into six countries ........To begin negotiation with authorities in UK, US, UAE, others United Nigeria Airlines will soon join the list of Nigeria’s flag carrier airlines as the carrier has received approval for the operation of international flights. According to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s approval, the airline would operate international flights to the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A letter dated September 8, 2023, conveying this approval from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, signed by Director, Air Transport Management, Mr. H.T. Ejiburu, on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, to the United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, said the approval was in line with subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and each of the countries. Th...

Foreign airlines relocation : Federal Government raises task force to address passengers' congestion The Federal Government at the weekend set up a task force to address passengers' congestion, discomfort and other teething complaints associated with the relocation of international airlines to the new terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo, who disclosed this the government is concerned about the problems and is determined to resolve the mounting challenges within the shortest possible period. The minster noted that though the relocation of international airlines was hurried on account of the recent fire incident at the basement of the old international airport terminal , raising safety concerns that affected passengers movement; the task force will work diligently towards resolving all concerns raised by passengers regarding congestion, discomfort and other related is...

Ethiopian Airlines to Resume Direct Flights to Bangui, Central African Republic Ethiopian Airlines Group, the fastest-growing global airline brand and the continent’s largest airline, is pleased to announce that it will start thrice weekly passenger services to Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), as of November 15, 2023. Bangui is not only the capital, but it's also the largest city of the Central African Republic (CAR), and it serves as an important part of the country. The flight to Bangui will be operated on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Regarding the commencement of the flight Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are excited to add Central African Republic to our vast African and global network. With the new services, our esteemed customers to and from Bangui, will enjoy our renowned, award-winning services. The flights will have significant contribution in strengthening the socio-economic activities between Addis Ababa and Bangui and beyond. N...

Emirates marks one of its busiest summers ever Emirates, the world’s largest International Airline, marks one of its busiest summers ever, carrying over 14 million passengers with average seat load factors exceeding 80% across its global network between June and August. Looking at the coming months, Emirates’ booking trends show unabated demand for international travel across its network. Destination Dubai remained popular amongst travellers, even during the summer months with two million customers traveling to the airline’s hub to enjoy its year-round attractions and events. Top inbound markets to Dubai on Emirates during this period included the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt and Kuwait. Over 35% of visitors to Dubai travelling on Emirates were families, staying an average of over two weeks to experience the city’s incredible sites and attractions. This winter season, the airline anticipates another spike in demand for travel to Dubai as the city...

Airbus opens new A321XLR equipment installation hangar in Hamburg Airbus is advancing its industrial system and expanding ramp-up capacity with a new automated A321XLR equipping hangar, officially opened today by Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann. With this, Airbus continues its modernisation and digitalisation of its industrial system and expands its capacity for the rate ramp-up in the A320 programme to 75 in 2026. “Airbus’ Hamburg site plays a significant role in the development and production of the A321XLR. With our new, state-of-the-art equipment installation hangar, we are now expanding our capacity to manufacture A321 fuselages and making an important contribution to supporting our ramp up. At the same time we are reaffirming the importance of Hamburg for Airbus,” said André Walter, Head of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Production in Germany. “The design of the building reflects the latest standards in production an...

Airline Operators laud Keyamo over Nigeria Air suspension, other projects Umbrella body of local carriers - Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)on Friday commended the Federal Government forsuspending the controversial national carrier Nigeria Air. The AON in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Prof.Obiora Okonkwo said the body is excited at the courage of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo for puttinga halt on every activity related to the operationalisation of Nigeria Air. . The statement reads :" We, the entire membership ofthe Airline Operators ofNigeria (AON), commend the Minister ofAviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, for suspending every activity related to the operationalisation of Nigeria Air. " By the action, the minister has displayed rare courage and great patriotism to save Nigeria from further embarrassment in the aviation world. Aside from stakeholders in the aviation industry, ...