Airport Reporters

 SAHCO wins British Airways platinum awards  The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has won the British Airways Platinum award for punctuality and Safety performance in the Lagos station. For the year 2024, SAHCO  won it at every quarter, having won the bronze, silver and gold awards.  According to Helen O’Connor, the Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, ‘The award is based on meeting or exceeding the adjusted door closure (aDC) target of 96% every month for four consecutive quarters, with no major safety events or repeat audit findings.  According to Helen, achieving this across an entire year is a remarkable testament to the excellence and reliability of SAHCO's operation and extended  warm congratulations for the well-deserved recognition It would be recalled that the SAHCO Abuja station won the bronze award last quarter. It is the first time the British Airways team in Nigeria will be winning this  The award is ...

 NAMA offers clarification on United Airlines incident  …' Air return not in Nigerian airspace ' The  Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has offered clarifications on the circumstances surrounding last Thursday's air return involving a  United Airlines aircraft saying the air plane experienced sudden loss of altitude while over Côte d’Ivoire's airspace. The agency categorically reaffirmed that the incident , which forced the aircraft to return to the Lagos Airport approximately  two  hours and 32 minutes after departure, did not occur within the Nigerian airspace  The airspace agency, according to a statement  by its Director in charge of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa  said despite having the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot, based on his prerogative and assessment of the situation, decided to return to Nigeria. The choice of Nigeria, he said was decided by the pilot  being the origin ...

 Why we suspended operations, by Max Air Max Air Airlines said yesterday that it took the decision to suspend its flight operations in order for its team of engineers to carry out internal operational evaluation. The proactive step, the carrier said, is part of measures to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to passengers' safety and service excellence. In statement signed by its management, Max Air said it will be suspending domestic flight operations for 90 days  The airline said all affected booked passengers during the period of the suspension will receive full refunds or rebooking options with partner airlines. The statement reads : " The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority and we believe this voluntary suspension will allow us to exceed industry standards and restore public confidence in our operations. "All affected booked passengers during the suspension period are enjoined to receive full refunds or rebooking options with partner airl...

  NSIB begins investigation into Max Air incident  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has launched an investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD, operated by Max Air. The incident occurred at approximately 10:48 PM local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. The aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06. During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots and with the thrust reversers engaged, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to thel eft. It added that the flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop. A statement by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance for the Bureau said all 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported. “The NSIB has deployed its GoTeam to...

  Verteil technologies partners Nigerian carriers on tech deployment Global leader in travel technology and pioneer in the International Air Transport Association (IATA), New Distribution Capability (NDC), Verteil  Technologies has concluded plans to partner Nigerian carriers on the deployment  of the appropriate applications to drive efficiency and cost effectiveness in air transportation. Its Co- Founder , Satheesh Satchit said the pact  has become imperative as global carriers are utilizing the IATA - endorsed NDC platform to pull traction for their business as they strategize for market penetration and dominance in the fast - evolving air travel eco - system. Speaking at an industry stakeholders forum for NDC - enabled airlines in Lagos, the  Verteil Technologies boss expressed the company's commitment to an  innovative platform designed to simplify and enhance the air travel ecosystem. Satchit  said : "  Our NDC-powered platform connects trav...

  Max Air suspends operations as NCAA begins audit  The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday said Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months effective  midnight, January 31,  2025. The decision is to  allow the carrier commence  an internal appraisal of its operations by its management. The airline on Tuesday, suffered a nose-wheel collapse on landing at Kano airport. A statement by NCAA's spokesperson, Mr Michael Achimugu,  said the regulatory body  will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air during the period of its suspension. He added that the resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit. Achimugu also revealed that the NCAA had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion. “Statutorily, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NS...

  NSIB begins probe on Max Air incident The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)  has commenced probe into the circumstances leading to a Max Air Boeing 737 which nose wheel landing gear collapsed , resulting in a tyre  burst on landing at Runway 06/24 of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and signed by its Director of Public  Affairs and Consumer Protection,  Mrs Obiageli Orah, the aircraft marked with registration number : 5N- MBD, has 53 passengers and six crew members on board. Orah said following the development, an emergency response plan was initiated for managing the incident. She said no harm, or  injuries was  inflicted on  passengers or the crew members on board. The aircraft, Orah said, has been towed to Bay 5 for further investigation, which is ongoing by Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to determin...

    NCAA blasts Aviation Elders on spurious claims bordering on  Najomo's confirmation  The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has  berated the shadow chasing efforts of a so - called industry group :  Aviation Elders (AE) , which has embarked on a sinister move to thwart efforts by the Federal Government to confirm the appointment of Captain Chris Najomo as the substantive  Director General of the apex aviation regulatory body. In a move aimed at mudslinging, Aviation Elders accused  Najomo of handling safety matters with levity. Aviation Elders  accused Najomo of trivializing the sector by allegedly announcing his confirmation by himself in a video when the National Assembly has not done so. Though the NCAA would have ignored the group with its sinister agenda, but is constrained to set the records straight. NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu has  countered all the allegations saying the...

  Ekpo restates commitment to consolidating Tinubu's legacies  .. Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt.Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo , has stated his commitment to consolidating the legacies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration saying no efforts will be  spared to extend the benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom State. Part of the strategies to consolidate the gains of the administration , Ekpo said is deepening relationships with players in the political space, including enhancing the working relation with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to return Tinubu for another term in office. The disclosed this in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Louis Ibah , while debunking reports purportedly pushed out by a faceless group :" Concerned Members of the All Progressive in Akwa Ibom State", which accused him  of being part of persons allegedly recruited into a plot by the State Governor to sabotage Tinubu's second term aspiration. Ekpo categori...

   Emergency Air Return : United Airlines cooperating with Nigerian authorities  United Airlines said on Saturday that is cooperating with Nigerian aviation  authorities to ascertain the probable factors that led to its aircraft developing a technical hitch . Following the hitch, the pilot initiated an air return, after the aircraft, sources hinted had flown into the Cote D' Ivore airspace. The source hinted that the pilot was deliberating diversion to Ghana when the onboard navigation equipment , that had initially packed , came alive. A passenger who was onboard the aircraft in a video message recounted how serious turbulence threw everyone into anxiety. In a statement United Airlines clarified on the incident . The statement reads :"Our flight from Lagos, Nigeria to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos after a technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement. It landed safely in Lagos and four passengers and two flight attendants were seen at a hospital for minor ...

  FAAN aerodrome rescue personnel deboards 256 passengers aboard United Airlines  . Two hundred and fifty six persons , including passengers and crew members were on Friday deboarded from a United Airlines Boeing 787 - 800 aircraft after it made an emergency landing, otherwise known as air return to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport ( MMIA), Lagos . The aircraft, according to sources, developed a technical problem after taking off from the MMIA about 11.59 pm on Thursday , January 23, 2025. According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Obiageli Orah, the aircraft hours later made an air return and landed safely about 03. 22 am on Friday January 24, 2025. According to Orah, the FAAN team Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and Aviation Security (AVSEC) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident. Onboard according to her were...

  How to drive viability for States' airports , by FAAN boss The Managing Director / Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has prescribed pills required to make many airports littering the country, including aerodromes built by State Governments economically viable. Kuku said though some of the airports , including the 32 managed on behalf of the Federal Government by FAAN , have not attracted the needed returns in terms of funds committed into them, shutting the facilities down , she insisted is not an option. Speaking in an interview, Kuku said a series of engagements are ongoing between FAAN, the concerned State Governments and development financing institutions on the steps that must be taken to drive the viability of such facilities. The FAAN boss listed the steps to include :  increasing  economic activity around the airports,  improving the infrastructure linkage to the airport facilities,  making sure that...

 BASL to resume media tours, list gains of previous visits As the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, prepares for the second phase of its media tours in the new year, the highly successful first phase carried out recently have continued to generate interests, expectedly, among aviation industry stakeholders. While the recent tours afforded BASL the opportunity to lay bare in public space what it has been doing to make MMA2 a continuously attractive destination for passengers and visitors alike, it also gave the managements of the media houses already visited the opportunity to further learn and interrogate the totality of MMA2's existence and the magic BASL has been performing to keep the terminal running, more than 17 years after, despite the enormous challenges it faces from inception till date. The media tour began with a visit to the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents Secretariat. M...

 SAHCO Records Impressive Aircraft Turnaround Time On Ethiopian Cargo Aircraft  With effective coordination  and structured teamwork, leading ground handling company in Nigeria, Skyway Aviation Handling Company SAHCO PLC has achieved what can be described as one of the fastest aircraft turnaround in recent times.  Checks at the cargo apron of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport MMIA Ikeja, show that, it took operations staff of the ground handling company about 37 minutes to turn around an Ethiopian B777 cargo aircraft.  The global average for a Long-haul flights generally require between 90 minutes to 2 hours for a turnaround while short haul flights range from 25 minutes to 35 minutes, depending on the airline and flight situations.  Although, this is not the first time, SAHCO is maintaining such a fast turnaround time, Ethiopian airline staff present during the recent operation were full of admiration at the way SAHCO handled their flight, just as...

 Afrijet, Air Sierra Leone Choose NAHCO .... Sign Handling Contracts with  Ground handler   ..As Company Starts 2025 on a High West Africa’s leading ground handling service provider, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (nahco aviance), has been chosen by regional operators, Afrijet and Air Sierra Leone, to handle their ground operations in Nigeria. The contracts between the parties would see NAHCO provide excellent service for Afrijet’ flights into Port Harcourt and Lagos. The Company will also handle Air Sierra Leone’s flights to Lagos. The contract with Afrijet is for a three-year period, 2024 – 2027,  while NAHCO will handle Air Sierra Leone, for five years, from 2024 till 2029. Group Executive Director, Commercial & Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi expressed delight with the new contracts.   According to Lasisi, NAHCO’s more than 45 years of unblemished records stands it heads and shoulders above any other service pr...

  Bankit MFB  set for significant expansion in 2025 Bankit MFB, a rapidly growing Fintech company, has announced remarkable achievements within its first few weeks of operation.  According to statement by the  company, it  has successfully registered over 50,000 users on its platform, a testament to its innovative simple banking approach to digital banking with ambitious plans to service a record 500,000 businesses in 2025. Bankit MFB,  the statement added  is confident in its competitive edge and cutting-edge technology.  The financial institution, said it  prioritizes the protection of customers' funds and is committed to diversifying its digital services to enhance customer experience. Since commencing operations in late 2024, Bankit MFB has introduced web banking and other innovative banking products, with more in development. The company has recorded impressive transaction values, exceeding ₦100 million in the first few weeks of it's inc...

  CRDCU urges NCAA to recalibrate draft policy on sanction of airlines The Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination  Hadiza Bala Usman has called on the Nigeria Civil  Aviation Authority (NCAA) to  recalibrate its draft policy on the sanction of airlines  to align with global best practices. The CRDCU disclosed this as it embarked on its continued   engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables. The first engagement of the day was held at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, where the Special Adviser met with the Hon. Minister, @fkeyamo; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; the Managing Director/CEO of @FAAN_Official, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; and other Heads of Departments and Agencies under the...

 Dr. Kana Celebrates Festus Keyamo on His Birthday ....Hails Him as a Quintessential Leader The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, has celebrated the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, on the occasion of his birthday. In a heartfelt birthday message, Dr. Kana extolled Mr. Keyamo as a dynamic leader, a goal-getter, and an irrepressible patriot whose dedication to Nigeria's development remains steadfast and inspiring. He described the minister as a dependable boss and a quintessential leader whose vision and work ethic continue to impact the aviation sector and beyond. “Mr. Festus Keyamo is not only a leader with an extraordinary vision but also someone deeply committed to national progress. His dynamism and patriotism serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, including myself,” Dr. Kana said in his tribute. The Permanent Secretary also prayed for ...

  Proper channeling of policies key in developing tourism, says Dees Travel boss  The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dees Travels, Professor Sunday Adebisi, has said, that when policies are properly channeled toward tourism, Nigeria has what it takes to conveniently transform into the status of a developed country such as Dubai. Adebisi who spoke at the Dees Travel and Tours Limited Annual event in Lagos, organized for its management, staff, stakeholders and shareholders in Lagos recently equally disclosed that ‘Detty December’ of last year raked in more than $100 million to the country, reinforcing the country’s strong tourism potential and a place many foreigners want to visit. The Dees Travels and Tours Limited chairman, highlighted how Nigerians and foreigners trooped in large numbers into the country during the Yuletide, emphasizing that if only the country can rightly create needed policies, Nigeria will unlock the great potential of tourism for the attractions of...

 “Detty December” and Kuku’s facilitation of $71.6m income to Nigerian economy By Yakubu Dati The Yuletide season usually records the highest number of activities at the airports due to the influx of travellers from different parts of the world and within Nigeria. The airports become suffused with travelers which include Nigerians in the Diaspora visiting home, holiday makers seeking fun, tourists on adventure,  diplomats on shuttles and entrepreneurs positioning to make the best out of the season. It is within this period however that airports face the most challenges due to the high demands for attention, safety and efficiency in handling both passengers and cargos. The last holiday season often referred to as "Detty December."  particularly recorded a significant influx of both domestic and international travelers,  Quite significantly however, air travelers either returning to the country or commuting from different points within  have testified to noticing ...

 Air Peace, British Airways, KLM, Delta others  on  same Safety Standards- IATA  The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines has said that Air Peace, Nigeria and West & Central Africa’s largest carrier stands at par with other world aviation giants in terms of global safety standards. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of management of Air Peace at maintaining global safety standards in the organisation.  Area Manager, West and Central Africa, IATA, Dr. Samson Fatokun made the disclosure on the side lines of the presentation of sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification to Air Peace Limited. According to Dr. Fatokun, “The standards that are given are the same as the British Airways, KLM, Delta. They are all assessed the same way.  Findings done here is the same over there as well, that makes you stand at par with other air...

  Arik Air :  Why is AMCON Jittery ....Our story by shareholders  Shareholders of Arik Air have faulted claims by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), that the owner of the carrier is indebted to  the tune of over N445 billion. The shareholders accused AMCON of running a smear campaign against the airline owner instead of giving account of how it has mismanaged the carrier since it forcefully took it over eight years ago. In a statement by its Media Office/ Spokesperson,  Godwin Aideloje, the shareholders said AMCON embarked on a smear campaign in order to mislead the public through manipulative propaganda and unsubstantiated claims. Such a move, the shareholders said, amounted to AMCON's recklessness, lack of transparency and dishonesty. The statement reads:" The recent statement by the spokesperson of AMCON, Mr Jude Nwauzor is yet another example of AMCON’s habitual disingenuous misinformation strategy is not surprising that AMCON launched this...