The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Thursday in a statement signed by its Director General, Capt. Muhtar Usman dismissed the claims in Lagos that some airlines were winding down their operations in the country.
The director general stressed that contrary to the earlier report, the airlines were merely suspending their operations temporarily to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.
The statement read: “One of the airlines, Aero Contractors Ltd., at present has only one serviceable aircraft.
“This is in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) which stipulates that no airlines operator shall carry out schedule commercial operation with only one aircraft
“The minimum acceptable number is three aircraft.
“In other words, any airlines with one aircraft is in contravention of the NCAA regulations, therefore cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation.
“The only option available for such airlines is to suspend its operations temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course.”
Usman added that NCAAs Regulations provided a window for such operator to embark on non schedule operations in the interim. And that the First Nation Airlines on its part was in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft.
“Another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as is allowable by NCAA.
“In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self regulatory suspension.”
The director general explained father that NCAA wished to emphasize that on no account would it compromise safety and security of airlines operations in the airspace.
Usman explained that every facet of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) and Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) must be adhered to with due diligence. Adding that everything had been put in place to continue ensuring compliance.
In related development, First Nation Airways has said it is on a recess for two weeks as its Airbus 319 fleet is undergoing maintenance.
The airline said its current operational challenges are attributable to the over 70 per cent devaluation of the Naira.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Commercial, Serah Awogbade the aircraft maintenance will be completed by September 15, 2016.
“First Nation is currently undergoing maintenance on A319 fleet.
“This maintenance exercise will be completed on or before September 15th, 2016.
“The Airline planned this maintenance action well ahead, notified passengers and flights are currently loaded online effective September 15th, 2016 – this will ensure that passengers continue to enjoy safe and reliable service that the airline is reputed for.
“Current foreign exchange constraint coupled with over 70 per cent devaluation of Naira partly contributed in no small l measure to the development . The Airline’s plan remains on track to reinstating service as advised herein.
“First Nation Airways is IATA IOSA certified and operates a fleet of Airbus A319.
“The airline is aware of a Press re lease by NCAA and the Authority was formally informed by ourselves . At First Nation , Safety is our priority and we look forward to restating service shortly upon completion of current maintenance upgrade.”
