By Wole Shadare(The Guardian)
Associated to spend $30m on four aircraft
EVEN as the fact that the age of an aircraft may not matter in aviation safety, Nigerian airlines have commenced moves to invest on fuel efficient and younger fleet.
Already, Associated Airline has expended $30 million for the acquisition of four regional jets, Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft that are expected in the country before October this year.
Air Nigeria, one of the carriers designated on international routes is equally in the process of acquiring younger fleet to boost its operations both on the domestic, regional and long haul routes. One other airline was also said to be mapping out strategy to acquire new aircraft.
Despite a chequered early development history, the 50 seats ERJ-145 has become a runaway sales success.
The Managing Director of the Associated Airline, Cordelia Ekwueme said the carrier was currently evaluating its fleet, adding that at present, two of these aircraft are awaiting inspections from the with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved maintenance facilities.
The airline chief however said the decision by the airline to re-fleet was not really due to the age of their fleet but based on passengers’ comfort.
“We fly the turbo props and we introduced news jets 18 months ago. We found out that passengers were very acceptable and receptable about it. But we are still phasing the turbo props out as the jets appear to be more preferred by the passengers, based on our survey”, she said.
”We want to correct the impression that age is synonymous with safety. I was talking to a friend that if you are a 30-year old man and you have a heart transplant, and they give you the heart of a five year old, how old is your heart? That is how aircraft are. When you go for a C-Check, they tear the aircraft apart, and replace every single thing. So, when the aircraft comes back, it has a new lease of life. A five year old aircraft that is not well maintained is worse than a 30 year old aircraft that is maintained”.
Ekwueme enjoined all the airlines to cooperate to ensure that they achieve economy of scale, adding that the cost of building maintenance facilities was enormous but achievable.
She added that given the huge amount spent on maintenance of aircraft abroad, it was very necessary to have the Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
She lamented that taking aircraft abroad for maintenance amounts to capital flight, disclosing that it costs as high as $1 million for a C-Check to be carried out on an aircraft.
A C-Check is performed approximately every 15 to 21 months or a specific amount of actual Flight Hours (FH) as defined by the manufacturer. This maintenance check is much more extensive than a B Check, as pretty much the whole aircraft is inspected.
This check puts the aircraft out of service and until it is completed, the aircraft must not leave the maintenance site.
It also requires more space than A and B Checks - usually a hangar at a maintenance base. The schedule of occurrence has many factors and components as has been described, and thus varies by aircraft category and type.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90648:nigerian-airlines-plan-to-renew-fleet-&catid=31:business&Itemid=562
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Airlines’ N800b debt stirs fear of more aviation crises
By Wole Shadare (The Guardian)
WITH a debt profile of about $5 billion (N800 billion) hanging over the aviation sector, the fear of more crises stalks the industry. This indebtedness has rendered current efforts to salvage the industry from crises such as crashes as only half-hearted measures.
The financial crisis of the industry is reflected in the point being canvassed in some quarters that none of the nation’s airlines would scale an economic audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria (NCAA). Many of the airlines are heavily indebted to banks, service providers, aircraft lessors and aviation fuel marketers. A big airline alone was hugely indebted to the Asset Management Company (AMCOM) to the tune of N85 billion as at May this year.
Their debts are staggering. Even the over N87 billion out of the N300 billion total package of bail-out fund given to the carriers by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria has put them more in crisis rather than assist them.
The government made the cash available following complaints by the major airlines that the global economic recession was having adverse effects on their operations as they were being bogged down by debts. Also, there were high interest rates, low working capital, absence of medium/long-term funding, high custom duties, VAT, other taxes and high cost of maintenance.
The carriers are usually confronted with huge challenges each time their aircraft are due for comprehensive checks like the D and A checks. The C-Check is performed approximately every 15 to 21 months or a specific amount of actual Flight Hours (FH) as defined by the manufacturer.
This maintenance check is much more extensive than a B Check, as pretty much the whole aircraft is inspected. This check puts the aircraft out of service and until it is completed, the aircraft must not leave the maintenance site and it costs about $1 million for a B737 and more than $1.5 million on B767, B777, A330 and A340 aircraft types.
The D-Check is - by far - the most comprehensive and demanding check for an airplane. It is also known as a Heavy Maintenance Visit (HMV). This check occurs approximately every 5 to 6 years. It is a check that, more or less, takes the entire airplane apart for inspection and overhaul. Also, if required, the paint may need to be completely removed for further inspection on the fuselage metal skin. Such a check will usually demand around 40,000 man-hours and it can generally take up to two months to complete, depending on the aircraft and the number of technicians involved. The cost of this check ranges between $2 million and $2.5 million according to aircraft maintenance engineers.
Experts have argued that the insolvency of the airlines has led to insinuations of corner-cutting in the maintenance of their aircraft.
Sources said that the NCAA as constituted, after the 2005 and 2006 crashes involving Bellview, Sosoliso and ADC Airlines made the regulatory authorities to focus on safety without necessarily regulating the financial health of the operators.
Just last week, Air Nigeria was grounded for alleged bankruptcy after the outcome of the financial audit carried out on the carrier by the aviation regulator. More airlines are expected to receive the same pill following disclosure from a source in NCAA that, “many of the airlines are in a financial bad shape.’’
“The result of the audit revealed that Air Nigeria and many other airlines are indebted to aviation agencies and marketers. We cannot overlook the result of the audit because what we discovered showed that Air Nigeria is insolvent. There are many others like that. We don’t want the airline to start cutting corners and endanger the safety of passengers,” the source said.
President, Sabre Network, West Africa, a United States (U.S.)-based airline global distribution system, Gbenga Olowo, said not a single Nigerian airline was liquid, stressing that working capital was permanently inadequate.
He disclosed that they had advocated intervention funds, but that the response to this came so belatedly and the funds were absolutely wrongly applied.
According to him: “Indebtedness to banks was addressed rather than continued healthy operations of the airlines that will conveniently service rescheduled debts. We also advocated debt forgiveness on some user charges and single digit interest rate. No action as we speak along this direction.”
On factors that have made the carriers insolvent, Olowo listed uncontrollable high fuel cost (up to 30 per cent) of earnings, too high user charges including Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), Passenger Service Charge (PSC), landing, parking, rent, over-flight charges and Value Added Tax (VAT), which he stated, was up to about 20 per cent of gross earnings.
“There is no VAT in other means of transport except domestic aviation. Simply put, airlines are revenue collectors and a cash cow without pay,” he said.
He carpeted the carriers for simply doing the same things by operating to wrong routes with wrong equipment and charging uneconomic tariffs.
On the way forward, the former Executive Director of Bellview Airlines advocated merger so that the operators could put resources together, harmonize schedules, deploy scientific revenue management tools, global distribution, modern reservation technique, interlining and global alliance, joint fuel negotiation and hedging.
“Nigeria does not need more than four flag carriers (private or otherwise). Membership of IATA must be voluntarily compulsory. IATA airlines are self- regulated and operate above minimum equipment list required by any Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Policy in this direction remains the necessary and sufficient condition for strong Nigeria airlines.”
In the same vein, aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, said the NCAA had been a bit flexible with the economic auditing considering the malaise that cut across almost all the carriers.
“The solution is not a one-shop thing. It borders on capital injection which could be external or internal, to galvanise this capital. There must be some sort of protection in the industry.
“AERO’s unblemished safety record, Arik’s young fleet and Air Nigeria IOASA certification and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership were not enough for the government to use to negotiate with foreign airlines,” he said.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90661:airlines-n800b-debt-stirs-fear-of-more-aviation-crises-&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
WITH a debt profile of about $5 billion (N800 billion) hanging over the aviation sector, the fear of more crises stalks the industry. This indebtedness has rendered current efforts to salvage the industry from crises such as crashes as only half-hearted measures.
The financial crisis of the industry is reflected in the point being canvassed in some quarters that none of the nation’s airlines would scale an economic audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria (NCAA). Many of the airlines are heavily indebted to banks, service providers, aircraft lessors and aviation fuel marketers. A big airline alone was hugely indebted to the Asset Management Company (AMCOM) to the tune of N85 billion as at May this year.
Their debts are staggering. Even the over N87 billion out of the N300 billion total package of bail-out fund given to the carriers by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria has put them more in crisis rather than assist them.
The government made the cash available following complaints by the major airlines that the global economic recession was having adverse effects on their operations as they were being bogged down by debts. Also, there were high interest rates, low working capital, absence of medium/long-term funding, high custom duties, VAT, other taxes and high cost of maintenance.
The carriers are usually confronted with huge challenges each time their aircraft are due for comprehensive checks like the D and A checks. The C-Check is performed approximately every 15 to 21 months or a specific amount of actual Flight Hours (FH) as defined by the manufacturer.
This maintenance check is much more extensive than a B Check, as pretty much the whole aircraft is inspected. This check puts the aircraft out of service and until it is completed, the aircraft must not leave the maintenance site and it costs about $1 million for a B737 and more than $1.5 million on B767, B777, A330 and A340 aircraft types.
The D-Check is - by far - the most comprehensive and demanding check for an airplane. It is also known as a Heavy Maintenance Visit (HMV). This check occurs approximately every 5 to 6 years. It is a check that, more or less, takes the entire airplane apart for inspection and overhaul. Also, if required, the paint may need to be completely removed for further inspection on the fuselage metal skin. Such a check will usually demand around 40,000 man-hours and it can generally take up to two months to complete, depending on the aircraft and the number of technicians involved. The cost of this check ranges between $2 million and $2.5 million according to aircraft maintenance engineers.
Experts have argued that the insolvency of the airlines has led to insinuations of corner-cutting in the maintenance of their aircraft.
Sources said that the NCAA as constituted, after the 2005 and 2006 crashes involving Bellview, Sosoliso and ADC Airlines made the regulatory authorities to focus on safety without necessarily regulating the financial health of the operators.
Just last week, Air Nigeria was grounded for alleged bankruptcy after the outcome of the financial audit carried out on the carrier by the aviation regulator. More airlines are expected to receive the same pill following disclosure from a source in NCAA that, “many of the airlines are in a financial bad shape.’’
“The result of the audit revealed that Air Nigeria and many other airlines are indebted to aviation agencies and marketers. We cannot overlook the result of the audit because what we discovered showed that Air Nigeria is insolvent. There are many others like that. We don’t want the airline to start cutting corners and endanger the safety of passengers,” the source said.
President, Sabre Network, West Africa, a United States (U.S.)-based airline global distribution system, Gbenga Olowo, said not a single Nigerian airline was liquid, stressing that working capital was permanently inadequate.
He disclosed that they had advocated intervention funds, but that the response to this came so belatedly and the funds were absolutely wrongly applied.
According to him: “Indebtedness to banks was addressed rather than continued healthy operations of the airlines that will conveniently service rescheduled debts. We also advocated debt forgiveness on some user charges and single digit interest rate. No action as we speak along this direction.”
On factors that have made the carriers insolvent, Olowo listed uncontrollable high fuel cost (up to 30 per cent) of earnings, too high user charges including Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), Passenger Service Charge (PSC), landing, parking, rent, over-flight charges and Value Added Tax (VAT), which he stated, was up to about 20 per cent of gross earnings.
“There is no VAT in other means of transport except domestic aviation. Simply put, airlines are revenue collectors and a cash cow without pay,” he said.
He carpeted the carriers for simply doing the same things by operating to wrong routes with wrong equipment and charging uneconomic tariffs.
On the way forward, the former Executive Director of Bellview Airlines advocated merger so that the operators could put resources together, harmonize schedules, deploy scientific revenue management tools, global distribution, modern reservation technique, interlining and global alliance, joint fuel negotiation and hedging.
“Nigeria does not need more than four flag carriers (private or otherwise). Membership of IATA must be voluntarily compulsory. IATA airlines are self- regulated and operate above minimum equipment list required by any Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Policy in this direction remains the necessary and sufficient condition for strong Nigeria airlines.”
In the same vein, aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, said the NCAA had been a bit flexible with the economic auditing considering the malaise that cut across almost all the carriers.
“The solution is not a one-shop thing. It borders on capital injection which could be external or internal, to galvanise this capital. There must be some sort of protection in the industry.
“AERO’s unblemished safety record, Arik’s young fleet and Air Nigeria IOASA certification and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership were not enough for the government to use to negotiate with foreign airlines,” he said.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90661:airlines-n800b-debt-stirs-fear-of-more-aviation-crises-&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
N6.5b aviation contract: Judge walks out of court as SANs engage in argument
By
The on-going trial of former Minister of Aviation, Babalola Borisade, took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when the judge of an Abuja High Court, walked out on the court.
Borisade is standing trial alongside a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Rowland Iyayi; Tunde Dairo, a former Personal Assistant to Borisade and George Eider, an Austrian and Managing Director of Avsatel Communications Ltd.
The four are standing trial over the alleged mismanagement of the N6.5 billion Aviation Safe Tower contract.
They were arraigned by the EFCC on a 15-count charge bordering on bribe-taking and forging of documents relating to aviation contract on November 19, 2009.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Abubakar Umar walked out on the court for 35 minutes, as he ordered ‘a trial within trial’ to ascertain whether the confessional statement of Dairo (third accused) was admissible.
During the trial, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to Dairo (third accused) and Mr Sebastine Hon (SAN), EFCC counsel, engaged themselves in a heated argument.
The judge, who had earlier asked each of them to take their seats and allow one person to talk, ordered the clerk, Akinwale Akinlolu, to announce his (judge’s) exit from the court when the counsel refused to stop arguing.
The argument started after Hon, EFCC counsel, objected to the manner a witness, Mr Reuben Omosigho, was being cross-examined by Borisade’s counsel, Mr Kehinde Ogunmiyiju.
But Awomolo, counsel to Iyayi, also stood up and asked Hon to stop interjecting in the re-examination process, but Hon refused and continued with his objection.
“I cannot be intimated by anybody. My witness should not be made to answer any question the way the accused counsel wants the answer to be,” Hon said.
Replying, Awomolo shouted: “I became a SAN before you. I am 24 years as SAN. You should have respect for me.”
Justice Umar then asked both of them to stop shouting in court and take their seats.
He said: “If you will behave like this, how do you expect the younger ones in the bar to act?”
The arguments lasted for close to 10 minutes and when Umar could not bear the situation, he immediately summoned the SANs to his chamber, and walked out.
After about 35 minutes, the two SANs returned to the open court and some minutes later, Justice Umar returned.
When the case resumed, the prosecution witness, Mr Omosigho, continued with his testimony.
He told the court that the third accused (Dairo) made the statement voluntarily, and denied the accusations by counsel to the accused that the EFCC obtained the statement under duress.
Before the adjournment, both Hon and Awomolo apologised to the judge over what had happened.
Awomolo said: “I wish to on behalf of my learned silk apologise to the court for the earlier disruption of court process.
Justice Umar, after listening to the apology, adjourned the ‘trial within trial’ to July 10 for continuation of hearing at the instance of the EFCC.
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/51813-n6-5b-aviation-contract-judge-walks-out-of-court-as-sans-engage-in-argument.html
The on-going trial of former Minister of Aviation, Babalola Borisade, took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when the judge of an Abuja High Court, walked out on the court.
Borisade is standing trial alongside a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Rowland Iyayi; Tunde Dairo, a former Personal Assistant to Borisade and George Eider, an Austrian and Managing Director of Avsatel Communications Ltd.
The four are standing trial over the alleged mismanagement of the N6.5 billion Aviation Safe Tower contract.
They were arraigned by the EFCC on a 15-count charge bordering on bribe-taking and forging of documents relating to aviation contract on November 19, 2009.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Abubakar Umar walked out on the court for 35 minutes, as he ordered ‘a trial within trial’ to ascertain whether the confessional statement of Dairo (third accused) was admissible.
During the trial, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to Dairo (third accused) and Mr Sebastine Hon (SAN), EFCC counsel, engaged themselves in a heated argument.
The judge, who had earlier asked each of them to take their seats and allow one person to talk, ordered the clerk, Akinwale Akinlolu, to announce his (judge’s) exit from the court when the counsel refused to stop arguing.
The argument started after Hon, EFCC counsel, objected to the manner a witness, Mr Reuben Omosigho, was being cross-examined by Borisade’s counsel, Mr Kehinde Ogunmiyiju.
But Awomolo, counsel to Iyayi, also stood up and asked Hon to stop interjecting in the re-examination process, but Hon refused and continued with his objection.
“I cannot be intimated by anybody. My witness should not be made to answer any question the way the accused counsel wants the answer to be,” Hon said.
Replying, Awomolo shouted: “I became a SAN before you. I am 24 years as SAN. You should have respect for me.”
Justice Umar then asked both of them to stop shouting in court and take their seats.
He said: “If you will behave like this, how do you expect the younger ones in the bar to act?”
The arguments lasted for close to 10 minutes and when Umar could not bear the situation, he immediately summoned the SANs to his chamber, and walked out.
After about 35 minutes, the two SANs returned to the open court and some minutes later, Justice Umar returned.
When the case resumed, the prosecution witness, Mr Omosigho, continued with his testimony.
He told the court that the third accused (Dairo) made the statement voluntarily, and denied the accusations by counsel to the accused that the EFCC obtained the statement under duress.
Before the adjournment, both Hon and Awomolo apologised to the judge over what had happened.
Awomolo said: “I wish to on behalf of my learned silk apologise to the court for the earlier disruption of court process.
Justice Umar, after listening to the apology, adjourned the ‘trial within trial’ to July 10 for continuation of hearing at the instance of the EFCC.
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/51813-n6-5b-aviation-contract-judge-walks-out-of-court-as-sans-engage-in-argument.html
Govt plans safer aviation sector
Abiodun Fagbemi( The Guardian)
TO check future air mishaps in the country, the Federal Government yesterday announced a comprehensive plan that would ensure the safety of the nation’s airspace.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, who spoke in Ilorin at the opening ceremony of the 47th Yearly General Meeting and Conference of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) held in Ilorin with the theme: “Surveying, Disaster Management and Global Warming”, however said the Federal Government’s efforts must be complemented by those of the states of the federation and other relevant agencies so that the exercise would not be futile.
According to the Vice President represented at the event by the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Peter Nwilo, the recent plane disaster in Lagos leading to the loss of lives of many people was still fresh, hence the need to tinker the best way out towards preventing a recurrence of it.
“We all realise that ensuring safety and being able to be properly positioned to manage disasters is predicated on having real-time information on locations and time. This essentially is what maps and its attribute products enable us to do. The government of Nigeria will do everything possible to ensure that our geographical space is properly and comprehensively mapped.”
He added: “The challenge is up to our surveyors to consistently propose plans of effectively doing this through appropriate channels. The office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation is being positioned and enabled to perform its rightful roles. It would be complementary if all state governments do likewise so that in no distant future, our country would possess the spatial knowledge and application capacity to take care of all environment and disaster challenges that may arise.”
Speaking on the right the NIS recently obtained to host in Abuja the world surveying community under the aegis of the International Federation of Surveyors, Sambo said President Goodluck Jonathan, apart from having accepted to be the grand patron of the event, has equally pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful hosting of the global event. The proposed conference is fixed for May 6 and 10 2013.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90539:govt-plans-safer-aviation-sector&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
TO check future air mishaps in the country, the Federal Government yesterday announced a comprehensive plan that would ensure the safety of the nation’s airspace.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, who spoke in Ilorin at the opening ceremony of the 47th Yearly General Meeting and Conference of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) held in Ilorin with the theme: “Surveying, Disaster Management and Global Warming”, however said the Federal Government’s efforts must be complemented by those of the states of the federation and other relevant agencies so that the exercise would not be futile.
According to the Vice President represented at the event by the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Peter Nwilo, the recent plane disaster in Lagos leading to the loss of lives of many people was still fresh, hence the need to tinker the best way out towards preventing a recurrence of it.
“We all realise that ensuring safety and being able to be properly positioned to manage disasters is predicated on having real-time information on locations and time. This essentially is what maps and its attribute products enable us to do. The government of Nigeria will do everything possible to ensure that our geographical space is properly and comprehensively mapped.”
He added: “The challenge is up to our surveyors to consistently propose plans of effectively doing this through appropriate channels. The office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation is being positioned and enabled to perform its rightful roles. It would be complementary if all state governments do likewise so that in no distant future, our country would possess the spatial knowledge and application capacity to take care of all environment and disaster challenges that may arise.”
Speaking on the right the NIS recently obtained to host in Abuja the world surveying community under the aegis of the International Federation of Surveyors, Sambo said President Goodluck Jonathan, apart from having accepted to be the grand patron of the event, has equally pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful hosting of the global event. The proposed conference is fixed for May 6 and 10 2013.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90539:govt-plans-safer-aviation-sector&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Crashed aircraft has $354.5m insurance, says Dana Air
By
DANA Air said yesterday its crashed aircraft was insured with all premium paid to date.
The airline’s spokesman, Tony Usidiamen, disclosed that the aircraft has an insurance cover totalling $354.5 million.
He said the aircraft was insured by Prestige Assurance Plc as (Lead Underwriter), while Lloyds of London, is the foreign insurer.
The explained that the aircraft had two insurance covers: $4.5 million for the value of the plane (Hull) and $350 million for third party liabilities.
Usidiamen further disclosed that the company has contacted 103 of the 112 families who lost their loved ones in the accident. It has also contacted the six embassies managing the communication with the families of foreign victims, he added.
These families and embassies have been sent letters of condolence and the insurance documentation necessary to facilitate compensation.
He said the company has received completed insurance forms for 23 of the victims, two of which were its staff.
He said: " NCAA guidelines require that where possible, initial compensation payments be made within 30 days of the accident taking place. NCAA guidelines set the compensation level at $100,000 per victim.
On the identification and release of bodies to the families, he said airline has been working with the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to to expedite the process.
He said 98 per cent of DNA samples have been collected and sent to a United Kingdom laboratory for analyses, while the remainder would be sent today.
To facilitate the completion of claims’forms by the families, the company has established toll free lines to a crisis management centre to provide assistance, he said.
He assured that the airline would continue to provide this service until all claims have been settled.
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/51660-crashed-aircraft-has-354-5m-insurance-says-dana-air.html
DANA Air said yesterday its crashed aircraft was insured with all premium paid to date.
The airline’s spokesman, Tony Usidiamen, disclosed that the aircraft has an insurance cover totalling $354.5 million.
He said the aircraft was insured by Prestige Assurance Plc as (Lead Underwriter), while Lloyds of London, is the foreign insurer.
The explained that the aircraft had two insurance covers: $4.5 million for the value of the plane (Hull) and $350 million for third party liabilities.
Usidiamen further disclosed that the company has contacted 103 of the 112 families who lost their loved ones in the accident. It has also contacted the six embassies managing the communication with the families of foreign victims, he added.
These families and embassies have been sent letters of condolence and the insurance documentation necessary to facilitate compensation.
He said the company has received completed insurance forms for 23 of the victims, two of which were its staff.
He said: " NCAA guidelines require that where possible, initial compensation payments be made within 30 days of the accident taking place. NCAA guidelines set the compensation level at $100,000 per victim.
On the identification and release of bodies to the families, he said airline has been working with the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to to expedite the process.
He said 98 per cent of DNA samples have been collected and sent to a United Kingdom laboratory for analyses, while the remainder would be sent today.
To facilitate the completion of claims’forms by the families, the company has established toll free lines to a crisis management centre to provide assistance, he said.
He assured that the airline would continue to provide this service until all claims have been settled.
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/51660-crashed-aircraft-has-354-5m-insurance-says-dana-air.html
Monday, June 25, 2012
Crashed plane not manufactured in 1983 — Dana Air
SADE WILLIAMS ( Businessday)
The management of Dana Air has insisted that the crashed MD- 83 aircraft was manufactured in 1990 as against insinuations that the plane was manufactured in 1983.
Oscar Wilson, the Director of Flight Operations, Dana Air, made the clarification when he appeared before the committee probing the Dana plane crash and other sundry issues in the country’s aviation industry weekend.
He said the average age of planes in the inventory of the airline is 21 years.
Wilson told members of the joint committee that the most important factor in an aircraft operation was not its age but its history of regular maintenance.
“A three months old aircraft can as well crash if not regularly maintained. The age of aircraft does not determine their safety or airworthiness,” argued Wilson, adding that the ill-fated plane had its last maintenance check in September 2011.
Jacky Hathramani, Dana’s Managing Director, also disclosed that the airline’s maintenance checks were done by a Turkey-based company called MYTECHNIC and stated that the crashed aircraft had its last C-Check in September 2011.
Wilson in turn said the crashed plane had never been grounded for any technical issue prior to the June 3 crash at Iju-Ishaga in Lagos.
Hathramani had also told the committee that the aircraft that crashed had operated earlier in the day as Flight 9J 999, departed Lagos at 08:31a.m local time with 135 passengers to Abuja and returned from Abuja to Lagos as flight 9J 998 at 10:24a.m with 141 passengers on board and later in the day operated as Flight 9J 993 from Lagos to Abuja with 141 passengers at 1251 hours.
Associated Aviation to buy 4 new aircrafts for $30m
Sade Williams (Businessday)
Associated Aviation has revealed that it would be acquiring four new 60-seater Embraer 145 aircraft from the United Kingdom, worth over $30 million, just as it has started a phasing out process of the old aircraft in its fleet.
The airline’s management in Lagos through its managing director, Cordelia Ekwueme, made this known to Business Day, at the weekend, saying it is validating its fleet, while phasing out its four 30- seater Turboprops 120 aircraft from its fleet to pave way for the six year old aircraft that are fuel efficient and more comfortable for travellers.
The aircraft she, said would be delivered into the airlines fleet, in the next three months.
She further, disclosed that two Embarer aircraft are currently on maintenance schedule approved by European Airspace Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abroad, adding that the fleet would be increased to five, for commercial operations on the acquisition of the other four.
“Our strategic plan is to enlarge our fleet by four aircraft, we are phasing out four, out of five aircraft, they are between 19 and 22 years old. It is a plan that has been in place, we have tested the Embraer 145 and it is an aircraft that is reliable. Our purpose is to provide the best quality service to the flying public with utmost safety and reliability.
“Therefore, for fuel efficiency, maintenance cost and passenger preference, we are purchasing aircraft that are less than six years old, because when you do the cost analysis of maintenance, it will be better to go for newer aircraft. We have two cargo aircraft and for efficiency purpose too, we will change the cargo fleet but I am not saying they are not safe”, she said.
Ekwueme, who explained that the fleet renewal had been in the plan of the management said, its engineers were licensed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) adding that they carry out only line maintenance (A and B) checks on their aircraft, while the airline has maintenance agreement with some companies in the United States, South Africa and in Europe for its C-checks.
“The NCAA does a though check on our airline all the time, in fact, their officers had to go and approve the maintenance facilities abroad before taking our aircraft there. Everything possible is being done by the NCAA to ensure safety”, she added.
She however called on all domestic airline operators to pull resources together to build an aircraft hangar for all maintenance levels in Nigeria, in order to save the industry the huge capital flight while ferrying aircraft abroad for maintenance.
“At least it takes $1 million to do a C-check every 18 months on a Boeing aircraft , I think the airline operators need to come together to see that we achieve economies of scale. It may not be an immediate thing but it will save us the capital flight”, she said.
Associated Aviation, apart from its charter operations, operates daily flights into Akure, Ibadan, Gombe, Benin and Sokoto and currently planning to to include Asaba.
Lessor may repossess airline’s planes over payment default
By Wole Shadare(The Guardian)
FRESH trouble awaits embattled domestic carrier- Air Nigeria, as its lessors are waiting in the wings to repossess some aircraft in its fleet.
The airline currently has 11 aircraft, made up of two Embraer-190, five B737-300 and four B737-400 and an Airbus330 leased for its London operation from Egypt Air.
The airline’s fleet and flight operations were grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for financial insolvency, after a week-long strike by pilots and engineers assailed its domestic and regional services over labour related issues.
At the sideline of the just concluded African Aviation ‘Air Finance’ conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was gathered that one of the airline lessors, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), was reviewing the financial exposure of the airline and have concluded plans to recall its five B737-300.
The lessor, according to statements credited to the aviation ministry, indicated that the airline has been defaulting in the payment of its fleet lease rentals and is therefore auditing the finances of the airline.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Cape Town convention, which makes a lessor able to recover its aircraft without let and hindrance if it believes an airline is continually incapable of payments. The lease rentals for the B737-300 are $181,000 for an aircraft.
The airline, then known as Virgin Nigeria, had reportedly negotiated downward the lease rental of each B737-300 to $120,000. It then had five B737-300 and two E-190’s. The airline is still operating to London.
Analysts said that in view of the fact that the wide body A330 being used is on an ACMI bases from Egypt Air, it was not affected.
In aviation parlance, an ACMI indicates that the lessor provides the aircraft, the crew, maintenance and insurance cover for an aircraft.
But the operator is still growing the market having resumed operation on the route last month.
AERCAP holdings, a major European aircraft lessor in its June 2012 availability for an A330, says the aircraft is leased for $387,500 per month excluding maintenance reserves.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90321:lessor-may-repossess-airlines-planes-over-payment-default&catid=31:business&Itemid=562
FRESH trouble awaits embattled domestic carrier- Air Nigeria, as its lessors are waiting in the wings to repossess some aircraft in its fleet.
The airline currently has 11 aircraft, made up of two Embraer-190, five B737-300 and four B737-400 and an Airbus330 leased for its London operation from Egypt Air.
The airline’s fleet and flight operations were grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for financial insolvency, after a week-long strike by pilots and engineers assailed its domestic and regional services over labour related issues.
At the sideline of the just concluded African Aviation ‘Air Finance’ conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was gathered that one of the airline lessors, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), was reviewing the financial exposure of the airline and have concluded plans to recall its five B737-300.
The lessor, according to statements credited to the aviation ministry, indicated that the airline has been defaulting in the payment of its fleet lease rentals and is therefore auditing the finances of the airline.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Cape Town convention, which makes a lessor able to recover its aircraft without let and hindrance if it believes an airline is continually incapable of payments. The lease rentals for the B737-300 are $181,000 for an aircraft.
The airline, then known as Virgin Nigeria, had reportedly negotiated downward the lease rental of each B737-300 to $120,000. It then had five B737-300 and two E-190’s. The airline is still operating to London.
Analysts said that in view of the fact that the wide body A330 being used is on an ACMI bases from Egypt Air, it was not affected.
In aviation parlance, an ACMI indicates that the lessor provides the aircraft, the crew, maintenance and insurance cover for an aircraft.
But the operator is still growing the market having resumed operation on the route last month.
AERCAP holdings, a major European aircraft lessor in its June 2012 availability for an A330, says the aircraft is leased for $387,500 per month excluding maintenance reserves.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90321:lessor-may-repossess-airlines-planes-over-payment-default&catid=31:business&Itemid=562
Friday, June 22, 2012
NCAA suspends Air Nigeria operations
By
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday temporarily suspended the operations of Air Nigeria to enable it carry out a financial audit of the carrier.
The suspension came nine days after the NCAA cleared the carrier to resume operations after it completed a routine audit of the airline.
The last audit stemmed from the suspended strike embarked upon by pilots and engineers of the airline over issues bordering on welfare.
Though, the airline operated early morning flights into Abuja yesterday, it was however, forced to shut down operations in compliance with the NCAA directive.
Confirming the development yesterday, spokesperson of Air Nigeria, Mr Sam Ogbogoro, explained that the workers were not on strike, but had to shut down operation to adhere to the directive of the NCAA,
Ogbogoro in a telephone interview said: “ Our staff are not on strike, but we merely shut down operations in line with the directive of NCAA, which asked us to do so to enable it carry out a financial audit of the airline.”
“Nine days ago, the NCAA just gave us a clean bill of health, so when it directed us to shut down yesterday, we had to comply.”
At the Murtala Muhammed Airport ( MMA) terminal two of the Lagos Airport, the counters of Air Nigeria for both ticket and check in were empty as the staff had vacated the premises.
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/51195-ncaa-suspends-air-nigeria-operations.html
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/51195-ncaa-suspends-air-nigeria-operations.html
Crash: Dana’s Free Seating Policy May Impair Investigation
By Chinedu Eze (Thisday)
Dana Air’s policy of not allocating seats to passengers, may have obstructed an aspect of the investigation into what caused the June 3, 2012 crash, which killed 153 persons on board and 10 people on the ground. This is because the investigators will not be able to recast the seating position of the demised passengers in the aircraft.
It is believed that such information is important because it might help to expose the cause of the crash as seat allocation also determines the balancing of aircraft in the air.
Inside aviation agency source disclosed to THISDAY that either Dana did not have the seat allocation system or it was lazy to use it and the airline developed a policy of not allocating seats to passengers.
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) was said to have complained about this policy to Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) but action was not taken before the crash.
“We reported the habit of not allocating seats to passengers and this had gone on for a long time. Now, the clues that would have been provided by the sitting arrangements are lost so the investigators cannot now create a dummy of how the passengers were sitting before the crash. That aspect is lost and I think it is important,” an industry source told THISDAY.
But a source from the airline acknowledged that for some time the airline has a policy of free seating but before the accident happened it had resorted to designated seating- that is allocating seats to passengers.
On why the airline was most times not allocating seats to passengers, the source said: “We wanted the process of boarding to be very fast. Yes, we did free seating. Other airlines do it all over the world. But for some reason before the crash the commercial department said that passengers could be at designated seats. That was being done at the point of check in; before the crash.”
Industry source said that after this accident the regulatory body might make seat allocation compulsory, remarking that this was not supposed to take time because there is equipment that makes it easy.
The crash has prompted other airlines to examine their aircraft and have taken their aircraft for checks overseas even before they were due so as to ensure that the machines operate safely.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/crash-dana-s-free-seating-policy-may-impair-investigation
Dana Air’s policy of not allocating seats to passengers, may have obstructed an aspect of the investigation into what caused the June 3, 2012 crash, which killed 153 persons on board and 10 people on the ground. This is because the investigators will not be able to recast the seating position of the demised passengers in the aircraft.
It is believed that such information is important because it might help to expose the cause of the crash as seat allocation also determines the balancing of aircraft in the air.
Inside aviation agency source disclosed to THISDAY that either Dana did not have the seat allocation system or it was lazy to use it and the airline developed a policy of not allocating seats to passengers.
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) was said to have complained about this policy to Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) but action was not taken before the crash.
“We reported the habit of not allocating seats to passengers and this had gone on for a long time. Now, the clues that would have been provided by the sitting arrangements are lost so the investigators cannot now create a dummy of how the passengers were sitting before the crash. That aspect is lost and I think it is important,” an industry source told THISDAY.
But a source from the airline acknowledged that for some time the airline has a policy of free seating but before the accident happened it had resorted to designated seating- that is allocating seats to passengers.
On why the airline was most times not allocating seats to passengers, the source said: “We wanted the process of boarding to be very fast. Yes, we did free seating. Other airlines do it all over the world. But for some reason before the crash the commercial department said that passengers could be at designated seats. That was being done at the point of check in; before the crash.”
Industry source said that after this accident the regulatory body might make seat allocation compulsory, remarking that this was not supposed to take time because there is equipment that makes it easy.
The crash has prompted other airlines to examine their aircraft and have taken their aircraft for checks overseas even before they were due so as to ensure that the machines operate safely.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/crash-dana-s-free-seating-policy-may-impair-investigation
Crash: Keep Sealed Lips, Minister Orders Aviation Agencies
By Chinedu Eze (Thisday Online)
The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has directed officials of aviation agencies not to comment on the ill-fated Dana Air crash that killed 153 persons on board on June 3, 2012 until the report of the investigation is out.
This was contained in the memo the Minister presented to the Joint Committee of the National Assembly during the public hearing on the crash on Tuesday.
This was contained in the memo the Minister presented to the Joint Committee of the National Assembly during the public hearing on the crash on Tuesday.
“None of the parastatals or agencies can comment or speculate on the immediate or remote causes of the accident until the investigation is concluded.”
The directive was given so that the investigation should not be influenced or pre-empted with the hope that the body assigned to investigate the crash would do a thorough job.
The minister said that in accordance to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13, government had invited representatives of US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the manufacturers of the aircraft (The Boeing Company, USA), and the engines (Pratt and Whitney USA) have all joined the AIB team investigating the accident.
“Also, the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the ill-fated flight have been taken to the NTSB Laboratory in Washington DC, USA for readout and analysis. This capability, which can improve the time it takes to conclude an Accident
Investigation by the AIB, would have been achieved this year if not for budget constraints,” the minister said.
She disclosed to the legislators that a family support and call centre was established at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s premises on the day of the tragedy, which has been receiving calls and offered information and counselling to family members of the victims.
She disclosed to the legislators that a family support and call centre was established at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s premises on the day of the tragedy, which has been receiving calls and offered information and counselling to family members of the victims.
She also explained that “The AIB’s investigation is in line with the Civil Aviation Act 2006 and International Standards and Best Practices.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in its document (Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation), which is dedicated to aircraft accident and incident investigation, recommends that ICAO signatory countries establish an independent body dedicated to aircraft accident investigations. This recommendation led to the establishment of the Nigerian AIB.”
The minister emphasised that: “The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident shall be the prevention of accidents and incidents. It is not the purpose of this activity to apportion blame or liability”, in accordance to ICAO Annex 13.
But despite the on-going AIB investigation, government had to set up another committee because “it became clear from the public reaction to the Dana Air accident that there is a need to assure the Nigerian public that the Federal Government is committed to maintaining a very high level of aviation safety in the country.”
She said the objective for establishing this panel was to ensure that any contributory systemic ‘blindsides’ that might have existed in the industry up till now would be brought to light so that “they can be addressed to enhance the overall safety of Nigeria’s aviation industry. We believe that the existence and terms of reference of the Panel will help to give Nigerians the assurance that the Federal Government is doing everything to maintain a high level of safety in our aviation industry and by so doing, help Nigerians regain confidence in the industry.”
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
FIRS arrest Air Nigeria's MD over unremitted N4.868bn taxes
BY BusinessDay staff
Kinfe Kayssay, the Managing Director of Air Nigeria, has been arrested by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) for allegedly failing to remit taxes worth N4.868, 496,152 billion, a statement signed by Emmanuel Obeta, FIRS Director of Communications & Liaison’ Department, said.
According to the statement, the tax enforcement drive, led by James Binang, an Assistant Director in charge of FIRS's Debt Enforcement and Special Prosecution Unit (DESPU), was aimed at recovering tax arrears accuring to the government.
The airline was also alleged to have requested and obtained a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), giving it a clean bill of health, despite its tax liabilities.
“The arrest is aimed at recovering arrears of taxes accruing to government from Withholding Tax (WHT) and Value Added Tax (VAT),” the statement said. “The enforcement is part of a bigger move to recover the N170. I Billion (N170, 132, 089, 411:46) outstanding taxes owed to government by public and private organisations as well as ensure that all taxpayers are captured in the tax net.”
During interrogation, Kayssay agreed Air Nigeria had tax liabilities but pleaded for more time to clear the bills.
The airline's lawyer, Akeem Babatunde, denied allegations the company collected the TCC.
“Binang explained that the refusal to deduct and remit taxes as well as failure to file tax returns amount to criminal offences,” the statement said. “Explanations were also sought from the company about the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) alleged to have been obtained by Air Nigeria despite its tax liabilities—which was a requirement to secure their expatriate quota.
“Kayssay agreed that the company actually had tax liabilities to pay but pleaded for more time to settle the liabilities and comply with the necessary legislations as regards filing of tax returns.
“He said that he will ascertain the reasons why the company did not file tax returns or made payments on the outstanding tax liabilities. “The company lawyer, Mr. Akeem Babatunde, indicated that the company’s did not request for TCC to enable them secure expatriate quota.
“Earlier, the Service had served series of notices on the need for the company to pay their outstanding tax liabilities as well as comply with their tax obligations as specified by Nigerian tax laws or face punitive action.
“Apart from the tax liabilities against Air Nigeria, the company has also failed to file annual ``Tax Returns’’ in 2011, as when due while the one for 2012 is pending.
“Specifically, Section 31 of the VAT Act No 12 of 2007, provides that: `` A taxable person who fails to submit returns to the Board is liable to a fine of N5,000 for every month in which the failure continues’’.
It will be recalled that less than a month ago, the FIRS arrested Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of seven companies in Lagos for alleged failure to remit taxes totaling N2.17 billion.
The companies involved in that enforcement drive and the amounts are Pivot Engineering Ltd, N609, 911,992:36, Reliance Telecommunications Ltd, N592,756,627:00, HITV Ltd, N309,500,065:55 and UTC Nigeria Plc, N277,589,163:74, Sweet Sensation Confectionary Ltd, N155, 483,013:00, Entertainment Highway Ltd, N197, 444,964:55 and John Holt Nig. Ltd, N33, 073,487:52.
Arik Air backs compulsory IATA membership for domestic airlines
BY OLUSEGUN KOIKI (NATIONAL MIRROR)
Arik Air yesterday support-ed the call for all domestic airlines in the county to join the clearing house of the In-ternational Air Transport Asso-ciation. This is just as the airline dis-closed that about three weeks ago it passed the second IATA Opera-tional Safety Audit (IOSA).
Speaking to journalists yester-day at the airline’s headquarters at the Murtala Mohammed Air-port, Lagos, the Senior Vice Presi-dent, Operations, Arik Air, Mr. Rob Thomas said that compulsory IATA membership for domestic op-erators would further boost safety in the country’s aviation industry.
It will be recalled that the Chair-man, Air Nigeria, Dr. Jimoh Ibra-him, had last week advised the Federal Government to compel domestic airline operators to join IATA.
Ibrahim argued that the com-pulsory membership for indig-enous airlines would make the Nigerian airspace safer, stressing that after the Nigerian Civil Avia-tion Authority has audited the airline’s fleet, IATA should also be allowed to check the aircraft’s com-pliance to safety.
He said, “Airline business is a sensitive one, it is important we have global compliance in avia-tion. With this we will be very safe to fly, particularly with this recent development.”
Also, Thomas said that all its airplanes are fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS), adding that all the aircraft in its fleet can land at zero visibility at any air-port in the country.
He, however, explained that de-spite the equipment, which would aid safe landing, the airline still takes precautionary step by not operating during adverse weather condition.
He added that the GPS in Arik Air airplanes have been integrated into Auto Pilot System and Flight Management System, adding that these differentiate the new genera-tion aircraft and older ones.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/business/business-and-finance/42861.html
Arik Air yesterday support-ed the call for all domestic airlines in the county to join the clearing house of the In-ternational Air Transport Asso-ciation. This is just as the airline dis-closed that about three weeks ago it passed the second IATA Opera-tional Safety Audit (IOSA).
Speaking to journalists yester-day at the airline’s headquarters at the Murtala Mohammed Air-port, Lagos, the Senior Vice Presi-dent, Operations, Arik Air, Mr. Rob Thomas said that compulsory IATA membership for domestic op-erators would further boost safety in the country’s aviation industry.
It will be recalled that the Chair-man, Air Nigeria, Dr. Jimoh Ibra-him, had last week advised the Federal Government to compel domestic airline operators to join IATA.
Ibrahim argued that the com-pulsory membership for indig-enous airlines would make the Nigerian airspace safer, stressing that after the Nigerian Civil Avia-tion Authority has audited the airline’s fleet, IATA should also be allowed to check the aircraft’s com-pliance to safety.
He said, “Airline business is a sensitive one, it is important we have global compliance in avia-tion. With this we will be very safe to fly, particularly with this recent development.”
Also, Thomas said that all its airplanes are fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS), adding that all the aircraft in its fleet can land at zero visibility at any air-port in the country.
He, however, explained that de-spite the equipment, which would aid safe landing, the airline still takes precautionary step by not operating during adverse weather condition.
He added that the GPS in Arik Air airplanes have been integrated into Auto Pilot System and Flight Management System, adding that these differentiate the new genera-tion aircraft and older ones.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/business/business-and-finance/42861.html
IATA to meet African Heads of State in Abuja over aviation safety
BY OLUSEGUN KOIKI (NATIONAL MIRROR)
The International Air Transport Association will next month meet with African Heads of State in Abuja to adopt the Africa Stra-tegic Improvement Action Plan for the country.
The association’s Senior Vice President for Safety, Operations and Infrastructure, Mr. Gunther Matschnigg said that the meet-ing was important following the recent accidents in Nigeria and Ghana. IATA however noted improve-ment in safety performance in Africa, with accident rates fall-ing to 61 per cent.Latest safety statistics from IATA’s Safety Report 2011 show a dramatic improvement in safety performance in Africa with accident rates falling 61 per cent to 6,17 accidents per million departures, sharply down from the 15,68 per million in 2010.
The latest safety statistics from the IATA Safety Report 2011, published this year, show a dramatic improvement in the safety performance in Africa last year with total accident rates falling 61 per cent to 6.17 accidents per million depar-tures, sharply down from the 15.68 per million in 2010. Even with the most recent accident in Nigeria with Dana Air, in which more than 153 people were killed, the over-all safety performance of the sector is higher than last year, Matschnigg said in Beijing.
There is growing recognition among African states that with-out a reliable and safe airline in-dustry the development of their economies will not be as robust as it could be as people and com-panies will be less inclined to travel or contract the services of companies that are unsafe.
“There is momentum on the issue now and we have to act, these are not the first actions we are taking in Africa, there have been improvements already,” he said.
In Nigeria at least 12 airlines have been shut down because of their poor safety records, Matschnigg said, and this type of action was a credit to the political will that is being demonstrated to improve the image and the performance of the sector on the continent.
A new five part programme was adopted by delegates at an IATA-sponsored meeting in Jo-hannesburg in May, which was focused on improving the safety of the industry on the continent.
Next month this five step pro-gramme, which will be imple-mented between now and 2015, will be presented to the African heads of state and their minis-ters of transport for political support in Abuja.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/business/business-and-finance/42862.html
The International Air Transport Association will next month meet with African Heads of State in Abuja to adopt the Africa Stra-tegic Improvement Action Plan for the country.
The association’s Senior Vice President for Safety, Operations and Infrastructure, Mr. Gunther Matschnigg said that the meet-ing was important following the recent accidents in Nigeria and Ghana. IATA however noted improve-ment in safety performance in Africa, with accident rates fall-ing to 61 per cent.Latest safety statistics from IATA’s Safety Report 2011 show a dramatic improvement in safety performance in Africa with accident rates falling 61 per cent to 6,17 accidents per million departures, sharply down from the 15,68 per million in 2010.
The latest safety statistics from the IATA Safety Report 2011, published this year, show a dramatic improvement in the safety performance in Africa last year with total accident rates falling 61 per cent to 6.17 accidents per million depar-tures, sharply down from the 15.68 per million in 2010. Even with the most recent accident in Nigeria with Dana Air, in which more than 153 people were killed, the over-all safety performance of the sector is higher than last year, Matschnigg said in Beijing.
There is growing recognition among African states that with-out a reliable and safe airline in-dustry the development of their economies will not be as robust as it could be as people and com-panies will be less inclined to travel or contract the services of companies that are unsafe.
“There is momentum on the issue now and we have to act, these are not the first actions we are taking in Africa, there have been improvements already,” he said.
In Nigeria at least 12 airlines have been shut down because of their poor safety records, Matschnigg said, and this type of action was a credit to the political will that is being demonstrated to improve the image and the performance of the sector on the continent.
A new five part programme was adopted by delegates at an IATA-sponsored meeting in Jo-hannesburg in May, which was focused on improving the safety of the industry on the continent.
Next month this five step pro-gramme, which will be imple-mented between now and 2015, will be presented to the African heads of state and their minis-ters of transport for political support in Abuja.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/business/business-and-finance/42862.html
AON petitions Jonathan over public hearing on Dana, Allied Air crashes
BY OLUSEGUN KOIKI (NATIONAL MIRROR)
Airline Operators of Nige-ria has condemned the planned public hearing and investigation by the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation, which is scheduled to commence sitting today. AON has however petitioned the National Assembly and the Presidency over the planned pub-lic hearing, saying that Accident Investigation Bureau is the only body recognised under the law to investigate air accident in the country.
The joint public hearing is ex-pected to commence sitting today through Friday, June 22.
The es-sence of the public hearing is to conduct investigations into the causes of the recent Dana and Allied Air plane crashes that oc-curred in Lagos and Ghana re-spectively.
In a petition sent to the Chair-man of the committee by the Secretary General of AON, Capt. Mohammed Joji and copies sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate President, David Mark, the Speaker of the House of Rep-resentatives, Honourable Tambu-wal and other principal officers of the National Assembly, AON insisted that the public hearing or investigation was unreasonable when AIB was yet to conclude its investigation.
AON said that public hearing had never followed any aircraft accident anywhere in the world because of its volatility due to loss of lives in such an accident, stressing that it could heat up the polity.
The petition reads in part, “The Civil Aviation Act of 2006 signed by the Members of Parliament on the 9th and 14th November, 2006 and endorsed by Mr. President on the 14th November, 2006, specifi-cally part (viii), para. 29, clearly gave powers to the Commissioner of Accident to Investigate Ac-cidents/Incidents and report di-rectly to Mr. President through the Minister of Aviation before any pronouncement is made over any accident."
Any parallel investigation, which can prejudice the outcome of the on-going investigation is against the International Civil Aviation Organisation – Conven-tion of Accident Investigation particularly ICAO Annex 13, which dealt with Aircraft Ac-cident and Incident Investiga-tion.
Furthermore, prior to the outcome of the initial stage of investigation, communications between the pilot and the control tower cannot be divulged.“We have read all sorts of jamboree by some members of the public who claimed to have knowledge of Aviation industry; perhaps some of them may not have even been a passenger in any aircraft all their life.
If this is allowed to continue it will put the aviation industry in bad light.”AON stated that apart from the three successive accidents, which occurred between 2005 and 2006 and claimed the lives of 312 people, the sector had a relatively accident free period, adding that the sector had achieved a lot in terms of safety and development particularly, the achievement of the past 12 months, which includ-ed the American Federal Aviation Administration Category One Status
Airline Operators of Nige-ria has condemned the planned public hearing and investigation by the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation, which is scheduled to commence sitting today. AON has however petitioned the National Assembly and the Presidency over the planned pub-lic hearing, saying that Accident Investigation Bureau is the only body recognised under the law to investigate air accident in the country.
The joint public hearing is ex-pected to commence sitting today through Friday, June 22.
The es-sence of the public hearing is to conduct investigations into the causes of the recent Dana and Allied Air plane crashes that oc-curred in Lagos and Ghana re-spectively.
In a petition sent to the Chair-man of the committee by the Secretary General of AON, Capt. Mohammed Joji and copies sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate President, David Mark, the Speaker of the House of Rep-resentatives, Honourable Tambu-wal and other principal officers of the National Assembly, AON insisted that the public hearing or investigation was unreasonable when AIB was yet to conclude its investigation.
AON said that public hearing had never followed any aircraft accident anywhere in the world because of its volatility due to loss of lives in such an accident, stressing that it could heat up the polity.
The petition reads in part, “The Civil Aviation Act of 2006 signed by the Members of Parliament on the 9th and 14th November, 2006 and endorsed by Mr. President on the 14th November, 2006, specifi-cally part (viii), para. 29, clearly gave powers to the Commissioner of Accident to Investigate Ac-cidents/Incidents and report di-rectly to Mr. President through the Minister of Aviation before any pronouncement is made over any accident."
Any parallel investigation, which can prejudice the outcome of the on-going investigation is against the International Civil Aviation Organisation – Conven-tion of Accident Investigation particularly ICAO Annex 13, which dealt with Aircraft Ac-cident and Incident Investiga-tion.
Furthermore, prior to the outcome of the initial stage of investigation, communications between the pilot and the control tower cannot be divulged.“We have read all sorts of jamboree by some members of the public who claimed to have knowledge of Aviation industry; perhaps some of them may not have even been a passenger in any aircraft all their life.
If this is allowed to continue it will put the aviation industry in bad light.”AON stated that apart from the three successive accidents, which occurred between 2005 and 2006 and claimed the lives of 312 people, the sector had a relatively accident free period, adding that the sector had achieved a lot in terms of safety and development particularly, the achievement of the past 12 months, which includ-ed the American Federal Aviation Administration Category One Status
DANA Air crash: Lagos begins Coroner’s inquest
By Abdulwahab Abdulah, Onozure Dania & Michael Oladepo(Vanguard Newspapers)
A Coroner inquest, investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash of Dana Airline in Lagos on June 3, which claimed no fewer than 150 lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira, yesterday, commenced sitting in Lagos.
The Chief Coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, sequel to the application made by Mrs. Funmi Falana, granted the request to issue summon on the Aviation Minister, Mrs Princess Stella Odua; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State; Dana Air management; security agencies; government agencies and some individuals to give evidence on the cause of the crash.
Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN and Mr Falana and Falana Chambers, had separately, requested an inquest into the cause of the air crash in line with the Coroner Law of Lagos State.
At the inaugural sitting of the Coroner Inquest at the premises of Alimosho Magistrate Court, Abule-Egba, Lagos, the Chief Coroner asked the lawyers to furnish the court with the names of those required to appear before it, so that hearing summons would be issued on them.
Mrs. Funmi Falana, who represented one of the petitioners, told the court that in line with Section 32 of the Rules of the court, it was for the court to list and issue hearing summons on the relevant agencies and individuals, who are to give evidence before the court to carry out its statutory obligation.
Justice Lateefa Okunnu had following a request by Agbakoba and Falana, directed the Coroner of Alimosho District, Magistrate O. Komolafe to conduct an inquest into the Dana plane crash.
Mrs Falana told the court that the Minister of Aviation, who is in charge of the Aviation Ministry and Governor Akpabio, who said he had earlier issued a warning notice to the airline and others are necessary parties to be summoned by the court.
Also, a lawyer from Agbakoba aligned himself with Mrs Falana and prayed the court to issue official summons to enable the invitees give information on how to get to the root of the crash.
Others expected to be summoned by the coroner court as listed by the lawyers, include Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Lagos and Ogun States; National Airspace Management Authority, NAMA; Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN; the Lagos State Police Command; the Lagos Airport Command of the state Police; Lagos State Fire Service; Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA; Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, and the Chief Medical Examiner, Lagos State Coroner System.
Others are the Nigerian Red Cross; six oil companies believed to have supplied aviation fuel to the airline— Cleanserve Oil, Sahara Oil, MRS, AP, Total, Conoil; the Nigerian Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers; representatives of the Landlord Association of the area where the crash occurred; copy of the report of the Black box; Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; Accident Investigation Research (Mr Tunji Oketumbi); Aviation Fuel Supplier; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the relatives of victims of the deceased passengers and those on the ground and the surviving victims, among others.
The coroner, meanwhile adjourned further sitting till July 12, for the parties to be served with the summons and to enable the chambers of Olisa Agbakoba prepare its papers for the inquest.
A Coroner inquest, investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash of Dana Airline in Lagos on June 3, which claimed no fewer than 150 lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira, yesterday, commenced sitting in Lagos.
The Chief Coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, sequel to the application made by Mrs. Funmi Falana, granted the request to issue summon on the Aviation Minister, Mrs Princess Stella Odua; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State; Dana Air management; security agencies; government agencies and some individuals to give evidence on the cause of the crash.
Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN and Mr Falana and Falana Chambers, had separately, requested an inquest into the cause of the air crash in line with the Coroner Law of Lagos State.
At the inaugural sitting of the Coroner Inquest at the premises of Alimosho Magistrate Court, Abule-Egba, Lagos, the Chief Coroner asked the lawyers to furnish the court with the names of those required to appear before it, so that hearing summons would be issued on them.
Mrs. Funmi Falana, who represented one of the petitioners, told the court that in line with Section 32 of the Rules of the court, it was for the court to list and issue hearing summons on the relevant agencies and individuals, who are to give evidence before the court to carry out its statutory obligation.
Justice Lateefa Okunnu had following a request by Agbakoba and Falana, directed the Coroner of Alimosho District, Magistrate O. Komolafe to conduct an inquest into the Dana plane crash.
Mrs Falana told the court that the Minister of Aviation, who is in charge of the Aviation Ministry and Governor Akpabio, who said he had earlier issued a warning notice to the airline and others are necessary parties to be summoned by the court.
Also, a lawyer from Agbakoba aligned himself with Mrs Falana and prayed the court to issue official summons to enable the invitees give information on how to get to the root of the crash.
Others expected to be summoned by the coroner court as listed by the lawyers, include Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Lagos and Ogun States; National Airspace Management Authority, NAMA; Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN; the Lagos State Police Command; the Lagos Airport Command of the state Police; Lagos State Fire Service; Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA; Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, and the Chief Medical Examiner, Lagos State Coroner System.
Others are the Nigerian Red Cross; six oil companies believed to have supplied aviation fuel to the airline— Cleanserve Oil, Sahara Oil, MRS, AP, Total, Conoil; the Nigerian Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers; representatives of the Landlord Association of the area where the crash occurred; copy of the report of the Black box; Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; Accident Investigation Research (Mr Tunji Oketumbi); Aviation Fuel Supplier; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the relatives of victims of the deceased passengers and those on the ground and the surviving victims, among others.
The coroner, meanwhile adjourned further sitting till July 12, for the parties to be served with the summons and to enable the chambers of Olisa Agbakoba prepare its papers for the inquest.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
DANA forced Ill-fated plane to fly – Staff alleges
On June 5, 2012
By Hugo Odiogor AND LAWANi MIKAIRU
LAGOS — An official of Dana Airline, yesterday, made a startling revelation on the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s crash of the airline’s Lagos-bound plane in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, saying the management of the airline knew the ill-fated aircraft was faulty before take-off but still went ahead to fly it.
This was corroborated by two officials of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA),one of the regulatory agencies in the Aviation sector who argued that the airline should be charged with murder because “the particular aircraft McDonnell 83 with Registration Number 5N-RAM had history of technical problems which both the airline and regulatory agencies were aware of”.
DECEASED Vivien Effiong
According to the officials, “this particular aircraft had hydraulic problems three weeks ago and had to return to Lagos after take off, thereby aborting the flight.
DANA forced plane to fly —Staff alleges
The airline official, who made the revelation in an interview with Channels television,but does not want to be named, confirmed that the ill-fated Dana Air flight 0992, MC Donnell Douglas (MD 83) was faulty shortly after it left Lagos and stopped over in Calabar.
She alleged that the Indian owners of the airline threw caution to the wind and insisted that the plane must fly in a bid to maximise profit, thereby sending the plane over to Abuja to pick passengers, when it should have been returned to Lagos for further repair.
She also claimed the flight has had persistent history of faults with its hydraulics in recent times and it was not supposed to have flown.
According to the official, “the plane has been faulty for a very long time. There was a case when it was on ground in Uyo for over six hours, because of delayed flight, it had a bolt. And then in Abuja it happened a few days ago, then some people went with the aircraft but they could not come back, because it had a fault there and it couldn’t leave Abuja.”
“The same engineers that fixed it and then they sent crew to bring it with passengers to Lagos.”
Confirming that the plane that crashed on Sunday, was not supposed to leave Lagos at all, the Dana official stated that “yesterday, it (Dana Air flight 0992) was not supposed to leave Lagos at all, but it left and then got to Calabar, developed fault and it was fixed and then they took it to Abuja, when they should have returned to Lagos but because they didn’t want to part with the little money they will make, they took it to Abuja, loaded full passengers, and then it couldn’t get to Lagos. ”
“It has been having faults over time, continuously, hydraulics or one thing or the other. That aircraft kept having problems and they were not ready to park it” she alleged.
Fatokun and daughter, Olusola Arokoya, Ajuonuma, Onita, Ike Abugu and Kunbi
She added that the management of the airline does not return aircraft with faults back to the station, as it should have, but “they make it complete its normal route to where ever it is supposed to go before they bring it back to Lagos” she said.
Also, the Special Adviser, Technical to Minister of Aviation, Mr. Victor Oche Elias, has revealed that the pilot of the ill-fated plane, had alerted the aviation authority of the airport, on the emergency situation 11 nautical miles to landing.
It was further disclosed that the pilot’s May-Day cry was given priority, but the plane could not make it, as it crashed 4 nautical miles to landing.
MC Donnell Douglas MD 83 was sold to Dana Airline in 2009 by a US-based Alaska Airlines, ahead of the airline commencing its services in Nigeria.
Dana Air blames crash on engine failure-Apologises
Meanwhile, Officials of Dana airline have attributed the cause of the ill fated flight which crashed at Alagbado on Sunday, to engine trouble Oscar Wason, Dana Air’s director of operations, told CNN the American pilot of the passenger lane had reported engine trouble shortly before the crash. Sources said the engine of the Aircraft had caught fire and the radioed the control tower to declare an emergency, landing as it was in its final approach to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The Dana Air flight was from Abuja to Lagos with its six crew members. The Boeing MD-83 slammed into a two-storey residential building. This contradicts earlier reports that the ill fated Dana aircraft crashed into high tension electricity tower. The Airline equally apologised to Nigerians and the families of the victims.
Reports said over at least 115 bodies have been recovered from the smoldering wreckage, where rescue workers were still searching for the flight data recorder. Policemen with cadaver dogs and officials of National Emergency Management Agency are maintaining the search for bodies and valuable items inside the wreckage. Large crane from a local construction company was being used to lift pieces of debris away. They also brought blow torches to cut through what remains of the plane. Some of the rescue workers wore masks to protect themselves from the stench from the site of the crash. Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola told the surging crowd to make way for the first line responders to do their work because they are in an accident site, not a tourist site. Said Governor Fashola: “This is a crash site, it is an investigation site, and we should keep our distance and allow the first responders to do their work.”
Meanwhile families of the deceased are being invited to take a look at some of the recovered bodies for possible identification. Said source: “It is going to be a tough call for some of the families to see the mangled bodies of their loved ones but in this part of the world it is important for departed ones to be given a proper burial”
LAGOS — An official of Dana Airline, yesterday, made a startling revelation on the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s crash of the airline’s Lagos-bound plane in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, saying the management of the airline knew the ill-fated aircraft was faulty before take-off but still went ahead to fly it.
This was corroborated by two officials of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA),one of the regulatory agencies in the Aviation sector who argued that the airline should be charged with murder because “the particular aircraft McDonnell 83 with Registration Number 5N-RAM had history of technical problems which both the airline and regulatory agencies were aware of”.
DECEASED Vivien Effiong
According to the officials, “this particular aircraft had hydraulic problems three weeks ago and had to return to Lagos after take off, thereby aborting the flight.
DANA forced plane to fly —Staff alleges
The airline official, who made the revelation in an interview with Channels television,but does not want to be named, confirmed that the ill-fated Dana Air flight 0992, MC Donnell Douglas (MD 83) was faulty shortly after it left Lagos and stopped over in Calabar.
She alleged that the Indian owners of the airline threw caution to the wind and insisted that the plane must fly in a bid to maximise profit, thereby sending the plane over to Abuja to pick passengers, when it should have been returned to Lagos for further repair.
She also claimed the flight has had persistent history of faults with its hydraulics in recent times and it was not supposed to have flown.
According to the official, “the plane has been faulty for a very long time. There was a case when it was on ground in Uyo for over six hours, because of delayed flight, it had a bolt. And then in Abuja it happened a few days ago, then some people went with the aircraft but they could not come back, because it had a fault there and it couldn’t leave Abuja.”
“The same engineers that fixed it and then they sent crew to bring it with passengers to Lagos.”
Confirming that the plane that crashed on Sunday, was not supposed to leave Lagos at all, the Dana official stated that “yesterday, it (Dana Air flight 0992) was not supposed to leave Lagos at all, but it left and then got to Calabar, developed fault and it was fixed and then they took it to Abuja, when they should have returned to Lagos but because they didn’t want to part with the little money they will make, they took it to Abuja, loaded full passengers, and then it couldn’t get to Lagos. ”
“It has been having faults over time, continuously, hydraulics or one thing or the other. That aircraft kept having problems and they were not ready to park it” she alleged.
Fatokun and daughter, Olusola Arokoya, Ajuonuma, Onita, Ike Abugu and Kunbi
She added that the management of the airline does not return aircraft with faults back to the station, as it should have, but “they make it complete its normal route to where ever it is supposed to go before they bring it back to Lagos” she said.
Also, the Special Adviser, Technical to Minister of Aviation, Mr. Victor Oche Elias, has revealed that the pilot of the ill-fated plane, had alerted the aviation authority of the airport, on the emergency situation 11 nautical miles to landing.
It was further disclosed that the pilot’s May-Day cry was given priority, but the plane could not make it, as it crashed 4 nautical miles to landing.
MC Donnell Douglas MD 83 was sold to Dana Airline in 2009 by a US-based Alaska Airlines, ahead of the airline commencing its services in Nigeria.
Dana Air blames crash on engine failure-Apologises
Meanwhile, Officials of Dana airline have attributed the cause of the ill fated flight which crashed at Alagbado on Sunday, to engine trouble Oscar Wason, Dana Air’s director of operations, told CNN the American pilot of the passenger lane had reported engine trouble shortly before the crash. Sources said the engine of the Aircraft had caught fire and the radioed the control tower to declare an emergency, landing as it was in its final approach to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The Dana Air flight was from Abuja to Lagos with its six crew members. The Boeing MD-83 slammed into a two-storey residential building. This contradicts earlier reports that the ill fated Dana aircraft crashed into high tension electricity tower. The Airline equally apologised to Nigerians and the families of the victims.
Reports said over at least 115 bodies have been recovered from the smoldering wreckage, where rescue workers were still searching for the flight data recorder. Policemen with cadaver dogs and officials of National Emergency Management Agency are maintaining the search for bodies and valuable items inside the wreckage. Large crane from a local construction company was being used to lift pieces of debris away. They also brought blow torches to cut through what remains of the plane. Some of the rescue workers wore masks to protect themselves from the stench from the site of the crash. Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola told the surging crowd to make way for the first line responders to do their work because they are in an accident site, not a tourist site. Said Governor Fashola: “This is a crash site, it is an investigation site, and we should keep our distance and allow the first responders to do their work.”
Meanwhile families of the deceased are being invited to take a look at some of the recovered bodies for possible identification. Said source: “It is going to be a tough call for some of the families to see the mangled bodies of their loved ones but in this part of the world it is important for departed ones to be given a proper burial”
Last Conversation Dana Air Pilots had With the Air Traffic Controllers
Good day!” These were the last two words the courageous pilot told air traffic controllers before the Dana Air flight 0992 crashed into a residential building in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, killing all the 153 people on board and 10 people on ground on Sunday, June 3, 2012.
The transcription of the last conversation between the air traffic controller and the crew revealed that the pilots did everything to land the aircraft safely on Runway 18 Right of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The recording, a copy of which was obtained exclusively from a top official of the Ministry of Aviation on Monday by our correspondent, showed that the flight crew did not lose hope even up till the last second before the aircraft crashed.
The crew had believed the aircraft would make it to Runway 18R of the Lagos airport.
The transcription revealed that the aircraft had indeed lost its two engines, shortly after which the pilot declared an emergency.
This revelation is, however, contrary to the view of Dana Air’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Oscar Wason, who had said it would be premature to conclude that aircraft lost its two engines.
Wason claimed that there was nothing to indicate that the pilot told the air traffic controller that the two engines of the aircraft had been lost.
The transcription revealed that the pilot told the controller he had “dual engine failure.”
Apart from having dual engine failure, the pilot also told the air traffic controller that he had “negative response from the throttle.”
Overall, the transcription revealed that the airplane was in a very devastating condition.
This explains why it was said to have descended very fast shortly after the pilot declared emergency, saying, “May Day, May Day”
Air traffic controllers, who spoke to our correspondent under condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to comment on the matter, confirmed that the aircraft descended very fast.
The video recording of the radar also revealed that the aircraft pilot declared emergency at about 5,000 feet above the sea level.
It further revealed that the ill-fated Boeing McDonell Douglass-83 plane disappeared from the radar at about 800 feet above the sea level.
The recording, however, confirmed Wason’s claim that the pilot of the ill-fated plane never spoke with air traffic controllers in the Control Tower.
Rather, the pilot spoke with ATCs in the radar control room of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, which is also located at the airport.
The recording also revealed that the pilot was handed over to the ATCs in the Control Tower, but he never had a chance to speak with them before the crash.
From the recording, the last words the pilot told the radar control unit was, “1181, good day,” in response to some information he had received from the ATC on duty.
The ATC had told him to contact the Control Tower on frequency 1181. The pilot, who had declared emergency to the ATCs in the radar control room, replied, “1181 good day,” meaning he had got the information.
According to ATCs, “good day” is the usual parlance they and pilots use in signing off from a conversation.
From his accent, it was obvious he was the Indian co-pilot, Mr. Mahendra Roathore, who spoke with the ATCs during the last minutes of the tragic flight.
The pilot, an American, Captain Peter Waxtan, was said to have been busy, struggling to keep the aircraft in flight, while the co-pilot spoke with the ATCs.
Below is the word-for-word account of the conversation between the crew of the ill-fated plane and the ATC on duty.
Co-pilot: “Lagos Tower, Dana code 0992!”
ATC: “Dana Code 0992, this is Lagos radar, go ahead!”
Co-pilot: “May Day! May Day! May Day! Dana code 0992 Five November Romeo Alpha Mike! (5N-RAM) dual engine failure!”
ATC: “Dana Code 0992, read me?”
Co-pilot: “I read you five by five! Dual engine failure! Negative response from throttle! Requesting for direct straight approach!”
ATC: “Alright, position it one mile to touch down, Runway 18R! Contact tower now on 1181!”
Co-pilot: “1181 Good day!”
Unfortunately, the crew never spoke with the control tower. The aircraft crashed into the residential building a few seconds after this discussion.
Source : Punch NG
'Unfit Air Nigeria planes' cleared for travel
Former finance director says engineers under commercial pressure to certify dangerous aircraft for flight.
Air Nigeria, the national carrier and second-largest airline of the West African nation, has been grounded for safety checks.
The move comes days after one of the country's worst air crashes resulted in the deaths of all 153 people on board.
Thousands of Air Nigeria passengers are now left stranded as rumours of financial troubles and an engineers' strike adds to the challenges facing the carrier.
The most damning claims, however, come from John Nnorom, former finance director, who says the airline's engineers are under commercial pressure to certify unfit aircraft for travel.
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2012/06/201261319512906281.html
Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports from Abuja.
NCAA Clears Air Nigeria
...Launches Rome, Paris operations By Chinedu Eze (Thisday Newspaper)
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cleared national flag carrier, Air Nigeria, for domestic and
regional flight operations following a satisfactory audit of its fleet.
According to a letter dated June 12, 2012 with the reference number: NCAA/ DAWS.002/12/VOL.1/149, sent to the Managing Director, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) by the Direc- tor, Airworthiness Standards, NCAA, Mr. Patrick Ekunwe, the agency was directed to clear all Air Nigeria aircraft for flight operations.
The letter titled, “Domestic and Regional Flight operations of Air Nigeria”, reads in part, “Please be informed that Air Nigeria has been cleared by Nigerian Civil Aviation Au- thority to resume its normal domestic and regional flight operations. Please grant them the necessary flight clearances accordingly.”
Commenting on the develop- ment at a news conference yes- terday in Lagos, the Chairman, Air Nigeria, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, stressed that the airline was in full compliance with all the international standards on safety regulations.
He explained that it was normal for NCAA to recertify the aircraft of the airline after some of its local staff went on strike.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim announced that the airline was expecting another large body aircraft, Airbus A330=200 which would kick off its operations from Lagos to Rome and to Paris, disclosing that the Federal Government has given approval for the airline to operate the routes
Six Years After, Sosoliso Plane Crash Blamed on Power Failure
By Steve Dada, Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and Dele Ogbodo in Abuja (Thisday Newspapers)
Six years after the Sosoliso plane crash in Port Harcourt, killing over 100 passengers, most of them children,
facts emerged yesterday that power failure at the Port Harcourt Airport was responsible for the accident.
Although the Federal Government is yet to make public the report of the panel that investigated the crash,
the pioneer Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Mr.
Angus Ifeanyi Ozoka, who headed the investigative panel, said at the point of landing, the pilot lost sight of
the runway because there was no diesel to power the generator for the runway lights.
Ozoka, who spoke with reporters in Abuja on how to improve safety in the aviation industry against the
backdrop of the June 3 plane crash involving Dana Air, said: “From the way we concluded our report after
several months of investigations, the aircraft was coming to land, it didn’t have the runway in sight.
“It couldn’t see the runway as it was raining very heavily. The runway lights were not on because at the Port
Harcourt Airport they were trying to save fuel.
“In the day time, they would switch off the generator, if there was no electricity and at night they would not
switch on the generator except a pilot requested when he was approaching.
“So when the plane was at 8 nautical miles from the airport, it called and asked if it was raining, they told
him no precipitation, they gave him the wind direction and speed, until the plane got to the decision altitude
and went below it.”
He added that by the time the Sosoliso plane was approaching for landing, the wind direction suddenly
changed dramatically, becoming heavier with associated wind shear activity; as such, the strength of the wind
forced the plane to slam into the ground.
“The plane crashed on the grass side and disintegrated into a total wreckage site of 1.2 kilometres.
“First, the plane touched the ground, then it bounced into an exposed concrete drainage where the number
two engine and staircase were dislodged in that concrete and started disintegrating into pieces, with total
land wreckage of 1.2km. In that situation, it was difficult to fight a fire over a spread of 1.2km,” he said.
Ozoka said government through Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should set strict conditions for
all airline operators in the country to meet and those who cannot do so should be allowed to wind up.
According to him, government is not Father Christmas that operators should run to for bailouts, adding that
anybody who wants to venture into the aviation industry should know that the industry is both capital and
labour intensive.
He suggested that government’s 22-year-age limit for entry of aircraft into the country should be revisited as
any aircraft above 20 years is presumed to be operating above the life cycle of that aircraft.
However, he said with good maintenance, some aircraft could still be kept airborne for over 25 years before
they are retired.
Meanwhile, relatives of the Dana Air plane crash are still having trouble claiming the bodies of their loved
ones at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Some of the relations of the victims who were seen yesterday wailing and agonising over their inability to
claim the bodies, accused LASUTH officials of playing pranks.
The hospital officials are insisting that it will not release more bodies until all DNA tests have been concluded
and results released to ensure that no family is given the wrong body.
A woman was seen at the mortuary wailing as she lamented the endless bottlenecks that had prevented her
from collecting the body of her relative.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Africa Travel Association’s hallmark international event
By Linda
Created 06/08/2012 - 9:33am
Topic:
Delegates address growth of African tourism
Source:
Africa Travel Association
Article Image Description:
Cultural Night at ATA Annual World Congress / Image via Africa Travel Association
The theme, “Africa Tourism: Partnering for the Future,” focused on how tourism, with growth rates in emerging markets outperforming more established destinations, is one of the most promising industries on the African continent for development. South African Airways served as Presenting Sponsor and Official Congress Carrier, and Arik Air served as Official Media Carrier.
“Our 37th Congress has been a real success with significant outcomes that will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Zimbabwe and across Africa,” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director, “Now more than ever, the tourism industry has a greater ability to affect lives and contribute to positive growth and development, and ATA is pleased to be at the heart of this process.”
Delegates included five tourism ministers from Central African Republic, Ghana, Namibia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, along with government representatives from Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia, and hundreds of participants from around the world.
The Congress was hosted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) under the auspices of the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Walter Mzembi. ATA government members elected Minister Mzembi as the new President of the association at the ATA board meeting on the final day of the congress.
ZIMBABWE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
On the first day of the congress, Ambassador of the USA to Zimbabwe, Charles A. Ray, conveyed that “Zimbabwe is open for business.” He said that US business representatives were coming to Zimbabwe because the economy was growing, and trade and investment links between the two countries were improving.
Speaking about the importance of building better cooperation and understanding between the USA and Zimbabwe, the Ambassador said, “Zimbabwe, even with its political uncertainty, represents a potentially huge market for Americans… it has the highest literacy rate in sub-Saharan Africa, and a population that when opportunities are available, they’re very hard working and very organized and get things done.”
In an interview with one of the congress media delegates, Ambassador Ray said, “You have to look at what’s going on, on the ground, in order to understand the reality. There is a gap between the perceived risk here and the real risk. The real risk, in most cases, is far less than the perceived risk caused by the image the country has.”
Building on these themes, a special congress session, featuring Ambassador Ray and US Ambassador to Zambia, Mark C. Storella, was held on the second to last day of the congress. The two Ambassadors spoke about prospects for US trade and investment in the tourism sector in the neighboring countries, along with the role the US embassies play in improving relations and facilitating exchanges.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The Congress kicked off with ATA's third annual Young Professionals Program Forum at the Elephant Hills Hotel. Students, young professionals and industry leaders from the tourism and hospitality sector came together to discuss the most pressing issues for young professionals in the industry. Topics included harnessing social media to promote African tourism, rural tourism development, and the ethics of sustainability and ecological integrity.
Ministers from Central African Republic, Ghana, Namibia, Togo, and Zimbabwe participated in the Tourism Ministers’ Roundtable. Everyone agreed that the benefits of tourism could be strengthened if African governments collaborated more closely with each other and the private sector over a number of issues, including connectivity, visas, branding, and packaging products. The importance of integrating local community into tourism programs was also stressed.
Inspired by the Japanese television cooking show, Iron Chef, ATA held the first “ATA Culinary Experience.” Delegates enjoyed a luncheon prepared by culinary students from the Bulawayo School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies and chefs from Victoria Falls hotels. Visiting chefs from the USA, Chef Pierre Thiam, Senegalese cookbook author, Yolele!, and Eric Simeon, E&E Grill House Executive Chef, judged the competition, along with Ambassador Ray; Dr. Nancy Scanlon of Florida International University; Chef Christopher Gonzo, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwean Culinary Association; and Chef Johnson, Chief Technical Coordinator of ZTA.
Sessions on social media strategies with RS Social and the role of film in marketing destinations with “Thinking Forward Media” provided participants with practical tools for more effective media relations and marketing. An Expedia representative discussed the importance of bringing Africa's products to market through social media, mobile technology, and the Internet. A Matador Network representative discussed how to leverage content from dozens of partners to create a unified strategy for promoting your destination on the Web. Group IST also presented on the pros and cons of volun-tourism.
Delegates explored several new tourism topics at the congress, including “Women’s Engagement in Africa’s Tourism Industry,” which brought together representatives from Affluent Hospitality Group, Amalinda Collection, United Nations World Tourism Organization, and ZTA to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in the tourism industry today.
Leading travel trade and mainstream media representatives explored the relationships between tourism and the media at one of the sessions. Participants spoke about how to develop more effective media relations and how to move travel news to the front pages. The participants spoke about how the negative and the positive play a role in creating perceptions of Africa and stressed the potential role of the media in communicating tourism’s contribution to development and achieving political stability.
At Zimbabwe Culture Night, ATA announced the recipients of ATA’s annual awards. The recipients of the Outstanding Service to the Association awards were Hon. Mzembi (MP), Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe; Karikoga Kaseke; Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA); Tesa Chikaponya, Executive Director of Destination Marketing at ZTA; and Evelyn Chidyausiku, US Representative of ZTA. Robert Brunner, Vice President of the Americas for Arik Air International Ltd. received the Outstanding Leadership Award; and Dr. Yohannes Zeleke, President of the ATA Mid-Atlantic Chapter, received the ATA Founder’s Award. Chef Pierre Thiam and Chef Eric Simeon received the Development of Responsible Tourism in Africa awards and ATA outgoing President, Hon. Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie, Minister of Tourism and Culture of The Gambia, received the Promotion of Responsible Tourism to Africa Award. Finally, Andrea Papitto, Vice President of Thinking Forward Media, received the Young Professionals Leadership award.
SHOWCASING DESTINATION ZIMBABWE
As soon as they arrived in Victoria Falls, delegates enjoyed a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven wonders. Many also participated in activities around the falls, including bungee jumping, gorge swing and ziplining over the Zambezi, lion and elephant encounters, and helicopter rides and safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana during the congress.
On the first host-country day, ATA delegates visited a community-based tourism project in Mpisi Village, where they enjoyed local cuisine, traditional music, and dance. En route to the village, delegates participated in the annual ATA tree planting ceremony to offset the carbon footprint of the congress.
The Zambia Tourist Board co-sponsored the second host-country day. Delegates crossed the Zambezi River into Livingstone for lunch and cultural entertainment. They also visited several hotel properties, including the Chrismar and Royal Livingstone hotels, and toured the Royal Livingstone Express, a luxury rail experience. The day wrapped up in Zimbabwe with a sunset river cruise on the Zambezi.
During the congress, delegates also enjoyed two special evening events. Sponsored by Rainbow Tourism Group, the first was a cocktail reception with live music and food at the A'Zambezi River Lodge. The next was held at The Boma Restaurant at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, hosted by Africa Albida Tourism. ATA delegates also celebrated with over one thousand music fans at an outdoor concert with one of Zimbabwe's most revered musicians, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi.
ATA’s young professionals hosted the third annual "Celebrate Africa Social Night,” a time for the delegates to enjoy Zimbabwean music, cuisine, and dancing and culture. The night began with a traditional braai dinner in the garden of The Kingdom Hotel, followed by dancing at The Wild Thing Action Bar. At a press conference during the congress, Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), announced that Zimbabwe will form an ATA Young Professionals chapter to “…advance the interests of our young professionals in the industry.”
CONGRESS SPONSORS
South African Airways, Presenting Sponsor and Official Airline of the 2012 ATA World Congress, organized special discounts for delegates attending the Congress. Arik Air served as Official Media Carrier of the World Congress. Media sponsors included Afrique Expansion, eTurboNews, RS Social, and Travel World News.
ATA, in partnership with Arik Air and ZTA, organized a diverse media delegation, including representatives from Africa.com, Afrique Expansion, Bloomberg Business, Essence Magazine, Jax Fax, Matador Network, Network Journal, Ogo Sow Communications, RS Social, Travel World News, and VOA News. ETurboNews also covered the event.
Most delegates stayed at the official congress venue in Victoria Falls, Elephant Hills Resort, along with Adventure Zone Lodge, The Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, and the A’Zambezi River Lodge.
ATA is a member of the International Council of Tourism Partners [1] (ICTP), a new and fast-growing grassroots travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to quality service and green growth.
Blackout Aborts Flights' Landing in Abuja
By Laide Akinboade and Daniel Eteghe, 10 June 2012
Barely one week after Nigeria was thrown into mourning following the crash of a Dana aircraft in Lagos, lives of passengers and crew on board at least four aircraft were put at risk, on Friday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, the nation's capital.
A Blackout at the airport frustrated their landing, forcing the flights to be diverted to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The incident caused anxious moments especially among those at the NAIA awaiting the arrival of the passengers in the flights.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) blamed the blackout on repairs being carried out on the airport runway, saying the situation compelled the closure of the airport to air traffic between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The closure, according to NAMA was communicated to airlines.
But Sunday Vanguard could not reach affected airlines to confirm the NAMA's claim. This came just as the Federal Government said it will audit airlines in the country and review their operations.
The flights affected by the blackout at the NAIA in the Friday incident, according to aviation sources, were operated by Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, all foreign airlines and Arik, a local operator.
Sunday Vanguard learnt that the Lufthansa flight was operated from Malabo while the Arik flight came in from Port-Harcourt.
The Arik flight reportedly arrived in Abuja around 6.30 p.m. but had to be diverted to the former federal capital when the runway flights failed to work owing to the blackout.
The diversion of the flights left several passengers waiting to board them stranded at the Abuja airport, and consequently accommodated in the federal capital by the airlines.
Blaming the blackout on repair works at the NAIA, NAMA officials told Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, that they passed a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to all airlines informing them of the development. According to them, the repairs on a segment of the runway were to begin 7 February and end June 30.
With the NOTAM in place, they claimed, it was expected that flights operating in and outside of the Abuja airport will be restricted as it would be closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.daily.
"The closure according to the NOTAM would allow for the apron expansion work and upgrading of the approach lighting system on runway 04/22 from Cat 1 to Cat 11 in accordance with the ICAO runway lighting system . The NOTAM advised pilots to adhere strictly to air traffic controllers' advice ,that will be in place till June 30, 2012", one of the officials said.
Aviation experts told Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, they were aghast about the development, especially coming at a time Nigeria had just witnessed an air crash that claimed scores of lives.
They were unanimous in their opinion that the nation was lucky that none of the diverted airplanes was on emergency to warrant that it had to land at all costs at the NAIA.
"It would have just been as bad that we could not stop another air crash had any of the planes involved in the diversion been caught in an emergency and became inevitable to land at the Abuja airport. We would have had another crash in a week that would have been clearly avoidable. There is no reason why there should be blackout in any airport for five minutes not to talk of being prolonged to warrant aircraft being diverted to another airport almost one hour away," one of the experts said.
FG to audit airlines
Meanwhile, the Federal Government plans to audit airlines in the country and review their operations.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, disclosed this at a gathering of businessmen during a town hall meeting in Kano.
Okonjo-Iweala said: "In order to streamline their operations, appropriate measures would soon be put in place to ensure safe and efficient operation of the airlines". According to her, a committee has been set up to carry out the audit.
She said that machinery had also been put in motion to support the aviation sector, adding that government's intervention was to guarantee air safety.
Air Nigeria, grounded for safety checks after Dana crash
By Associated Press,
LAGOS, Nigeria — Regulators grounded Air Nigeria for safety checks Wednesday, while the company’s top executive claimed instead that he had stopped flights from the country’s second-largest airline to “reorganize” after its engineers held a sporadic strike.The halting of Air Nigeria flights — and the confusion surrounding it — offers a worrying portrait about the state of aviation in Africa’s most populous nation after another airline crashed a passenger jet on June 3, killing all 153 people on board and others on the ground.
While officials continue to investigate the cause of that Dana Air crash in Lagos, other airlines continue to fly in Nigeria with older planes and far more questionable financing. And despite the fact that Nigeria now has the top U.S. aviation rating, passengers remain hesitant about flying in the wake of the crash.
Harold Demuren, the director-general of Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority, said Wednesday that Air Nigeria would be able to resume operations after investigators concluded a series of safety checks on the airline’s planes. He said the checks were necessary after engineers attached to the private air carrier had been on strike and had not attended to the company’s fleet of 11 aircraft, mostly Boeing 737s.
Demuren said those checks could be finished within a day.
At a news conference, Air Nigeria chairman Jimoh Ibrahim denied that his airline had been grounded, waving around a photocopied letter he said came from the aviation authority on Tuesday allowing the carrier to operate. He did not explain why Demuren said his airline had been grounded.
“We are not grounded by anybody, but we decided not to fly today because we just felt that we should reorganize and create particular awareness because we’re coming out of (a) strike,” Ibrahim said. He said flights should resume Thursday.
Yet financial troubles have trailed Air Nigeria, a one-time darling of the country when billionaire Richard Branson helped create it as Virgin Nigeria in 2005. Branson pulled out of the airline and in 2010, Ibrahim took it over and renamed it.
Ibrahim, who also directs a major hotel chain, an insurance firm and an oil company, has strong ties to the country’s political elite, as do many in business in the nation. But the engineers’ strike saw workers claiming the company’s finances stopped it from properly servicing its fleet and a top former company official also recently referred to airline’s aircraft as “flying coffins” in local media reports.
Ibrahim told reporters on Wednesday that the airline wants to expand aggressively internationally, purchase more long-range aircraft and hopes to fly to Rome and Paris in the future. The airline made a major announcement in May in a leading national newspaper, saying it would buy four Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes for $887 million through a loan with the U.S. Export-Import Bank.
However, officials at both Boeing and the bank later told The Associated Press there was no deal. Ibrahim himself shied away when asked Wednesday about the alleged purchases, saying the airline continued to look at Airbus and Boeing aircraft for its expansion plans.
Investigators, meanwhile, were still trying to figure out why an MD-83 operated by Dana Air crashed into a Lagos neighborhood on June 3 while flying from the Nigerian capital of Abuja. Its pilots radioed in just before the crash to say both engines had failed. Aviation authorities have halted Dana Air flights for the time being.
Since the crash, civil aviation authorities in Nigeria have come under increasing political and public pressure in a nation with a long history of major aviation disasters. Halting flights and rechecking aircraft could calm nerves but the civil aviation authority still remains understaffed and underequipped.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim insisted that his airline met international requirements to fly to London and said he welcomed the scrutiny of the public.
“We’ve never had any crash and we will never crash,” Ibrahim said.
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Online:
Air Nigeria: http://myairnigeria.com
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Jon Gambrell can be reached at http://twitter.com/jongambrellap .
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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