October 20, (THEWILL) – The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has asked the Federal Government to prioritise the development and improvement of airport infrastructure rather than compel Nigerian airlines to have a minimum of six aircraft before starting operations.
Speaking shortly after the presentation of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership certificate to the airline in its Lagos office on Thursday, Prof Okonkwo said the policy does not solve any problem in the sector, adding that infrastructure, which is germane to airline operations at the airports, are decrepit.
Recall that in July 2023, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) unveiled its policy on scheduled airline operation in Nigeria and stated that from January 2025, the minimum aircraft fleet of any airline providing such service in Nigeria would be six aircraft, as against the minimum of three aircraft, which has been the policy over the years.
The policy also insisted that the maximum number of aircraft that must be airworthy out of that six aircraft should be four. This means that an airline is expected to ground its operations if it has less than four aircraft that are airworthy. The policy excused the fact that two out of the six aircraft could be on maintenance or just AOG (aircraft on ground), but if the number of aircraft in the airline fleet reduces to three that are airworthy the airline would shut down service.
Also, the policy allows just one or two wet-leased aircraft, which means that if the airline does not acquire the aircraft outright, it would have a long-term dry lease, where its crew would have full operation of the equipment.
Okonkwo, however, maintained that by this policy, the government, through the NCAA, would be imposing business models on the airlines, which should be left for operators to decide.
”The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is very thankful to the NCAA for its regulatory approach; this oversight has been helpful in the area of safety and comfort. But we think that by the time they step out of those safety regulatory issues and ICAO implementations and delve into the number of aircraft for the airlines, they are now determining the business model for airlines. This should be their prerogative.
“You may be surprised to know that there are Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) owners who are members of AON and they have only one helicopter servicing the oil industry and they are happy with it. They need the AOC to operate, it’s their business model. When you go to other parts of the world, there are people that have two or three Copters, servicing one airport to another, they want to remain there, they are not forced to grow,” Okonkwo added.
While commending United Nigeria Airlines for the milestone reached, IATA’s Regional Director, West and Central Africa, Mr. Samson Fatokun, applauded the airline for its continuous commitment to safety and ensuring passengers’ satisfaction in its operations.
He also commended the level at which United Nigeria Airlines had progressed in the last three years since starting operation.
“It is a testimony of the rapid growth that we are seeing with United Nigeria. I can’t remember airlines within this region that have gone so fast in becoming an IATA member. I have seen several airlines that have been in operation for decades that have not gotten to this level in this very short time,” he said.
While welcoming United Nigeria Airline into the IATA family, Dr. Fatokun said, “This is an encouragement for you that being a member of IATA, you have IATA behind you and that you are our member and we do everything possible to support you in your operations, progress and we are now part of the same family.
“You also come into the same family where you have bigger airlines of this world. You have met the requirements on the safety side and other requirements put before you and you have done well, you have passed and you are here now.”
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
