News Wings

Category: Aviation

  • Lufthansa resumes flights to Nigeria connecting Lagos and Abuja

    Lufthansa resumes flights to Nigeria connecting Lagos and Abuja

    • The first Lufthansa flight after an eight months suspension arrived in Lagos on Thursday, 03 December 2020

    Lufthansa again welcomed its passengers at Lagos airport on board of its resumed nonstop flight from Frankfurt/Germany. After having suspended its flight operations to Nigeria eight months ago following the travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lufthansa is back to Nigeria as the travel restrictions to Nigeria have just being lifted. The leading German carrier will offer up to five weekly departures from Lagos to Frankfurt and starting on 08 December also connect the capital Abuja with three weekly departures. All long-haul flights depart from Nigeria in the evening as overnight flights, arriving in Lufthansa’s main hub Frankfurt in the early morning. This allows all passengers from Nigeria to get the full choice of connecting flights to European, American and Asian destinations, leaving all from the same terminal 1.

    ‘’Lufthansa always was and will stay dedicated to Nigeria, one of our key markets in Africa. As we have received the final permission to reopen our flight operations, we are happy to be the first airline to reconnect Nigeria directly to the centre of Europe and onwards to all other continents. We offer a considerable number of flights to the US and Canada, allowing our Nigerian guests to have family members and friends again at reach throughout the world. Health and safety continues to be our top priority and we are committed to maintain a strict adherence to hygiene regulations for all our flights,” says Adenike Macaulay, General Manager Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea Lufthansa Group Airlines.

    Lufthansa flight LH568, Frankfurt to Lagos, serviced by an Airbus 330-300, offers passengers seats in all three classes, including Business Class and Premium Economy Class. After its arrival in Lagos this service will continue to Malabo /Equatorial Guinea. The nonstop flight will commence with three weekly departures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to be increased to five weekly frequencies every day except Tuesdays and Sundays. The return flight will be scheduled on the same days of operations reaching Frankfurt only after six hours flight.

    LH594 will be the flight number for the resumed connection between Frankfurt and Abuja with three weekly departures. An Airbus 330-300 connects the Nigerian capital to the financial centre of Germany, Frankfurt, also with seats in three classes. Finally, it is planned that this flight will also resume service to Port Harcourt; however, this onward flight is not yet confirmed until the airport is reopened.

    As of now, all flights can be booked immediately through the usual distribution channels and the airlines’ website www.lufthansa.com.

    The Lufthansa Group has taken special hygiene measures to protect passengers and employees. These apply not only on board, but also before and after the journey. Details of these measures can be found at www.lufthansa.com/de/en/protection-measures.  Passengers are required to check travel and destination entry requirements before departure.

    An important note for passengers: according to the current regulations, all intending travellers to Nigeria must have tested negative for Covid-19 as PCR test in the country of departure pre-boarding. The PCR test must be done within 120 hours before departure and preferably within 72 hours pre-boarding. International travellers will require a second test to be done in Nigeria, seven days after arrival. Registration for travellers to Nigeria is mandatory on https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng/. For those travelling to Germany, no mandatory PCR test is required, however passengers are required to register on https://einreiseanmeldung.de and stay in quarantine for 10 days after entry. Transit passengers are expected to abide by health and safety measures in their destination Country.

  • Explore Dubai Special Offers during this Festive Season

    Explore Dubai Special Offers during this Festive Season

    Emirates is making travels to Dubai more attractive with a complimentary stay at the JW Marriot Marquis, Dubai, one of the world’s tallest 5-star hotels. The skyscraper hotel features award-winning dining options, its own shopping galleria and a world-renowned spa; and is conveniently located near attractions like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera.

    Customers who book return Economy tickets to Dubai from 2nd to 23rd December for travel from 6th December 2020 to 28th February 2021 will be eligible for a complimentary one night stay at the JW Marriot Marquis on their first night in Dubai, while travellers booked in First and Business Class will receive two complimentary nights’ stay from the day of arrival.

    To enjoy the new Dubai global offer, the travel fare for Nigerian customers from Lagos to Dubai on Economy class will be starting from N331, 530, while Business class will be starting from N1, 337,685.

    The airline will also provide generous baggage allowance; hence passengers returning to Emirates destinations in Africa, including Nigeria, can go home with one extra piece of luggage.

    Fly better on Emirates and enjoy over 4,500 channels of entertainment on ice – the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, as well as regionally inspired meals and complimentary beverages.

    Emirates customers can travel with peace of mind with the airline’s flexible booking options and newly introduced multi-risk travel insurance including COVID-19 cover with every flight. Emirates has also implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees.

    Emirates has been rated the safest airline in the world in its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic according to the Safe Travel Barometer. It has the highest ‘Safe Travel Score’ among 230+ airlines evaluated worldwide. The score is based on an independent audit of 26 health and safety parameters evaluating safety protocols, traveller convenience and service excellence announced by airlines.

    Dubai is open and ready to welcome tourists with the highest levels of safety protocols in place to keep its residents and visitors safe. The vibrant, cosmopolitan city has an eclectic mix of offerings including impressive beaches, world-class shopping, and fine dining restaurants.

    What does a holiday in Dubai look like?
    As a safety precaution, all passengers arriving in Dubai must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test up to four days prior to their date of travel (maximum 96 hours). You may be required to take another test at Dubai Airports upon arrival. Children under the age of 12 and
    passengers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test. More information here

    Masks and social distancing
    In Dubai, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public places at all times including on Emirates flights, however children below the age of six who struggle with wearing masks are exempted from wearing them.  You can remove your mask when you are seated at a restaurant or café. Social distancing is also practised throughout the city and at all venues including on public transport.

    Hotels, malls and indoor venues
    Hotels in Dubai including the JW Marriot Marquis use contactless check in and rooms are sanitised for safety. All indoor venues including malls enforce mandatory temperature checks at the entrance and employ digital
    safety guidelines including contactless menus at restaurants.

    Outdoor activities
    Dubai is a haven for thrill seekers and all outdoor and sports activities are operating with safety restrictions and protocols. This includes helicopter rides, hot air balloons, desert safari, desert camping, dhow cruises, kayaking and more. All sports activities that can be practised individually or with 5 people or less have resumed. This
    includes sky diving and renting of jet skis, boats and bicycles.

    Dubai’s beaches are open and safe with social distancing. Global Village has also opened on 25 October 2020 for its 25th season, with strict precautionary measures in place.For more information visit:
    https://www.visitdubai.com/en/coronavirus-advisory

    Flexibility and assurance: Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before 31 March 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for 2 years. More information here.

    Free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs: Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19
    during their travel while they are away from home. This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 December 2020, and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit
    from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. For more
    details: www.emirates.com/COVID19assistance.

    Health and safety: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the
    distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more
    information on these measures and the services available on each flight,
    visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety.

  • FAAN boss tour Airports to assess compliance to COVID19 protocols, infrastructural needs

    FAAN boss tour Airports to assess compliance to COVID19 protocols, infrastructural needs

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has commenced a 10 day facility tour of the nation’s 23 airports.

    The Managing Director FAAN who led the delegation of some top Management staff of the agency and some officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is to assess the infrastructural needs of the airports.

    In a statement, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu says, the tour is also to evaluate their preparations for the annual surge in passenger traffic usually occasioned by the yuletide season, as well as the level of compliance with covid-19 protocols at the airports.

    At the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, the FAAN boss used the opportunity to address members of staff at the airport. 

    He assured them that Management would continue to prioritize staff welfare and improve on their conditions of service. 

    Captain Yadudu enjoined them to continue to discharge their duties with the highest level of professionalism and dedication.

    As part of preparations for the inauguration of the newly completed, brand new international terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Management of the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), last week inspected facilities at the airport.

  • NAMA debunks Fraud Allegations by Pensioners

    NAMA debunks Fraud Allegations by Pensioners

    The attention of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been drawn to unsubstantiated claims by some officials of Airspace Management Pensioners Association of Nigeria (AMPAN) to the effect that the agency has been shortchanging its members in their monthly pension payment.

    In a statement making the rounds on social media, Mr Kester Omotayo accused NAMA of “operating two pension structures, perhaps to deliberately cover up or attempt to cover up some sharp practices…” and that “our request for dialogue on the issue has also been rebuffed.”

    The agency makes bold to say that the above allegations are completely spurious and borne out of either malice, ignorance or both.

    The facts on ground are as follows:

    (a) The agency received a correspondence from the pensioners whereby they alleged irregularities in the payment of their entitlements owing to disparity with those of other agencies in the sector.

    (b) Consequently, the agency set up a committee (with membership comprising pensioners themselves) to investigate and come up with findings.

    (c) NAMA does not and will not for any reason, operate two pension accounts. It is an impossibility, given the existing Treasury Single Account (TSA) platform in operation.

    (d) As it stands today, the panel is still sitting and is yet to come up with its findings.

    (e) NAMA is up-to-date in its obligation to pensioners as they have received their November remunerations as at 26th of November, 2020.

    NAMA is therefore startled and disenchanted to hear that some officials of the organization have decided to run to the press on a matter that is still being investigated.

    We make bold therefore to say that the agency runs on a transparent platform with zero tolerance for corruption, even as it is poised to protect and promote the interests of its senior citizens at all times.

  • Qatar Airways Touches Down for the First Time in Abuja, Nigeria

    Qatar Airways Touches Down for the First Time in Abuja, Nigeria

    Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it will operate three weekly flights from Abuja, Nigeria via Lagos, becoming the sixth new destination announced by the national carrier of the State of Qatar since the start of the pandemic. The Abuja service will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.

    Qatar Airways Vice-President, Africa Mr. Hendrik Du Preez said: “We are excited to land in the capital of Nigeria today, our second destination in Nigeria. I am proud to say Abuja is the sixth new destination we have launched since the start of the pandemic. With the strong Nigerian diaspora in Europe, U.S. and the UK, we are thrilled to now be flying three times weekly to Abuja via Lagos. We look forward to working closely with our partners in Nigeria to steadily grow this route and support the recovery of tourism and trade in the region.”

    Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Managing Director, Capt. Rabiu H. Yadudu said: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is very pleased to welcome to Abuja Qatar Airways , one of the Best and most Efficient Airlines in the World.This is another important milestone in our mutual   Service delivery to the nation, especially during these challenging times.  We assure you of our consistent  support and cooperation that will add more value to your Operations.”

    With flights to more than 85 destinations in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, passengers wanting to travel to or from Nigeria can now enjoy seamless connectivity via the Best Airport in the Middle East, Hamad International Airport. By mid-December, Qatar Airways will operate over 65 weekly flights to 20 destinations in Africa, including Accra, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Durban, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Lagos, Luanda, Maputo, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Seychelles, Tunis, and Zanzibar.

    In line with the airline’s expanding operations across Africa, passengers can look forward to a touch of African hospitality onboard with the carrier’s multicultural cabin crew including more than 30 African nationalities. Additionally, passengers across our network can also enjoy a variety of African movies, TV shows and music on Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system.

    Qatar Airways travellers from Africa can now enjoy new baggage allowances ranging from 46 Kg for Economy Class split over two pieces and 64 Kg split over two pieces in Business Class. This initiative is designed to offer passengers more flexibility and comfort when travelling on board Qatar Airways. For more information please visit https://www.qatarairways.com/en-qa/baggage/allowance.html

    Qatar Airways’ strategic investment in a variety of fuel-efficient, twin-engine aircraft, including the largest fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft, has enabled it to continue flying throughout this crisis and perfectly positions it to lead the sustainable recovery of international travel. The airline recently took delivery of three new state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total A350 fleet to 52 with an average age of just 2.6 years. Due to COVID-19’s impact on travel demand, the airline has grounded its fleet of Airbus A380s as it is not environmentally justifiable to operate such a large four-engine aircraft in the current market. Qatar Airways has also recently launched a new programme that enables passengers to voluntarily offset the carbon emissions associated with their journey at the point of booking.

    A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. The Qsuite seat layout is a 1-2-1 configuration, providing passengers with the most spacious, fully private, comfortable and social distanced Business Class product in the sky. It is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times. HIA was recently ranked ‘Third Best Airport in the World’, among 550 airports worldwide, by the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2020

  • Emirates bags Best Airline and Best Long-Haul Airline

    Emirates bags Best Airline and Best Long-Haul Airline

    Emirates has been recognized as the Best Airline for 2020 at The Sun Travel Awards, and the Best Long-Haul Airline at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards.

    Following an unprecedented year for travel, hundreds of thousands of votes were cast by readers looking to celebrate the best in the industry. Emirates’ range of world-class products and services on board its modern, wide-body aircraft helped to secure the award wins, with
    passengers able to enjoy over 4,500 channels of entertainment on ice – the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system – as well as regionally inspired meals and complimentary beverages.

    The award wins comes as Emirates continues to safely resume operations and rebuild its network to provide more opportunities for travel, connecting customers to more than 95 destinations via Dubai.

    The wins underscore Emirates’ commitment to offer a better and safer customer experience in the air and on the ground across every class of travel. Emirates has re-introduced its iconic A380 products and onboard experiences, including the Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa, as well as social areas in Business Class and First Class on select Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft following a thorough review and the implementation of additional health and safety measures.

    Emirates was recently rated the safest airline in the world in its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic according to the Safe Travel Barometer. It topped the ranks with a ‘Safe Travel Score’ of 4.4 out of 5.0 among 230+ airlines evaluated worldwide. The airline has set industry-leading safety standards at every step of the customer journey,
    including the distribution of hygiene kits, personal protective equipment for cabin crew, and enhanced cleaning procedures including the disinfection of aircraft lavatories every 45 minutes on flights longer than 1.5 hours.

    Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai this winter as the city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From eclectic landmarks, pristine beaches, and world-class shopping malls – the city remains one of the most popular global destinations. Emirates is steadily rebuilding its network, providing more opportunities for travel and connecting customers to more than 95 destinations via Dubai. Emirates is one of the world’s largest international airlines with a global footprint across six continents.

  • Air peace begins flights to Makurdi

    Air peace begins flights to Makurdi

    …resumes Uyo flight

    In line with its route expansion drive, West Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, is set to commence flight operations into Makurdi, Benue State Capital, from Lagos and Abuja on December 7, 2020. This is as the airline is also billed to resume flights to Uyo from Lagos and Abuja on the said date. The airline’s Spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, revealed this in a media statement released on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.

    Olisa stated that the new connections are operated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He noted that Makurdi has been on the airline’s radar for some time and is being launched to meet the air travel needs of Nigerians who connect Lagos and Abuja to Makurdi and the other way round.

    “It is our promise to interconnect every part of this country and foster economic relations between cities. Be assured that we are coming with more destinations. We are starting Johannesburg in December and India is in the offing”, the airline’s spokesperson said.

    According to him, ‘the Makurdi route launch reflects Air Peace’s enduring commitment to creating more seamless connections and network options for its teeming customers across Nigeria, and we cannot relent in this regard’.

    He reiterated the commitment of the airline to giving its passengers world-class flight experience, while adding “we will continue to provide safe and comfortable flights”. Olisa urged the flying public to continue to fly Air Peace and experience its signature hospitality.

    It can be recalled that Air Peace recently announced the commencement of flight operations into Johannesburg, South Africa, slated for December 16, 2020.

  • World Children’s Day: Emirates spotlights the work of its Foundation partners in improving the welfare of children around the world

    World Children’s Day: Emirates spotlights the work of its Foundation partners in improving the welfare of children around the world

    On World Children’s Day, the Emirates Airline Foundation and its NGO partners share their hopes for improving the welfare of disadvantaged children around the world, and speak on projects that provide children with safe shelter, basic necessities such as food and medical services, and access to opportunities through education and skills training.

    Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation said: “In the 18 years since its establishment, the Foundation has been helping to channel the generous donations of our passengers and employees towards projects focused on improving the welfare of children in need.

    “The Foundation currently supports 19 projects in 12 countries around the world, and we would love to do more. Children are our world’s collective hope for the future, and they deserve every dignity and opportunity.”

    Some of the organizations and projects supported by the Foundation include: the Virlanie Foundation in the Philippines which helps provide housing and protection for 42 marginalized children; the Little Prince Nursery and School in Kenya which provides nursery and primary education for over 400 underprivileged children from the Kibera slums; and the Italian NGO Emergenza Sorrisi which sent medical volunteers to perform life changing plastic surgeries for over 100 children last year.

    In South Africa, Singakwenza, which works to build sustainable early childhood programmes in economically disadvantaged communities, trained over 1,400 parents, caregivers and educators last year; and in India, IMMPACT provides education through community-based learning centers to 3,000 girls each year who come from underprivileged families mostly in rural areas that have little or no access to schools.

  • Delta to block middle seats, limit onboard capacity through March 30, 2021

    Delta to block middle seats, limit onboard capacity through March 30, 2021

    …blocking seats into spring 2021 provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans.

    Delta will continue delivering on its industry-leading commitment to provide more space for customers as the only U.S. airline blocking middle seats for flights departing now through March 30, 2021.

    As more medical experts agree on the safety of air travel thanks to the multiple layers of protection provided under the Delta CareStandard, blocking seats into spring 2021 provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans.

    “Several independent studies have validated the effectiveness of the Delta CareStandard’s multi-layered protection, like advanced ventilation and an extensive cleaning regimen, which together significantly reduce the risk of flight-related transmission,” said Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer.

    “However, we recognize some customers are still learning to live with this virus and desire extra space for their peace of mind. We are listening and will always take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers have complete confidence in their travel with us.”

    The health and safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority. The Delta CareStandard encompasses more than 100 protective measures, such as sanitizing every flight, a comprehensive employee COVID testing program, and the use of industrial-grade HEPA filters that extract more than 99.99% of particles, including viruses.

    Taking the Stress Out of Flying

    Delta launched a new interactive map on delta.com that gives customers the power to search, view and click-to-book their desired destination all in one place, giving full control and a better understanding of current travel restrictions and what to expect upon arrival.

    The data is curated from government agencies and the International Air Transport Association to provide detailed insight into quarantine and testing requirements, travel forms and paperwork, local health information, local COVID-19 guidelines, and links to necessary forms and applications needed prior to travel.

    In addition to a new trip planning tool, we’re offering greater flexibility if you ever need to change your plans, including, No change fees for a U.S. domestic ticket or domestic award ticket, excluding Basic Economy fares. No change fees for all domestic and international tickets purchased through Dec. 31, 2020, even if scheduled to travel next year.

    Extending the use of travel credits through December 2022 for travel originally scheduled to depart before March 31, 2021 (if the ticket was purchased before April 17, 2020).

  • Emirates Rated The World’s Safest Airline

    Emirates Rated The World’s Safest Airline

    Emirates Rated The World’s Safest Airline—Emirates has been rated the safest airline in the world in its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic according to the Safe Travel Barometer.

    The airline, which has set industry-leading safety standards since the resumption of its operations back in May, has topped the ranks with a ‘Safe Travel Score’ of 4.4 out of 5.0 among 230+ airlines evaluated worldwide. The score is based on an independent audit of 26 health and safety parameters evaluating safety protocols, traveller convenience and service excellence announced by airlines.

    Safe Travel Barometer is the world’s most comprehensive solution to monitor and benchmark supplier initiatives in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry for the post-COVID world. Its rating mechanism considers safety measures and hygiene standards across all touchpoints of a traveller’s journey which Emirates has consistently delivered on.

    At every step of the journey, Emirates has spared no effort to prioritise the care, health and safety of its customers, employees and communities.Enhanced biosafety measures taken by the airline include the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits, protective barriers at check-in desks and immigration counters, personal protective equipment and new safety protocols for cabin crew and airport employees in customer facing roles, and elevated aircraft cleaning procedures including the frequent cleaning and disinfecting of aircraft lavatories every 45 minutes during flights, amongst many other measures.

    Emirates has also led the way in traveller convenience which was another sub-category considered by the Safe Travel Barometer. The airline was first in the industry to offer its customers free Covid-19 cover to help them travel with more confidence, knowing that medical expenses of up to EUR 150,000 and quarantine costs of EUR 100 per day for 14 days will be covered if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home. Emirates’ booking policies also offer customers great flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers have options to change their travel dates, or extend their ticket validity for 2 years. 

    In addition, the airline launched initiatives to help its loyal Emirates Skywards members retain their tier status and introduce new ways for them to earn and spend their Miles.The Safe Travel Barometer was launched in 2020 to monitor global traveller health and safety measures, traveler convenience initiatives and overall traveler experience which influences traveler’s decision-making and the actual journey in the new normal. The Safe Travel Score is an industry-first COVID-19 rating initiative, created in the wake of recovery from the pandemic.

    Safe Travel Barometer is a B2B solution by Safe Travel Technologies, an independent subsidiary of VIDEC, a travel industry advisory and consulting firm. The coverage includes more than 2,000 companies across 10 industry categories, 50 parameters, and traveller arrival information on more than 80 destinations.

    Emirates resumed its daily service to Lagos from 1 November. The expanded schedule of daily services offers enhanced connectivity for Nigerian customers to Emirates’ growing destination network via Dubai of close to 100 destinations

  • Lufthansa, Air France and KLM get approval to resume operation

    Lufthansa, Air France and KLM get approval to resume operation

    Kano, Port-Harcourt and Enugu Airports May Resume international Operations Before Christmas – Sirika

    All the nation’s international airports may resume international flight operations before the end of the year, as the Ministry of Aviation is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and other relevant bodies to ensure that the airports meet all the safety and health requirements and protocols.

    The international airports that are yet to be cleared to resume operations are the Port Harcourt airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.

    According to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, all hands are on deck to ensure that all logistic and policy necessities will soon be in place in order to address the difficulties encountered by international travellers, especially with the impending yuletide season.

    He expresses his appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of Aviation stakeholders in ensuring the smooth reopening of the nation’s airspace.

    In a related development, the Federal Government lifted the flight ban on Lufthansa, KLM and Air France, paving the way for them to resume their operations in and out of the country. Qatar Airways has also been granted approval to start operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

    This follows the approval of their respective flight plans and schedules submitted to the Ministry.

    In granting the approvals, Senator Sirika emphasised the need for airlines operating in the country to employ international best practices in handling Nigerian passengers, as government will not tolerate any form of maltreatment of its citizens by any airline.

  • Emirates SkyCargo introduces Airbus A380 ‘mini frieghter’ charter operations

    Emirates SkyCargo introduces Airbus A380 ‘mini frieghter’ charter operations

    …demonstrates agility and innovation in business response to the pandemic

    Emirates SkyCargo has started utilizing its Airbus A380 aircraft on select cargo charter operations to transport urgently required cargo across its network. The first dedicated Emirates A380 ‘mini-freighter’ successfully transported medical supplies between Seoul and Amsterdam via Dubai.

    Working collaboratively with the Engineering and Flight Operations teams within Emirates, the air cargo carrier has optimized the cargo capacity of the Airbus A380 to safely transport around 50 tonnes of cargo per flight in the bellyhold of the aircraft.

    Emirates SkyCargo has introduced dedicated cargo operations on the A380 aircraft in response to the surge in the demand for air cargo capacity required for the urgent transportation of critical goods, including medical supplies for combatting COVID-19 in regions experiencing a second wave of the pandemic.

    Emirates SkyCargo is working on further optimizing the capacity of its Airbus A380 aircraft through measures such as seat loading of cargo and has planned more dedicated cargo flights on aircraft for the month of November.

    A leading player in the global air cargo industry with a destination network spread across six continents, Emirates SkyCargo has continued to introduce innovative cargo solutions in line with rapidly evolving market conditions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The freight division of Emirates offers a variety of options for cargo capacity and connectivity to best match its customers’ requirements. Emirates SkyCargo operates dedicated cargo flights on its Boeing 777-F
    Land its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft including 14 modified Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft with seats removed from Economy Class for additional cargo volume.

    Through its responsiveness and agility, the air cargo carrier has been able to maintain the flow of essential goods and trade across international markets during the pandemic, often providing a much required helpline to communities around the world.

    Taking a lead in the supply chain for the global distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, Emirates SkyCargo announced recently that it set up the world’s largest EU GDP compliant airside hub in Dubai dedicated for
    the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to world-class fit for purpose infrastructure for the storage of the vaccine, the facility would also be able to offer value added services such as repackaging, re-icing and redistribution of the vaccine. The air cargo carrier has also set up a rapid response team to coordinate requests for the movement of the vaccine.

    Emirates SkyCargo currently offers cargo capacity on scheduled flights to 135 destinations across the world.

  • Air Peace makes Special Flight to Delhi this November

    Air Peace makes Special Flight to Delhi this November

    Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has announced a forthcoming special charter flight to Delhi in India and back. The airline made this known in a news release made available to journalists on Tuesday.

    Air Peace disclosed that the flight is scheduled to depart the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos on November 27 and will return the next day.

    According to the airline, persons interested in joining the charter flight should contact businessdevelopment@flyairpeace.com, adding that the Economy ticket sells for
    $1300 while Business Class goes for $1800.

    “Anyone who wishes to be on the flight should make payment immediately. Passengers can also pay in Naira at N478/$1”, the airline said.

  • EgyptAir deploys, welcomes B787 Dreamliner to Lagos

    EgyptAir deploys, welcomes B787 Dreamliner to Lagos

    …opens newly refurbished office in MMIA

    EgyptAir passengers from Nigeria can now enjoy better deal with more comfort with the deployment of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Cairo-Lagos route.

    The Africa’s first Airline and second international carrier to fly into Nigeria, recently took delivery of it’s first B787 Dreamliner Aircraft.

    The ultramodern aircraft fitted with state-of-the-art features and facilities was deployed on the Cairo – Lagos route and Thursday made its maiden flight into Lagos with pomp and ceremonies.

    The arrival was heralded with a water canon salute and welcomed by high-profile guests and dignitaries from the diplomatic corps, Senior Airline Management staff, Industry Practitioners, and distinguished guests who arrived on the inaugural flight.

    EgyptAir’s General Manager in Lagos, Mr. Muharram Abdelrahman who was elated over the development said, the Airline decided to deploy its brand new Dreamliner Aircraft on the Lagos route  to offer the best quality service to its esteemed Nigerian customers and to appreciate their patronage.

    As part of celebrations to welcome it’s Dreamliner to Lagos, EgyptAir also opened its newly refurbished Airport Office exquisitely designed to meet customer comfort and offer efficient service delivery.

    The newly refurbished office is fully fitted with modern and automated facilities that offer guests seamless one-stop services with an ambience of tranquility.

    With the deployment of the Dreamliner on the Lagos route, the airline hopes to further grow its market share and gradually increase its frequency on the route to daily flights on an initial basis and double daily flights in the near future.

  • Lufthansa reports $2.3b loss in 3rd quarter

    Lufthansa reports $2.3b loss in 3rd quarter

    German flag carrier Lufthansa has posted a third-quarter net loss of 2.0 billion euros ($2.3 billion) as it prepares for a “hard and challenging” winter amid lockdowns to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

    Europe’s largest airline said it will fly a maximum of 25 percent of normal capacity from October to December and expects to burn through 350 million euros ($410.9 million) in cash a month.

    “We are now at the beginning of a winter that will be hard and challenging for our industry,” chief executive Carsten Spohr said in a statement.

    Virus pandemic

    After its revenues crashed in the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the airline was propped up in June by the German state which pumped in nine billion euros of liquidity for a 25 percent stake.

    But the return of restrictions on movement in its home territory of Germany, alongside even stricter lockdowns in countries such as France and Britain, has “significantly worsened” the outlook for air travel, Lufthansa said.

    CEO Spohr urged the introduction of “widespread rapid tests” for the virus, in order to reduce the need for lengthy quarantines which airlines say are deterring travellers.

    Outflow of funds

    The company remains on track, it said, to return to positive operating cash flow in 2021 – but only if the “situation allows for an increase in capacity to around 50 percent of pre-crisis levels”.

    In the three months to September, the carrier reported a net loss of 2.0 billion euros ($2.34 billion), compared with a 416 million euro profit in the same period last year, as it carried just 20 percent of its usual passenger numbers.

    Losses were reduced due to “strict cost savings and the expansion of our flight programme” in the summer months, Spohr said.

    Lufthansa succeeded in cutting the outflow of funds at the start of the pandemic from one million euros ($1.17 million) per hour to “only” one million euros every two hours, it said in October.

    30,000 jobs at risk

    The airline had previously warned that 30,000 jobs were under threat as it scaled down its winter schedule to levels not seen since the 1970s and on Thursday said that 27,000 full-time positions were “surplus”.

    Lufthansa’s board says it aims to find agreements to “limit the number of redundancies required” through short-time working and pay cuts.

    Lufthansa, which includes subsidiaries Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, hopes to remain “the leading European airline group” after an “inevitable restructuring”, Spohr said.