News Wings

Category: Aviation

  • Emirates boost travellers’ confidence with free medical cover, others worth over €150,000

    Emirates boost travellers’ confidence with free medical cover, others worth over €150,000

    ….World’s first airline to offer its passengers free cover for COVID-19,
    ….medical expenses and quarantine costs when they fly to any destination, in any class of travel

    Emirates customers can travel with
    confidence, as the airline will cover medical expenses of up to EUR 150,000 and quarantine costs of EUR 100 per day for 14 days, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home.

    This cover is provided by the airline, free of charge to its customers.

    HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and Chief
    Executive said: “Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Emirates is proud to lead the way in boosting confidence for international travel.”

    “We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually
    re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel”.

    He added: “Emirates has worked hard to put in place measures at every step of the customer journey to mitigate risk of infection, and we have also revamped our booking policies to offer flexibility. We are now taking it to the next level, by being the first in the industry to offer our customers free global cover for COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs should they incur these costs during their travel. It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this Initiative”.

    First airline in the world to offer free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs

    This cover for COVID-19 related medical expenses and quarantine costs is offered by Emirates free of cost to its customers regardless of class of travel or destination.

    This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 October 2020). It 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 this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination.

    Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilize this cover provided by Emirates.

    Any impacted customer who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel simply has to contact a dedicated hotline to avail of assistance and cover.

    Flexibility and assurance

    With the gradual re-opening of borders over the summer, Emirates has revised its booking policies to offer customers more flexibility and confidence to plan their travel.

    Customers whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 related flight or travel restrictions, can simply hold on to their ticket which will be valid for 24 months and rebook to fly at a later time; request travel vouchers to offset against future Emirates purchases, or request refunds via an online form on Emirates’ website or via their travel booking agent.

    Emirates currently serves over 60 destinations in its network, facilitating travel between the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific through a convenient connection in Dubai for customers across the world.

    Dubai is open:

    Customers from Emirates’ network can now to travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for business and leisure visitors with new air travel protocols that safeguard the health and safety of
    visitors and communities.

    Health and safety first:

    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 sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers.

    Travel restrictions:

    Customers are reminded that travel restrictions remain in place, and travellers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries.

    Dubai residents can check the latest travel requirements at:
    www.emirates.com/returntoDubai

  • Nigerian Airports not Shut to Foreign Airlines- NAMA

    Nigerian Airports not Shut to Foreign Airlines- NAMA

    The attention of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been drawn to insinuations making the rounds in certain quarters that Nigerian Airports have been shut to international flights until the middle of October, 2020. Indeed, such speculations are entirely untrue.

     Following the receipt of an All Operators Letter (NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/152) from NCAA, the agency issued an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) titled “Phased Resumption of Domestic Flights” on 7th July 2020 to the effect that Lagos and Abuja airports will open for domestic flight operations on 8th July, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Maiduguri and Uyo opens on 11th July and all other airports on 15th July 2020.

     Furthermore, paragraph 9 of the AIC states that “The closure of Nigerian Airports to all international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights, and scheduled cargo operations with approved summer schedules, will continue until a date of resumption is approved”.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the agency on the 15th July 2020, in line with international standards, issued a 3-month duration NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) (from 15th July to 15th October 2020) stating that the Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the closure of the nation’s airports to all international flights with the exception of aircraft in a state of emergency, however approval may be requested and granted to:

    1.       Overflights

    2.       Operations related to humanitarian aids

    3.       Medical relief flights

    4.       Alternate aerodrome in the flight plan and also those being used for extended diversion time operation

    5.       Technical landings where passengers do not disembark

    6.       Cargo flights and other safety-related operations.

    From the foregoing, there was no indication that the closure of Nigerian airports to international flights was from 15th July to 15th October 2020. However, the NOTAM was issued for a minimum duration of 3 months in view of the fact that a specific date for resumption of international flights has not been confirmed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation nor the Director General of NCAA. 

    Finally, while the agency looks forward anxiously towards the reopening of Nigerian airports to international flights, we wish to clarify that the import of the said NOTAM and AIC is NOT that Nigerian airports remain closed till 15th October 2020.

    Therefore, we crave the indulgence of our customers, airspace users and the general public to disregard the misconception being circulated as Nigerian airports will reopen to international flights at any date the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Aviation and NCAA consider it safe, secure, and appropriate.

  • Air Peace Resumes Domestic Flights, assures Passengers’ of Safety

    Air Peace Resumes Domestic Flights, assures Passengers’ of Safety

    Air Peace, resumed regular domestic flight operations today at the General Aviation Terminal GAT, One, in the wake of Federal Government’s directive to re-open Lagos and Abuja airports for flight operations.

    In a statement by the airline’s Spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, says the airline has put in place reliable measures to protect both passengers and staff pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight, adding that the flying public need not worry but comply with all health protocols.

    He said the airline has thoroughly disinfected all its aircraft and the flight crew are current as well as COVID-19 conscious.

    “If you’ve been following our social media platforms, you will have seen robust sensitisation content in form of videos showing what is expected of our passengers in this COVID-19 dispensation”, Olisa stated. He stressed that passengers must always wear their face masks before entering the airport terminal and on board, and are expected to submit themselves for temperature checks before boarding.

    According to him: “If your temperature reads above 37 degrees, you’ll be denied boarding. No loitering on the aisle of the aircraft. Hands must be sanitised and no more meals on board. This is to reduce crew-passenger contact. Flying will be somewhat different but we can guarantee your safety”.

    The airline urged its customers to embrace online booking and check-in, employing its user-friendly Mobile App, as a means of minimising physical contact.

    Olisa, also implored the flying public to download the Air Peace Mobile App for seamless booking and check-in, asserted that all the airline’s aircraft are in perfect shape as multiple shakedown flights have been conducted for safety reassurance. He added that the airline has also been operating series of ‘special’ flights, which is an indication of aircraft airworthiness.

  • Flight Resumption: NAMA enhances Search and Rescue Facilities

    Flight Resumption: NAMA enhances Search and Rescue Facilities

    Ahead of the planned resumption of flights in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has procured sophisticated search and rescue equipment to boost its aeronautical search and rescue capability across the Nigerian airspace. The equipment which are being distributed among the nation’s Rescue Coordination Centers (Lagos and Kano) and Rescue Subcenters (Abuja, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Enugu, Ilorin and Sokoto) include plotting facilities, communication facilities, medical supplies and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) documents among others.

    The plotting equipment include workstations (for digital plotting) and topographical maps for manual plotting). Communication equipment include very high frequency (VHF) radios, high frequency (HF) radios, megaphones as well as Search and Rescue dedicated satellite telephones which can work outside a network area.  ICAO documents include IAMSAR Manual Volume 1,2 and 3 as well as Annex 12 Search and Rescue Preparation Manual.  Other items procured include multifunctional photocopiers, laptops, printers, professional torchlights, status boards, computer desktops and personal locator beacons.

     Speaking on this development the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said the agency took steps to procure the equipment in order enhance its preparedness and efficiency in Search and Rescue coordination in the event of any occurrence, especially given that the airports were about to be reopened to commercial activities. “For instance the workstations which came with software applications for digital and faster plotting will aid our personnel in precisely locating where an incident or accident occurred,” he said.

    Akinkuotu also revealed that in addition to the facility upgrade, the agency recently recruited experienced Search Mission Coordinators to be on 24 hours watch at both the Rescue Coordination Centers and Rescue Subcenters, saying that dedicated telephone numbers and email addresses of the above Search and Rescue centers have been published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

    “So, having beefed up the capacity of  Search and Rescue unit at the two Rescue Coordination Centers and at the six Rescue Subcenters in the country, NAMA is more prepared than ever before in terms of human capacity as well as equipment upgrade.

    Also, note that in the last couple of years, the agency has trained different categories of critical personnel both in Nigeria and outside the country in Search and Rescue Coordinator courses in line with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs),” the NAMA boss said

  • SAHCO Records 24.5% increase in revenue

    SAHCO Records 24.5% increase in revenue

    … declares 16.50k dividend

    The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has conducted her 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the SAHCO Complex at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. 

    The AGM was conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on the conduct of Annual General Meeting by proxies as part of the measures to mitigate the negative effect created by the current Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

    During the event, SAHCO PLC declared a dividend of N 223,340,700 at 16.5k (Sixteen and a half kobo) per share which is payable less with the appropriate withholding tax at the time of payment. 
    Speaking during the AGM, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of the company said he is delighted to address a larger pool of shareholders for the first time even if it is virtually.

    According to him “You will recall that SAHCO became a publicly quoted company after its listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in the last quarter of 2018, the listing, a natural progression in our post-privatisation strategic growth plan, is also in furtherance of the vision to becoming the preferred ground handling company in the West African sub-region in terms of revenue, clientele base, quality of service, customer satisfaction, innovation and return on investment.

    Dr Afolabi went on to emphasize that when SIFAX Group bought SAHCO, only 7 per cent of the market share was controlled by SAHCO but that has increased to 55 percent over the years for ground handling while in cargo handling SAHCO controls 70 percent of the market share.

    In his remarks, Basil Agboarumi, Managing Director/CEO, SAHCO PLC said the Single Africa Air Transport Market initiative contributed to the growth of the Nigeria Aviation industry and Ground Handling sub-sector in 2019.

    “Essentially, three African Carriers made their entrances into the Nigeria market; TAAG Angola, Cabo Verde Airlines and Air Senegal. However, Air Namibia suspended their flights to Lagos over unresolved diplomatic issues”. He said the company is ready to attract new Airlines as we expect new startup airlines before the year ends which are; NG Eagle and Green Africa.

    Agboarumi also went on to say that in the year under review, SAHCO recorded an increase of 24.5 per cent in its revenue from N6,136.412bn in 2018 to N7,665,990bn in 2019.

    He emphasized that this remarkable shift was achieved through the resilience of the entire workforce, aggressive marketing strategies that saw to the addition of our clientele list, concerted efforts of cost containment and effective internal control processes.

    He stated that the management intended to reposition SAHCO PLC as the best ground handling company in West Africa by acquiring more client airlines using the leverage of being the preferred handling partner of British Airways and other global carriers already in her fold.

  • Resumption: FAAN to restrict multiple departures of airlines from same terminal

    Resumption: FAAN to restrict multiple departures of airlines from same terminal

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says it has concluded plans to  restrict multiple departures of airlines from the same terminals at the same time when flights resume.

    The arrangement according to the  Managing Director, FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu says the restriction would mean spacing of the flights to ensure total safety for flight services.

    He stated that the flight spacing was not to disrupt any of the airline’s schedules but to ensure total safety of passengers, airline staff and others within the airport environment.

    According to him, the airport Authority had informed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of its plan.

    Captain Yadudu also revealed that plans were on to increase its capacity by about 200% with the construction of fabricated materials within the facility due to inadequate space at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

     “We have already told NCAA that we are going to space the flights. No two airlines will depart at the same time from our airports. The spacing is not to make things difficult for the operators, but to protect their staff and other users of our airports.”

    At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Yadudu emphasized that FAAN would open two arrival halls for more convenience of passengers.

    On training of its staff in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, the FAAN boss said about 85% to 90% of the agency’s workforce have been trained by the World Health Organisation (WH.O) on operational and response time on COVID-19 pandemic, including 100 per cent of its staff at Owerri Airport.

    Adding that FAAN’s staff have also been trained by Port Health Services in order to ensure compliance on resumption.
    Yadudu disclosed that FAAN was installing transparent shields in front all airline counters operating from its terminal in a bid to minimise physical contacts, adding that wearing of face masks and other protocols by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be made compulsory.

    He said: “No airport in Nigeria has 100% of its staff trained by W.H.O and Port Health on Covid-19 pandemic, but we achieved that with Owerri Airport. All our staff at Owerri airport are trained 100 per cent with certificates issues. Overall, about 85 to 90 per cent of our staff have been trained and we want to achieve 100 per cent training for all.

    “At GAT, we have also erected a large canopy for people to stay in in case of rain. We also hand Sanitizers and equipment to test their temperature at the airport and others in the country. Our tap water has sensors to minimise touch.

    “We are discussing with some companies to enlarge the GAT with fabricated materials because we don’t have time for concrete work, which may take another five months to complete. The expansion of the GAT will lead to 200 per cent in the hall capacity”.  

  • Nigerian Government set to announce palliative for aviation industry

    Nigerian Government set to announce palliative for aviation industry

    The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika says next week, the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to announce the amount allocated as palliatives to the aviation industry.

    The palliative according to the Minister was to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.

    The Aviation Minister said this at a media briefing after the airport simulation exercise in Lagos ahead of restart of the industry. According to him, “all stakeholders from airlines food vendors, ground handlers, car hire and others would all be beneficiaries of the government financial assistance.”

    The Minister stated that the palliative may not necessarily be cash as everyone expected but there were means this would be achieved to alleviate the hardship stakeholders have faced due to the pandemic.

    In the area of aircraft safety, the aviation minister stressed that all technical issues have been carefully handled from the aircraft to the pilots, engineers, crew, air traffic controllers to ensure they are compliant in the area of proficiency, airworthiness to ensure flight safety.

    Sen. Sirika said there was no room for error in civil aviation and as such everything must be done in line with standards and recommended practices and the health protocols by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

    One of the airline operators, Mr Allen Onyema appealed to government to ensure that the palliative to airlines must be geared towards retaining the jobs of thousands of Nigerians in the sector.

  • FAAN increases Passengers Service Charge

    FAAN increases Passengers Service Charge

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has increased its Passengers Service Charge (PSC) from N1,000 to N2,000 for domestic and international from $50 to $100 effective 1st August, 2020.

    The increment and intention to implement the new charge was communicated to the Airline Operators Committee in a memo.

    According to the memo, the implementation of the new PSC is premised on the approval given by the Minister of Aviation which was sought with the intention to improve and upgrade the airport infrastructure among others.

    “We recently notified the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, of our intention to commence the implementation effective 1st August, 2020.”

    Passengers Service Charge is paid by passengers, collected on behalf of FAAN by the airlines, tickets of payment by passengers are attached to every tickets purchased by air travelers both domestic and international.

  • Air Peace evacuates 327 Nigerians on Maiden Flight to London

    Air Peace evacuates 327 Nigerians on Maiden Flight to London

    Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has again demonstrated its vibrancy and capacity to fly to any destination across the globe, as the airline, on June 28, 2020, evacuated 327 Nigerians from London.

    The aircraft, a Boeing 777, with registration number 5N-BWI, departed Heathrow Airport London earlier today and arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 20:41hrs, Nigerian time. After disembarking some passengers in Abuja, the aircraft will proceed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.

    While commenting on the flight, Air Peace Spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, especially the Nigerian Embassy in London, for choosing Air Peace to conduct the flight. He added that the flight was significant to the airline as it gave the airline an opportunity to further show its capability for long-haul flights.

    “We’re delighted to have operated this flight. It unmistakably shows that Air Peace can fly to any where in the world, given the required support of the government”, Olisa asserted.

    Since March when the Federal Government banned flight operations across the country as a measure to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Air Peace has been operating series of ‘special flights’ to and from different countries, including China, Turkey, India, Israel and South Africa. More of such flights are in the offing, according to the airline.

  • Airpeace ready to resume flight with its fleet of aircraft from Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt

    Airpeace ready to resume flight with its fleet of aircraft from Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt

    As the resumption of domestic flight operations is drawing near, Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, on Wednesday June 24, 2020, in a show of strength and readiness to resume operations, littered the Nigerian airspace with several of its fleets of aircraft in SHAKEDOWN flights.

    It should be recalled that the airline has a mixed fleet of 25 aircraft which includes three wide body aircraft, the Boeing 777s.

    All the aircraft took to the skies flying to Abuja, Port Harcourt and back to Lagos without passengers

    These flights were aimed at ensuring that the aircraft are in tip-top condition, having been grounded for close to three months though they have been under very strict storage maintenance.

    The Spokesperson of the airline, Stanley Olisa, who revealed this in a statement to journalists, said the shakedown flights are part of the measures the airline has developed to guarantee the safety of both passengers and crew when operations resume.

    He noted that the aircraft have been in storage mode for a couple of months and extensive maintenance checks have been carried out to keep them up to the required standards.

    According to Olisa: “Within this period of flight ban, we have ramped up technical maintenance of all our aircraft, scaled up cabin refresh and carried out thorough disinfection to ensure they remain fit for the skies when the authorities flag off operations”.

    He added that the aircraft are now being brought out of storage and the pilots have been testing them, stressing that all pilots and flight attendants have been retrained in line with NCAA directives.

    On the airline’s readiness to resume regular flights, he stated: “As you know, we have been operating ‘special flights’ to local and international destinations, and we have more of such flights in the works. This accentuates our preparedness for operation restart as our pilots, cabin crew and engineers have been hands-on and are very current. So, we are hundred percent ready to resume”.

    Air Peace has been operating charter and evacuation flights to various international destinations even as the flight ban persists.

    In April, the airline delivered Federal Government’s medical supplies from Turkey and China to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also operated several evacuation flights to India, Israel and China in the last two months.

  • Resumption of Air travel: IATA proposes alternatives to Quarantine

    Resumption of Air travel: IATA proposes alternatives to Quarantine

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged governments to avoid quarantine measures when re-opening their economies. IATA is promoting a layered approach of measures to reduce the risk of countries importing COVID-19 via air travel and to mitigate the possibility of transmission in cases where people may travel while unknowingly being infected.

    “Imposing quarantine measures on arriving travelers keeps countries in isolation and the travel and tourism sector in lockdown. Fortunately, there are policy alternatives that can reduce the risk of importing COVID-19 infections while still allowing for the resumption of travel and tourism that are vital to jumpstarting national economies. We are proposing a framework with layers of protection to keep sick people from traveling and to mitigate the risk of transmission should a traveler discover they were infected after arrival,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. 

    IATA also encourages a layering of bio-safety measures in two areas:

    • Reducing the risk of imported cases via travelers:
    • Discouraging symptomatic passengers from traveling: It is important that passengers do not travel when ill. To encourage passengers to “do the right thing” and stay home if they are unwell or potentially exposed, airlines are offering travelers flexibility in adjusting their bookings.
    • Public health risk mitigation measures: IATA supports health screening by governments in the form of health declarations. To avoid privacy issues and cut the risk of infection with paper documents, standardized contactless electronic declarations via government web portals or government mobile applications are recommended. 

    Health screening using measures such as non-intrusive temperature checks can also play an important role. Although temperature checks are not the most effective screening method for COVID-19 symptoms, they can act as a deterrent to traveling while unwell. Temperature checks can also shore-up passenger confidence: in a recent IATA survey of travelers, 80% indicated that temperature checks make them feel safer when traveling.
     

    COVID-19 testing for travelers from countries perceived to be “higher-risk”: When accepting travelers from countries where the rate of new infections is significantly higher, the arrival authority could consider COVID-19 testing. It is recommended that tests are undertaken prior to arrival at the departure airport (so as not to add to airport congestion and avoid the potential for contagion in the travel process) with documentation to prove a negative result. Tests would need to be widely available and highly accurate, with results delivered quickly. Test data would need to be independently validated so as to be mutually recognized by governments and securely transmitted to the relevant authorities. Testing should be for active virus (polymerase chain reaction or PCR) rather than for antibodies or antigens. 

    • Mitigating Risk in Cases Where an Infected Person Does Travel
       
    • Reducing the risk of transmission during the air travel journey: IATA encourages the universal implementation of the Take-Off guidelines published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Take-Off is a temporary risk-based and multi-layered approach to mitigate the risks of transmitting COVID-19 during air travel. The comprehensive Take-Off guidelines are closely aligned with the recommendations of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These include mask wearing throughout the travel process, sanitization, health declarations and social distancing where possible.

    Contact tracing: This is the back-up measure, should someone be detected as infected after arrival. Rapid identification and isolation of contacts contains the risk without large-scale economic or social disruption. New mobile technology has the potential to automate part of the contact-tracing process, provided privacy concerns can be addressed.
     

    Reducing risk of transmission at destination: Governments are taking measures to limit the spread of the virus in their territory that will also mitigate the risk from travelers. In addition, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols provide a pragmatic approach for the hospitality sector to enable safe tourism and restore traveler confidence. Areas of the industry covered by the protocols include hospitality, attractions, retail, tour operators, and meeting planners.

    “Safely restarting the economy is a priority. That includes travel and tourism. Quarantine measures may play a role in keeping people safe, but they will also keep many unemployed. The alternative is to reduce risks through a series of measures. Airlines are already offering flexibility so there is no incentive for sick or at-risk people to travel. Health declarations, screening and testing by governments will add extra layers of protection. And if someone travels while infected, we can reduce the risk of transmission with protocols to prevent the spread during travel or when at destination. And effective contact tracing can isolate those most at risk without major disruptions,” said de Juniac.

    There are some hurdles to being able to implement the full suite of measures. “Data transmission, required for health declarations, testing and tracing, raises privacy concerns. And mutually recognized standards would be needed for testing. Governments have a common interest in finding solutions. The rapid agreement by governments to ICAO’s Take-Off guidelines demonstrates that progress on complex issues is possible where there is the political will to do so,” said de Juniac.

    There is every economic incentive to make a layered approach work. WTTC estimates that travel and tourism accounts for 10.3% of global GDP and 300 million jobs globally (direct, indirect and induced economic impact). 

    Mandatory quarantine measures stop people from traveling. Recent public opinion research revealed that 83% of travelers would not even consider traveling if quarantine measures were imposed on travelers at their destination. And analysis of trends during the lockdown period shows that countries imposing quarantine saw arrivals decrease by more than 90%—an outcome that is similar to countries that banned foreign arrivals.

    “A layered approach to safety has made flying the safest way to travel while still enabling the system to function efficiently. That should be an inspirational framework to guide governments in protecting their citizens from the terrible risks of both the virus and joblessness. Quarantine is a lop-sided solution that protects one and absolutely fails at the other. We need government leadership to deliver a balanced protection,” said de Juniac.  

  • Eurocontrol Recognises Turkish Airlines as Busiest Operator in Europe

    Eurocontrol Recognises Turkish Airlines as Busiest Operator in Europe

    Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries than any other airline, was reported as the busiest operator in Europe last week after successfully restarting domestic and international passenger operations. On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, Turkish Airlines recorded 400 flights in Eurocontrol area; the highest number recorded in the area since Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

    The Pan-European civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation, Eurocontrol confirmed that Turkey’s national flag carrier operated 359 flights during the first week of June from its base at Istanbul Airport. On Sunday, June 14, three aircrafts took off simultaneously from Istanbul Airport’s third independent runway following its opening; a milestone for the future of Turkish aviation.

    Commenting on the development, Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. Ilker Ayci said: “It is our firm belief that once the world overcomes the crisis, air travel will bounce back stronger than ever and Turkish Airlines will be more than eager to welcome you aboard with our trademark hospitality as we connect continents, people and cultures. We fully adapted our customer touchpoints according to new normal standards.”

    With regards to resumption of services and safety measures, Turkish Airlines announced new Guidelines for Safe Travel and two new inflight services to protect the health of its guests.

    The airline is also distributing “Hygiene Kits” containing a face mask, disinfectant and antiseptic tissue to its guests, while “Hygiene Expert” cabin crews were assigned to flights to enforce all on-board hygiene and social distancing measures for the healthy travel of passengers.

    In addition, Turkish Airlines’ aircrafts are disinfected before each flight through thorough cleaning methods. Hygiene in the cabin is ensured as all contact points in the aircraft are comprehensively cleaned using chemicals safe for human health and methods that are proven scientifically to be effective. Special equipment and chemicals are used for different surfaces such as seats, windows, screens and lavatories.

  • NAMA relocates Corporate headquarters to Abuja

    NAMA relocates Corporate headquarters to Abuja

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby wishes to inform its customers, stakeholders and the general public of the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Lagos to Abuja. This is in compliance with the recent directive from the Federal Ministry of Aviation asking all agencies in the sector to relocate operational headquarters to the nation’s capital in a bid to ensure efficient and effective coordination and enhanced service delivery between the Ministry and its agencies.

    Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu and other critical staff of the agency have since relocated to the new NAMA headquarters located at No. 6 Ogbia Close, Off Arochukwu Street, Garki 2, Abuja, in strict adherence to the above directive while arrangements are being made for other strategic staff to follow suit in due course.

    The agency hereby admonishes all enquiries and correspondences henceforth to be channeled through the above address (No. 6 Ogbia Close, Off Arochukwu Street, Garki 2, Abuja). 

    Accordingly, all NAMA social media handles have been adjusted to reflect this change.

  • IATA releases Criteria for COVID-19 Testing in the Air Travel Process

    IATA releases Criteria for COVID-19 Testing in the Air Travel Process

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released criteria for the use of COVID-19 testing in the travel process. Should governments choose to introduce COVID-19 testing for travelers arriving from countries considered as high risk, testing must deliver results fast, be able to be conducted at scale, and operate to very high rates of accuracy. Additionally, testing must be cost-effective and not create an economic or logistical barrier to travel.

    The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) published Takeoff guidance which is the global guidance for governments to follow in reconnecting their people and economies by air. Takeoff outlines layers of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel and the risk of importation of COVID-19 via air travel.  COVID-19 testing should not be a necessary condition for re-opening borders or resuming air services.

    Technology for rapid point-of-care Polymerized Chain Reaction (PCR) testing could be a useful layer of protection for travelers from countries considered as higher risk, potentially removing the need for more burdensome and intrusive measures such as quarantine which is a major barrier to travel and the recovery of demand.  

    “Airlines are committed to reducing the risks of COVID-19 transmission via air travel and COVID-19 testing could play an important role. But it must be implemented in line with ICAO’s global re-start guidance with the aim of facilitating travel. Speed, scale and accuracy are the most critical performance criteria for testing to be effectively incorporated into the travel process,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

    As part of the travel process COVID-19 testing would need to be conducted by trained public health officials and meet the following criteria:
     

    • Speed: Testing results should be delivered quickly, with results available in under an hour as the minimum standard.
    • Scale: If testing takes place at the airport, testing capacity of several hundreds of tests per hour must be achievable. The use of saliva for taking samples rather than nasal or throat swabs would facilitate this and would also be expected to reduce time and improve passenger acceptance.
    • Accuracy: Extremely high accuracy is essential. Both false negative and false positive results must be below 1%. 

    Where does testing fit in the travel process?

    Ideally COVID-19 testing would be required in advance of arrival at the airport and within 24 hours of travel. Passengers arriving “ready-to-fly” reduces the risk of contagion in the airport and enables early re-accommodation for any traveler who tests positive. 

    If testing is required as part of the travel process, it is recommended at departure. Governments would need to mutually recognize test results and data transmission should take place directly between passengers and governments in a similar manner as e-visa clearances are currently handled.

    Any testing requirements should only be in place for as long as necessary. To ensure this, regular evaluations should be conducted.

    Who Should Pay?

    Cost is an important consideration. Testing should facilitate travel and not provide an economic barrier. With testing at some European destinations costing in excess of $200, this is a real concern. IATA supports the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations which requires governments to bear the costs of mandatory health testing. Where a test is offered on a voluntary basis, it should be charged at cost price.

    What happens when someone tests positive?

    Ideally testing takes place prior to travel or at the point of departure and a positive result would mean that the passenger could not travel as planned.  In this case, airlines have been offering flexibility to consumers. This includes re-booking or refunds in line with the airline’s commercial policy.  Many airlines are offering the same flexibility to passengers who suspect that they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 as well as members of the same traveling party, particularly when they are members of the same household.

    If testing is mandated on arrival and a passenger tests positive, then the passenger should be treated according to the requirements of the receiving State. Airlines should not be required to repatriate the passenger(s) or ‘punished’ with financial penalties such as fines or through operational penalties such as the withdrawal of the right to operate in the market.

  • More flights, service return in July as Delta leads safety measures

    More flights, service return in July as Delta leads safety measures

    As economies reopen and border restrictions lift, Delta will add almost 1,000 flights system-wide in July, boosting service and nonstop connectivity to popular summer destinations and major business markets.

    Customers traveling or considering travel this summer can feel confident in a safe experience throughout the journey, from check-in to baggage claim. Delta has implemented several measures to encourage extra space and provide peace of mind at the airport, as well as committed to capping cabin seating at 60 percent in Main Cabin and 50 percent in First Class and blocking middle seats through Sept. 30, 2020.

    Pending a lift on border restrictions, Delta will resume service to customer favorite summer destinations – four-times weekly service from New York-JFK to Lisbon and daily service from JFK to Athens. Delta is also expanding its focus on hub-to-hub flying to coastal markets by adding four-times weekly service from Boston to Amsterdam and daily service from Seattle to Amsterdam. We will also restart Detroit to Paris-Charles De Gaulle service.

    Connectivity within Africa will also expand, pending government approval, with the resumption of service from New York-JFK to Accra, as well as service from Atlanta to Lagos.

    “Confidence in a safe travel experience is key to a successful recovery,” Joe Esposito, Senior Vice President – Network Planning said. “While we’re rebuilding our network at home and abroad, it’s even more critical that we provide the highest industry standard of safety, space and clean so when our customers are ready to travel, we’re ready for them”, he added.

    Customers also have the flexibility to change their plans without a fee for a year, for new flights purchased through June 30.

    Even with the modest growth in demand, Delta’s July schedule will be approximately 70 percent smaller than the same time last year, including reductions of about 65 percent for U.S. domestic travel and nearly 75 percent for international.

    As Delta looks ahead to the remainder of the summer travel season, the airline will stay focused on adding seat capacity, gradually rebuilding its footprint in local markets, and resuming high-demand service suspended due to travel restrictions.

    Delta will continue to add more nonstop connectivity between top markets, with a focus on major hubs like Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City. For customers looking to vacation closer to home this summer, Delta is adding capacity to popular leisure markets like Florida and throughout the West Coast, as well as more transcontinental flying for business travelers.

    While seating is capped to ensure more space between customers this summer, we will look for opportunities to up-size to a larger aircraft type or add more flying on routes with increasing customer demand.

    With non-essential travel guidelines between the U.S. and Canada extended into July, Delta will continue to operate a limited schedule for those with critical travel needs. Minneapolis, Detroit and New York-JFK serve as Delta’s main gateways to destinations like Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg. Delta will also continue service to Vancouver from Seattle.

    Delta has also temporarily consolidated operations in some markets served by multiple airports, as well as suspended flying to select U.S. cities while customer traffic is significantly reduced.