News Wings

Category: Aviation

  • NAHCO: We’ve no connection with $8.6m seized at Lagos airport

    NAHCO: We’ve no connection with $8.6m seized at Lagos airport

    …Company promises to cooperate with agencies in unraveling truth

    The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company plc (nahco aviance) said on Tuesday it has no connection with the intercepted $8.6 million in a bus allegedly belonging to it, saying it is ready to cooperate with relevant agencies investigation the matter, to unravel the culprits.

    The Comptroller – General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Col. Hammed Alli (rtd), had addressed a press conference at Lagos airport on Tuesday morning, revealing his men apprehended a bus containing the said the sum.

    It revealed that it has also arrested a suspect in connection with the seizure.

    But the NAHCO in a statement said it has no connection whatsoever with this alleged act, adding that it has initiated contact with the Nigerian Customs Service’ hierarchy to provide it with details of this incident.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company plc (nahco aviance) has been brought to a press conference earlier today by the Comptroller – General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Col. Hammed Alli (rtd) to the effect that a vehicle belonging to NAHCO was intercepted with some cash in foreign currencies as it conveyed the money to an aircraft at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

    “We wish to state unequivocally that NAHCO as an organization has no connection whatsoever with this alleged act. The Company has initiated contact with the Nigerian Customs Service’ hierarchy to provide it with details of this incident.  As a responsible corporate organisation, NAHCO will cooperate with all regulators, agencies and other stakeholders in not only finding out the truth about this unfortunate incident, but also rooting out malpractices in the sector.

    “The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company does not condone irresponsible and criminal behaviour. The Company takes seriously the trust of its esteemed clients, partners and other stakeholders, both local and international, and will do everything to protect that trust”, the company said.

  • Accumulated debts: NAMA to withdraw services to Debtor Airlines/Aerodromes

    Accumulated debts: NAMA to withdraw services to Debtor Airlines/Aerodromes

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has given a 30-day final demand notice to debtor airlines and private /state owned airports to settle all outstanding debts owed to the agency.

    The demand notice which expires on the 28th of February, 2020 expects all debtors to settle their indebtedness or risk sanctions. It will be recalled that the affected debtors had earlier been communicated with details of their respective indebtedness to NAMA but have made no tangible effort to pay.

    The said notice read in part, “NAMA hereby notifies debtor private /state owned airport operators and airlines that effective 28th February, 2020, our services will no longer be available for the operation of their airports or airlines as the agency can no longer keep its personnel working at airports without payment.”

    In the meantime, the affected debtors, where in doubt have been advised to liaise with the commercial department of NAMA for reconciliation and/ or clarification within the stipulated grace period.

  • World’s Government arrange charter flights to repatriate citizens from Wuhan, China

    World’s Government arrange charter flights to repatriate citizens from Wuhan, China

    Governments around the globe are planning special charter flights to repatriate their citizens from Wuhan, China, as the city lockdown nears its first full week.

    Currently, no one is allowed to leave or enter the city of 11 million, as airports and train stations have closed in efforts to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

    The Japanese government has confirmed it will charter flights to evacuate Japanese citizens working in Wuhan. According to a Reuters source, All Nippon Airways (ANA) said it is currently “preparing for multiple flights” to Wuhan, with one flight planned for the evening of Jan. 28. ANA has not immediately responded to Aviation Week’s queries.

    Japan Airlines (JAL) told Aviation Week the flag carrier was not asked or contracted by the government to carry out such flights but might be called to do so if the situation changes and requires more flights. About 560 to 710 Japanese are registered in the city.

    A U.S.-bound charter flight arranged by the U.S. State Department left Wuhan early Jan. 28, local time. The Kalitta Air Boeing 747-400 freighter outfitted with temporary seats for about 240 passengers is expected to arrive in Anchorage at about 10:30 p.m. local time Jan. 28, FlightRadar24 data show. On arrival in Anchorage, passengers will undergo medical screening, prior to the flight continuing on to Ontario International Airport in California. An estimated 1,000 U.S. citizens are in Wuhan.

    South Korea is the latest Asian country to prepare flights to evacuate close to 700 of its citizens in Wuhan, with the first flight expected to depart Jan. 30. The consulate general’s office in the city added that Chinese nationals will not be allowed on board, even if they are family members of Korean citizens. An Associated Press report suggests that passengers will be expected to pay KRW300,000 ($255) for every adult and KRW225,000 per child by Feb. 28.

    Korean Air said discussions are still underway with the government and plans are not yet firm.

    The Singapore government is also currently studying plans to evacuate Singaporeans in Wuhan and is in talks with Chinese authorities.

    Singapore’s LCC Scoot deployed a relief flight to Hangzhou, China on Jan. 24 to transport nine Singaporeans and 11 cabin crew and pilots, after all 314 passengers on the previous flight underwent enhanced screening. Among the passengers, 110 were initially bound for Wuhan before the cancellations and were transferred to the Hangzhou flight.

    Meanwhile, the LCC has received permission from relevant Chinese authorities and will be taking two one-way flights to Wuhan on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30 to facilitate the return of passengers affected by the flight cancellations.

    The Royal Thai Air Force said it has four C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft on standby once the Thai government gives the green light. Currently, Thailand has the most confirmed cases—14—outside of Greater China.

    Germany and France are also considering similar plans to launch evacuation flights for its respective citizens, using military transport aircraft.

    The German Luftwaffe will send an Airbus A310 to China on Jan. 29, departing from Cologne-Wahn via Shanghai to Wuhan. Some Bundeswehr pilots are already on their way to China on scheduled flights to take over the A310 for the return flight. The return to Frankfurt for 90 German citizens is planned for the evening of Jan. 30. Reportedly 14 people will have to be quarantined on arrival.

    The French health ministry has confirmed that French citizens can be repatriated from Wuhan on a dedicated flight with a medical team on board in the coming days. No details have been given on how many flights or which aircraft type will be used. Passengers testing positive for the virus will be taken to the hospital and those testing negative will be quarantined for 14 days on arrival. There are three confirmed cases so far in France.

    Responding to a request for assistance from France, the European Commission activated its EU Civil Protection Mechanism Jan. 28, mobilizing two aircraft to repatriate EU citizens from the Wuhan area to Europe. The first aircraft is scheduled to depart from France early Jan. 29; a second will deploy later in the week, the EC said. “EU citizens present in the region and who wish to be repatriated can still request it, no matter their nationality,” the EC said. “Initial numbers indicate that around 250 French citizens will be transported in the first aircraft and over 100 EU citizens from other countries will join the second aircraft.” Only healthy or asymptomatic citizens will be authorized to travel.

    “We stand ready to support Member States and ensure a strong and coordinated EU response to the developing situation of the coronavirus, outside and within the Union,” European Commissioner responsible for Health and Food Security Stella Kyrikides said. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and remain in close contact with our Member States.”

    Within China, carriers including Air China, China Eastern and Hainan Airlines have operated charter flights to ferry medical staff and supplies to Wuhan. Shenzhen Airlines is also offering priority and free transport services for medical cargo to Wuhan on its flights.

    Separately, in line with the Hong Kong government’s plans to limit cross-border travel, the territory’s flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, has announced it will slash capacity to and from China by at least 50% from Jan. 30 to the end of March. Already severely impacted by the anti-government protests, in 2019 Cathay’s capacity to the mainland dropped 4.2% year-over-year (YOY), and traffic (measured in RPKs) declined 10.9% YOY. The airline has already announced plans to cut 2020 capacity by 1.4% in response to poor demand to Hong Kong. 

  • Coronavirus: NCAA alerts operators to take precautions

    Coronavirus: NCAA alerts operators to take precautions

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has put all Airline Operators, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) and Aerodrome Operators on alert over the outbreak of Coronavirus.

    All aviation stakeholders are to note that, the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) broke out in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China recently.

    The clinical signs and symptoms of the virus are mainly fever and difficulty in breathing (Coughing, sneezing etc.) Presently the virus has spread to other countries including Thailand, Republic of Korea, United States of America (USA) and Japan.

    Therefore, in a letter dated 23rd January, 2020 and signed by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Sidi Abdullahi with reference number NCAA/DG/AMS/Vol. 1. /30, the Regulatory Authority has called for a high level of vigilance by Airlines (especially those operating international and regional flights), all designated point of entries (POEs) and travelling public.In the letter sent to the airlines, all operators are therefore required to carry out the following:

    1. Pilots in Command (PIC) of aircraft are to report to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected cases of communicable disease on board an aircraft in line with Nig. CARs 18.8.22.4;

    2. In case of a suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, the aircrew are to fill the aircraft General Declaration (Gen Dec) in line with Nig. CARs 18.8.17.4 and Annex 8 of International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).Completed aircraft General Declaration are to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) on arrival at the designated point of entry.

    3. Sick passengers on board an aircraft are to be required by the crew to fill a Passenger Locator form in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.5. The completed Passenger Locator Forms are to be submitted to Port Health Services (PHS) on arrival at the designated point of entry.

    4. Airlines are to have onboard the appropriate number of First Aid Kits, Universal Precaution kits and Emergency Medical kits according to the provisions of Nig.CARs 7.9.1.11 and 7.9.1.12.

    5. Airlines are to update the knowledge of their crew members in the handling of communicable disease on board an aircraft.

    6. Cabin crew should follow the operational procedures recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and their airlines’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in handling possible cases of communicable diseases on board an aircraft.

    They are to ensure that passengers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection exercises cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues and wash hands thoroughly.

    7. Passengers should be encouraged by the crew to self-report if they feel ill.8. Airlines are to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.

    9. Designated Points of Entries are to ensure (i) stakeholders collaboration in the handling of a suspected case of communicable disease in line with their respective Public Health Emergency Contigency Plans (PHECPs), (ii) Routine measures, train staff, provide appropriate space, stockpiling of adequate equipment (including Personal Protective Equipment) should be in place at Points of Entries for assessing and managing ill travellers detected before travel, on board aircraft and on arrival,(iii) Procedures and means are in place for communicating information on ill travellers between aircraft and point of entries as well as between POEs and National Health Authorities (iv) Safe transportation of symptomatic passengers to hospitals or designated facilities for clinical assessment and treatment is organised;

    10. Airlines and POEs are to report to the Authority in writing any suspected case of communicable disease observed in flight or at any Point of Entry (POE) – International Airport.

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) therefore expects strict compliance to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as enumerated above.

    However, failure to adhere to these guidelines will be viewed seriously by the Authority.

  • Cabo Verde picks NAHCO as its ground handler

    Cabo Verde picks NAHCO as its ground handler

    The national airline of Cape Verde, Cabo Verde Airlines, has chosen foremost West Africa ground handling operator, NAHCO, to handle its operations in Nigeria.

    Cabo Verde is a passenger and cargo airline based in Cape Verde. It connects four continents with non-stop flights from its hub at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island.

    The Airline will experience nahco aviance’ unparalleled professional services which has seen the ground handler corner the handling of all European airlines that ply the Nigerian route.

    Cabo Verde which flies four times into Lagos Airport at the moment will join the list of other African airlines who had partnered nahco aviance for seemless operation in Nigeria.

    The list includes Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Egypt Air, Ethiopia Airlines, ASKY, Air Peace, Royal Air Maroc and Cronos, to mention but a few.

    Cabo Verde’s increasing network includes flights to Washington and Boston in USA, Dakar, Senegal, and more than four destinations in Brazil, including Foraleza, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador.

    The airline also flies to Lisbon, Portugal and two ports in Italy: Milan and Rome; and to Paris, France.

    The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, expressed delight with the new business pointing out that the Company has upped the ante in ground handling operations in Nigeria.

    According to her, “We are doing everything right to please our customers who continue to rely on us to excel. Our unmatched investment in human capacity development continues to be the key to our soaring profile.”

    Fagbemi said her team of dedicated and well-motivated staff will continue to go the extra mile to support the Company’s business partners.

  • Coronavirus: FAAN urges travelers to comply with Health checks at Airports

    Coronavirus: FAAN urges travelers to comply with Health checks at Airports

    In an effort to protect passengers from the Coronavirus epidemic ravaging some countries in  South East Asia, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has  urged  passengers and other airport users to comply with all quarantine procedures at the nation’s airports.

    FAAN said the new move became necessary to prevent the spread of such communicable disease into Nigeria.

    In a statement, the General Manager,  Public Affairs,  Mrs Henrietta Yakubu said the authority had already taken proactive steps by ensuring that  equipment and personnel used in combatting the deadly Ebola virus in 2014 were still   in place at airports.

    According to her, FAAN had  always had thermal scanners in her airports that monitors the  temperature of passengers as well as  capture their pictures.

    She said, “When passengers walk pass the scanner, it registers their temperature and If too high, they are pulled aside for observation.”

    Recently, a deadly virus known as CORONAVIRUS broke out in China and has since killed six people, with over 300 reportedly infected.

    The highly communicable virus  has already spread to border countries including  Japan, Thailand and South Korea.

    Mrs Yakubu said: “The Authority, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, have  confirmed the adequacy of the facilities at the nation’s airports to prevent the importation of the virus through the airports.

    “Passengers are therefore advised to submit themselves for routine quarantine checks  whenever they are asked to.”

  • Santos aviation, 7-Stars hangar to create jobs for Nigerians

    Santos aviation, 7-Stars hangar to create jobs for Nigerians

    A new entrant into the the Nigeria aviation industry, Santos Aviation limited is to create employment for hundreds Nigerian youths and reduce capital flight. Engr Isaac David Balami, chief executive of 7-Stars Global hangar disclosed this at the Murtala Mohammad airport Ikeja at the formal unveiling of Santos Aviation in Nigeria by representatives of the United States Federal Aviation Administration officials.


    Balami said the unveiling of Santos aviation, an outfit specialized in aircraft interior furnishing, will solve the problem of Nigerian aircraft owners from going abroad to have their aircraft interiors refurbished adding that it will save huge money for the airlines. 

    According to Balami, over S 100, 000 dollars will be saved annually by local airlines when carrying out interior refurbishing locally adding 7- Stars global will work together with Santos aviation to give airlines value for their money with quality sourced materials overseas. 

    “It is a huge relief, it is going to create jobs, it will increase safety and also the comfort of our passengers” 

    Balami noted that with 7-Stars global hangar, working together with Santos Aviation will attract other airlines from other West Africa countries to Nigeria for patronage. 
    He commended the NCAA for being supportive of the project saying that over 50% of aircraft in the country came in from the United States 

    The representative of the director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA Bello Akinola said the coming of Santos Aviation into the country’s aviation sector was a very big business for  Nigerians. 

    Akinola disclosed that out of the 150 private jets in Nigeria about 30 were American registered. According Akinola, jet owners always carry out their interior refurbishing in Canada, South Africa and America. “We have facility but only for maintenance. It is a goodthing for us in Nigeria, it will save us a lot of money from capital flight” 

    Akinola noted that with the company in the country more jobs will be created which will lead to more business for the youths. “We so appreciate it, thanks for 7 star global and Santos for bringing this to Nigeria. For FAA, we have been a partner for long we want to support us too as it has been in the past, so there are many companies too who want to seek FAA approval.”


    The President of Santos Aviation limited, Segun Adesanya said the company specialized in the provision of maintenance and interior refurbishing services to both government and privately owned aircraft. 

    According to Adesanya, agents and employees of Santos aviation have professional and technical licences issued by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States adding that the licences gave their staff eligible to provide similar services on American made and registered aircraft. 

    Adesanya revealed that agents and employees of Santos have provided exceptional services on the US government owned aircraft.  He disclosed that they were presently negotiating with one of the leading Nigeria’s operators for the provision on aircraft interior refurbishing 

    “Based on our knowledge and experience in the aviation industry, it is our opinion that this sector of the Nigerian economy has a lot of potential for growth. We are aware of the recent steps taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria and some state governments that will boost the growth of the sector “

    Adesanya explained that with his staff FAA licenses their knowledge and experience in aviation and the growth in Nigerian Aviation sector was a significant opportunity for profitable joint venture relationships for the public privately owned Nigerian entities. 

  • FG upgrades Navigational Facilities in Enugu Airport

    FG upgrades Navigational Facilities in Enugu Airport

    As the build up to the reopening of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu gathers momentum, the Federal Government has made good its promise to upgrade facilities at the airport. To this end, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has successfully installed a brand-new CAT 2 Instrument Landing System / Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) to replace the old system which was installed since 2003. A successful site acceptance test on the equipment has also been conducted by NAMA engineers in Enugu in preparation for its calibration in the coming days.

    Meanwhile, in a bid to address communication blind spots in the Lagos South East corridor, the agency has installed a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) for satellite communication at the airport. This SATCOM (Satellite Communication) node has further been integrated into the national satellite communication network which is linked to the AFISNET (African Indian Ocean SATCOM Network).

    Also linked to the VSAT is the newly installed Remote Control Air-Ground (RCAG) Very High Frequency (VHF) radio communication system, ensuring that Enugu now has an extended VHF coverage on 127.3MHz  frequency for Lagos South East sector.

    Speaking on the gains of this latest installation, Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu who noted with delight that radio communication along the Lagos South East sector has “improved tremendously,” said the installation of the VHF radio in Enugu is “particularly significant as the city is strategically located to accommodate over six routes, both local and international.”

    “Enugu being on a higher latitude can cover for Manfe entry/exit reporting point in Cameroun for international flights like Ethiopian, Rwanda Airlines, Kenya Airways, South Africa Airways and the like,”Akinkuotu said.

    The NAMA boss revealed that the new installation has provided AFTN (Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network) link that would enhance effective data communication for transmission of flight plans, NOTAMs and Aeronautical Communication messages, just as it has provided effective coordination between Enugu tower and Lagos Area Control Centre through the ATS/DS (Air Traffic Services/ Direct Speech) for departing and arriving traffic ahead of time.

  • Profitable Air Astana cautious over Chinese virus impact

    Profitable Air Astana cautious over Chinese virus impact

    Kazakh carrier Air Astana has highlighted the uncertain potential impact from the Chinese coronavirus outbreak on its operations, after unveiling a strong rise in full-year net profit.
    Air Astana says its net profit for 2019 reached just over $30 million, a substantial improvement on the previous figure of $5.3 million.


    It is attributing the increase to “considerably” improved passenger demand, notably on domestic routes and within the charter sector, as well as the launch of its low-cost division FlyArystan.


    “While yields have been affected by increased competition on international routes, reduced average domestic ticket prices and the lower value of the [Kazakh currency], this was more than offset by increased demand and lower unit cost,” says the carrier.


    But chief executive Peter Foster cautions that, although the airline is optimistic over its prospects for 2020, the emerging situation regarding the coronavirus outbreak in China amounts to a “significant unknown”.


    Air Astana operates to both the Chinese capital, Beijing, and the city of Urumqi.
    Both routes will operate with lower frequency, says the airline, in the event that restrictions on outbound group traffic from China remain in place for an extended period.


    Air Astana says it is looking to benefit from strategic changes including the switch to Moscow Domodedovo, linked to a codeshare with Oneworld carrier S7 Airlines, as well as the replacement of Boeing 757-200s with Airbus A321LRs.


    ”FlyArystan continues to grow ahead of expectations,” adds Foster.
    Air Astana’s revenues last year rose by 6% to $893 million. The carrier transported 17% more passengers, a total of over 5 million, while unit costs fell.

  • SAA secures critical funding while business rescue plan is finalised

    SAA secures critical funding while business rescue plan is finalised

    South African Airways has secured offers from a financial institution to provide the additional critical funding necessary to bridge the period until its business rescue plan is adopted.
    The beleaguered flag-carrier says its business rescue practitioners have held “fruitful” discussions with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, based at Midrand near Johannesburg.


    SAA has already obtained initial post-commmencement funding of R2 billion ($137 million) from commercial banks and the DBSA is offering to provide the next tranche to bring the total to R3.5 billion, with an immediate draw-down of R2 billion.


    This balance of the post-commencement funding is needed to meet short-term liquidity demands while the business rescue plan is drawn up, published and adopted. The plan, being developed by the practitioners, is a legal requirement of the business rescue scheme.

    “Funding for the restructuring phase after the plan is adopted is being considered by potential funders,” says the airline. “Stakeholders of [SAA] should now have comfort that the rescue process is on a significantly sounder footing.”

    It says that the financial agreement means passengers and travel organisations should be confident in booking flights on the Star Alliance carrier.


    “Restructuring of SAA will provide an opportunity to develop a sustainable, competitive and efficient airline with a strategic equity partner remaining the objective of government through this exercise,” it adds.

  • American Airlines Flies Airbus A321’s To Cancun Without Life Rafts

    American Airlines Flies Airbus A321’s To Cancun Without Life Rafts

    American Airlines is flying an Airbus A321 to Cancun, Mexico, without any liferafts onboard. This route would typically fly over the ocean directly, but as they do not have the required safety equipment on board, the specific A321s are forced to hug the Mexican coastline.

    Flying on American Airlines from Dallas Fort-Worth to Cancun on one of their six daily flights you might notice something odd. The flight times vary up to an hour depending on the flight, despite listing the same

    This is because several of these Airbus A321’s are from the older US Airways fleet and never flew over bodies of water, thus never packed liferafts, as discovered by View From The Wing.

    The difference in flight times is around 30-40 minutes, but can sometimes be up to an hour.

  • Coronavirus Leads China Airlines To Suspend Inflight Service

    Coronavirus Leads China Airlines To Suspend Inflight Service

    In an attempt to combat the spread of coronavirus, China Airlines and its affiliates, Tigerair Taiwan and Mandarin Airlines will no longer offer inflight services on flights to Hong Kong and Macau.


    The decision to suspend food and beverage services along with the distribution of blankets, cushions, and newspapers to the former British and Portuguese colonies follows the cancelation of flights to the Chinese mainland.

    The new measures are designed to try and limit the risk of passengers and crew becoming infected by the deadly virus by eliminating unnecessary contact.

  • Gulf Air Retires Its Last Airbus A330

    Gulf Air Retires Its Last Airbus A330

    Gulf Air yesterday retired its last Airbus A330 yesterday. The 20-year-old aircraft was the last of its type in the Gulf Air fleet, which now uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for long haul operations.

    In March this year, Gulf Air will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its first flight. The flag carrier of Bahrain was originally founded in 1950. Now, 70 years later, another page of the history book has closed as the airline has stored its last Airbus A330 to be retired. The last aircraft has always been owned by Gulf Air , however, was once leased in its history.

    The Airbus A330 that was retired yesterday was most recently registered as A9C-KE. According to
    Planespotters.net , the aircraft was first delivered to Gulf Air in May 2000. As a result, it is 19.8 years old. The A330 holds the manufacturer’s serial number 224 and was originally registered as A9O-KE.
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    Following just a year in service, the aircraft was leased out to TAM Linhas Aéreas in June of 2001. It remained with TAM for just over a year under the registration PT-MSD. In September 2002, it returned to Gulf Air. Then, in December 2007, the aircraft received its final registration, A9C-KE.

  • Bush Fire around MMIA airfield, ARFFS battling to put out fire

    Bush Fire around MMIA airfield, ARFFS battling to put out fire

    The fire fighting and rescue officers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN are currently battling to put out a bush fire reported at the RESA of 36L of the Murtala Mohammed International airport, Lagos.

    The bush fire was said to have started about 5minutes ago and the fire officers were immediately notified and swiftly moved to the site.

    The General Manager Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu says in a statement that the incident has not affected flight operations in and out of the airports.

    “However, the incident did not affect flight operations as normal flight Operations continues unhindered”.

    “Officers of the Fire Rescue and fire fighting services,(ARFFS) are presently on ground and fire fighting is in progress”

    Barely a month ago, a similar incident was reported to have occurred at the Port Harcourt international airport resulting in scores of passengers stranded at the airport as the runway was closed for some hours.

    The runway was later reopened after the fire was curtained by the officers of the fire rescue and fire fighting services.

  • SAHCO wins Ethiopian Airlines Ground Handling Contract

    SAHCO wins Ethiopian Airlines Ground Handling Contract

    The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has once again confirmed that it is the best when it comes to aviation ground handling by being chosen to provide ground handling services to Ethiopian Airlines at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Nigeria.

    Although SAHCO has been responsible for Cargo and Warehousing Handling services to the Ethiopian Airline, the procurement of State-of-the-art equipment fitted with the latest technology, well trained and customer friendly staff, seamless, safe and speedy service delivery has made them to choose SAHCO as their sole ground handling partner. Like many other International airlines partners, Ethiopian Airlines which is the biggest Airline in Africa will now enjoy full professional ground handling and other related aviation services that SAHCO has always been known to render to her clients, using modern and up to date technologies.

    With this new contract, Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC will be responsible for Passenger Handling Services, Ramp and Baggage Handling Services, Cargo and Warehousing services and all aviation related handling services for Ethiopian Airlines.

    SAHCO will be providing full aviation ground handling service to Ethiopian Airlines, which is the Ethiopian flag carrier, on a passenger flight schedule of four times a week and another schedule for its cargo flight operations at the Kano Airport. With this engagement, passengers are assured of speedy, safe and seamless check-in, boarding, baggage services, ramp and cargo movements as they fly Ethiopian Airlines within the routes.

    With constant investment in modern aviation ground support equipment; a team of engineers that can build ground support equipment from locally sourced materials which is the first of its kind in Nigeria; a team that is vast in the best of Departure Control systems in the aviation industry, World Tracer and BRS; world class warehousing services; unrivaled customer friendly service delivery in a safe, speedy and efficient culture; SAHCO has been a recipient of many airline providers moving from other handling companies to SAHCO to enjoy the best of services that SAHCO is reputed for being topnotch for.

    It is worthy to note that SAHCO is also the recipient of numerous awards both locally and internationally due to its quality service delivery in aviation ground handling operations in Nigeria. SAHCO is a RA3 and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certified company. These certifications make the company a preferred gateway to import and export to European countries and the world at large.