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Tag: International Civil Aviation Organization

  • Emirates Group Security (EGS) and ICAO sign MoU to collaborate on capacity building

    Emirates Group Security (EGS) and ICAO sign MoU to collaborate on capacity building

    … providing internationally recognized Ground Handling Diploma

    Emirates Group Security has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will see both organizations work closely on capacity building for the industry by providing ICAO-recognized Diploma
    programmes provided by EGS and Edith Cowan University (ECU).

    The Ground Handling Diploma programme is the first initiative ICAO and EMIRATES are collaborating on. Aviation professionals who complete the industry-based Ground Handling Diploma programme jointly provided by Emirates Group Security and ECU will receive a Certificate of succession completion bearing both EMIRATES and ICAO emblems.

    The MoU was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, at the AVSEC Global Symposium 2021 Opening Ceremony.

    HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group said: “Emirates Group Security is committed to providing educational programmes that meet the highest international standards. The new partnership between ICAO and Emirates Group Security will provide a platform for Diploma programmes to be benchmarked against internationally recognized frameworks, helping strengthen capabilities within the UAE’s aviation industry.”

    Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization said: “As aviation continues on its course to global recovery, it is through education that we can assure a skilled and sustainable aviation workforce capable of adapting to and meeting
    the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. This novel agreement between ICAO Global Aviation Training and Emirates is an excellent example of the innovative approaches to capacity building that ICAO is exploring and implementing in partnership with operators.”

    Dr Abdullah Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Group Security said: “The partnership with ICAO provides significant added value to ground handling professionals in the industry who not only gain from having a first-class education from the Diploma Programme but also have the extra incentive of being recognized by ICAO.”

    As part of this partnership, the leading AVSEC service provider Emirates Group Security and ICAO will look into jointly developing and delivering other training and academic courses under the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS programme. The two parties will also identify training needs, determine how to effectively use existing training resources, develop new course materials, integrate new technologies, and evaluate the effectiveness of using post-training evaluation methodologies.

    The EGS-ECU Ground Handling Diploma programme offers industry-focused subjects on ground handling operations and management, contemporary aviation issues, safeguarding the aviation industry, aviation logistics and passenger handling services. The course encapsulates the fundamentals of ground handling ramp, baggage, airside load, security,
    catering, labour and equipment, along with developing practical management skills.

  • NAMA Simulates Aircraft Accident Search and Rescue Operation

    NAMA Simulates Aircraft Accident Search and Rescue Operation

    Ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit coming up by first quarter of 2022, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Saturday joined forces with critical stakeholders in  aviation emergency International Civil Aviation Organization operations  to conduct a live aeronautic simulation of an air crash which occurred at the Mafoluku area of Oshodi in Lagos, a few meters from Runway 18 Left and the local airport, Ikeja.

    Code named “SAREXNAMA 2021,” the search and rescue exercise focused on a disaster that could result from an air crash and create mass casualty incident which requires a coordinated response from critical stakeholders saddled with the responsibility of managing aviation emergencies.  The mock air crash search and rescue exercise involved an aircraft with registration No. ZYMMM from Abuja to Accra. The aircraft diverted to Lagos due to electrical problem, and on board were 38 souls including 4 crew. 15 survivors were rescued while 23 others were unaccounted for.

    Addressing participants at the end of the exercise, the convener of the exercise and Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu expressed delight for the huge turnout by different agencies and stakeholders. The NAMA boss however noted that several gaps were observed during the exercise especially in the areas of coordination and response to alert, even as he assured that the agency would work assiduously with relevant stakeholders in order to close the said gaps.

    Participants included all the aviation agencies, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Air Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Nigerian Red Cross, as well as Caverton Helicopters, among others.

    As specified by the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of ICAO Annex 12, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation Pt. 14 of 2005, NAMA Search and Rescue Manual and the National Disaster Response Plan by NEMA, in accordance with Act 12 of 1999 constitution,  the mock search and rescue operation is  being coordinated by NAMA annually in order to test the procedures and communication between NAMA and other agencies involved in search and rescue and their collaboration; ascertain the prompt response of NAMA facilities and personnel to an incident, ascertain the preparedness of other agencies involved in the exercise and their response to alert as well as verify the operability of the joint rescue coordination centre.

    The exercise also seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of all functional elements of NAMA Search and Rescue systems and their collaboration with other organizations within and outside the airport in the event of an emergency.

     

  • NAMA trains, certifies 24 new ATCOs

    NAMA trains, certifies 24 new ATCOs

    In a bid to boost capacity and efficiency of air traffic management in the country the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has obtained licenses for 24 newly recruited air traffic control officers from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after successfully undergoing the necessary training and examination on Aerodrome and Approach Control. The new air traffic controllers are currently being posted to strategic aerodromes in the country according to their need.

    In the same vein the agency has also recertified a total of 30 air traffic controllers in different categories air traffic control including Terminal Approach Radar, Area Procedural Control and Area Surveillance Control after passing the required proficiency/rating tests and certified mentally fit in line with Annex 1 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and part II of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR).

    Making this disclosure in a statement, the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu recalled that from year 2020 to date, the agency recertified a total of 194 air traffic controllers in addition to their periodic training and retraining, targeted at keeping them up to speed with latest skills and technology in air traffic management to ensure they remain competitive with their peers globally.

    The NAMA helmsman also revealed that in order to reduce delays and congestion in the nation’s airspace the agency has commenced the construction of Aerodrome and Approach Control simulator at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos as a pilot project to be replicated in Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.

    Akinkuotu who noted that the safety of the Nigerian airspace remained a cardinal goal of the agency also enjoined air traffic controllers to continue putting in their best in order to justify government’s huge investment in building critical infrastructure as well as capacity of personnel.

  • Digital innovations important to aviation ‘building back better’ from COVID-19- ICAO SG

    Digital innovations important to aviation ‘building back better’ from COVID-19- ICAO SG

    In her remarks today at the official opening of the final week of the Virtual World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2020, ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu underscored that information and communications technologies are critical to aviation’s role in global UN Sustainable Development Goal attainment, and to how air transport will build back better post-COVID-19. 

    “Increased air transport digitalization promotes critical efficiencies and capabilities which improve our sector’s capabilities as a catalyst for socio-economic and sustainability benefits,” Dr. Liu stated. “This is especially relevant given that ICAO-compliant air services and international connectivity are already improving global outcomes toward the achievement of 15 of the 17 SDGs.” 

    Summarizing the devastation COVID-19 is now wreaking on global air connectivity, Dr. Liu also strongly emphasized how digital capabilities will be critical to air transport’s post-pandemic recovery. 

    “Whether we are talking entirely new technologies, or new applications of existing technologies, digital, AR, and AI solutions are now at hand to permit us to pre-screen passengers and cargo more extensively than ever before, for both health and security risks, and with greater efficiency and less disruption,” Dr. Liu said. “They also provide the foundations for the next generation of autonomous aircraft, drones, and the transformations that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will lead to in terms of personal mobility, e-commerce, civilian and community services, and many other applications.” 

    Dr. Liu also reiterated that, with innovation and digitization set to play such an important role in how we restart and recover on a more sustainable path, and at an ever-increasing rate, ICAO is embracing it today as never before. 

    “We’re working to achieve greater flexibility, responsiveness, and efficiency where the assessment and rule-making on emerging technologies is concerned, and an important part of my message to you today is that you can count on us to be your committed and effective partner going forward in all things innovation related,” Dr. Liu commented. “We have a great deal we can accomplish together, and ICAO will continue to rely on the partnership and vision of the ITU as we progress together toward a greener, more sustainable, and more innovative digital future for coming generations.”

  • 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

  • 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.  

  • 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.

  • Women Aviators donate items to NAMA

    Women Aviators donate items to NAMA

    In a bid to contribute towards flattening the Coronavirus curve especially in the aviation sector, professional women aviators in the industry under the aegis of International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) in Nigeria have donated face masks and hand sanitizers to the Nigerian Airspace management Agency (NAMA).

    Speaking while presenting the items on behalf of IAWA at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos, NAMA Legal Adviser, Dr Anastasia Gbem said as working mothers who have put in several years in different areas of specialization, their intervention was inspired by the fact that the health of personnel in the aviation industry remained central to the growth and advancement of the industry itself.

    Gbem also noted that as a global organization of professional women advancing their  careers and promoting Nextgen professionals, “IAWA has a strong affiliation and has been networking with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Boeing and other critical stakeholders in the sector towards moving aviation forward.”   

    Receiving the items on behalf of the agency, Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu recalled that from the inception of aviation, the contribution of women in the sector had been legendary, stressing that over time, women had broken several barriers and made useful impacts and contributions which have remained invaluable to the growth and development of the industry. While appreciating the gesture on behalf of management, the NAMA boss assured that the items would be judiciously used for the benefit of staff in the different directorates and departments of the agency.

  • Captain Musa Nuhu assumes office as DG NCAA

    Captain Musa Nuhu assumes office as DG NCAA

    The new Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA,Captain Musa  Nuhu today formally took over as the substantive Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) the NCAA.
    The brief handover ceremony which was superintended by the Acting Director General, Captain Sidi Abdullahi was held at the Conference Room, Aviation House, Ikeja.

    He resumed office as the 7th Director General of the Authority following his appointment on 23rd October, 2019 and eventual confirmation by the Senate.
    While handing over, Captain Sidi Abdullahi urged staff to support the new DG in his drive to take the Authority to greater heights.

    In his response, the Captain Nuhu thanked the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in him, promising to work with the staff in realizing the Organisation’s mandate.

    He solicited new ideas and suggestions from staff aimed at making things work seamlessly.

    The DG NCAA, urged staff to brace up for the challenges ahead arising from COVID-19 pandemic.

    Top Management staff and his immediate successor to the Director General as Nigeria’s representative on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, Mr. Ben Tukur were attendance at the handover ceremony

  • Senate confirms Captain Musa Nuhu as DG NCAA

    Senate confirms Captain Musa Nuhu as DG NCAA

    The nomination of Captain Musa Nuhu as the new Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA as been confirmed by the senate today tuesday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded Captain Nuhu’s name on October 23rd 2019 to the Senate and read by the Senate president. 

    The confirmation followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Aviation, which screened Captain Nuhu.

    Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Senator Smart Adeyemi (Kogi West) said the nominee has the prerequisite knowledge and there was no petition against his nomination.

    Captain Musa Nuhu as the new Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation authority (NCAA) replaces Captain Muthar Usman, the erstwhile Director General of the Organization.

    Until his appointment, he was Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO), is an Airline Pilot, a Safety expert, a quality assurance Lead Auditor as well as an Artificial Intelligence expert.

    He holds an MSc Degree in Aviation business and was at the Presidential Air Fleet as a Captain and a safety officer. He also worked at various times at the defunct Nigeria Airways, Aero Contractors and Petrowest among other organizations.

    The new Director General was also the Chairperson Comprehensive Regional Aviation Safety Plan for Africa and Indian Ocean (AFI Plan) at the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, responsible for safety, air navigation, airports and Aviation Infrastructure development, an experience that is expected to be of great value to his new role as a regulator of the nation’s aviation industry.

  • Our navigation and landing aids remain serviceable- NAMA

    Our navigation and landing aids remain serviceable- NAMA

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has responded to a press release by the Nigerian Air Traffic Controller’s Association (NATCA) on the state of navigational infrastructure in the country whereby the group said the diversion on the 6th of January, 2020 of a British Airways London Heathrow – Lagos bound BA 075 flight to Accra was occasioned by the “degraded state of navigational and landing facilities due to lack of calibration.”

    According to the statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs of NAMA, Mr. Khalid Emele, “While we recognize and appreciate the right of our workers to clamour for better work tools and operational environment, the reality is that our navigational infrastructure nationwide is not in any state of degradation. Our navigational facilities are operating optimally but are awaiting flight calibration in line with NCAA and International Civil aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and world best practices.”

    The idea behind the installation of CAT III Instrument Landing System in strategic airports in the country was borne out of the need to enhance safety, efficiency, access and seamlessness of flight operations in our airspace especially during the harmattan season.

    The prevailing weather condition in Lagos of 1,500m is within the approved minimum state weather conditions for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) approach and landing on Runway 18 Right as well as Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach and landing on Runway 18 Left which is 400m.

    Nonetheless, the British Airways (BA) company requirement for approach and Landing on runway 18 Right using PBN is 1800m as against the prevailing visibility of 1500m. It should be noted that all other foreign operators including Emirates, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, etc landed on the same runway in similar weather conditions. It should also be noted that BA, despite the above diversion, BA has been operating into Lagos daily using the ILS CATII on Runway 18 Left with the same prevailing weather conditions. Therefore, these diversions are avoidable based on existing facilities.

    The newly installed CAT III ILS was implemented to forestall situations like this.

    As it stands, arrangements have been concluded for the commencement of flight calibration navigational facilities nation from the 16th of January, 2020.

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) therefore wishes to reassure all airspace users and the general public that the Nigerian airspace remains safe for air travel even as the agency is working assiduously towards continuously upgrading its navigational infrastructure in line with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.

  • Buhari approves appointment of New DG for NCAA

    Buhari approves appointment of New DG for NCAA

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Captain Musa Nuhu as the new Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation authority (NCAA). He replaces Captain Muthar Usman, the erstwhile Director General of the Organization.

    Capt. Nuhu who, until his appointment, was Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation organisation (ICAO), is an Airline Pilot, a Safety expert, a quality assurance Lead Auditor as well as an Artificial Intelligence expert.

    He holds an MSc Degree in Aviation business and was at the Presidential Air Fleet as a Captain and a safety officer. He also worked at various times at the defunct Nigeria Airways, Aero Contractors and Petrowest among other organisations.

    The new Director General was also the Chairperson Comprehensive Regional Aviation Safety Plan for Africa and Indian Ocean (AFI Plan) at the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, responsible for safety, air navigation, airports and Aviation Infrastructure development, an experience that is expected to be of great value to his new role as a regulator of the nation’s aviation industry..

    ….. In a related development, President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Engr.Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur as Nigeria’s new Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

    With over 24 years of work in the Aviation industry, Engr Ben-Tukur possesses extensive knowledge and experience in Aviation Safety and Quality Management Systems, as well as knowledge of ICAO Standard and Recommende Practices and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

    He was until his appointment a Technical Adviser to the Minister of Aviation.