Olateru Identifies Tools Needed To Aid AIB’s Investigation Mandate

The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N), Mr Akin Olateru has emphasised maximum cooperation, diligence, conscientiousness and professionalism as the essential tools needed to achieve the Bureau’s mandate of investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents.

Olateru made the declaration while addressing the Bureau’s staff across the country virtually from the corporate headquarters in Abuja.

Olateru whose reappointment as the Commissioner of the Bureau was recently approved by President Muhammadu Buhari through the recommendation of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, is expected to continue to run the Federal agency which was established to investigate aircraft accident and serious incident with the view to preventing the reoccurrence of such mishaps by making relevant recommendations on.

Speaking to the staff on the occasion, Olateru said “It has been an honour to work with you all over the last four years and I look forward to the next four years with great expectations for how much more we will achieve together.

“I invite you now to look back on the last four years, at the events, the challenges, our successes and aspirations and work with me to continue the path of innovation and strategic development. We must continue to deliver on our mandate with the highest standards of professionalism as we always have, and to continue to grow thereon.”

The Commissioner, however, assured that his administration will continue to innovate and establish the AIB-N even further, to align with the best in class globally, saying, “I plan to improve our infrastructure and equipment, strengthen our human capital, further simplify our processes, and eliminate bottlenecks in our procedures, making AIB a highly reputable institution.” Read more

IATA Announces Willie Walsh As New Director General

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a new director-general, Willie Walsh to officially take over the role of association’s DG from Alexandre de Juniac.

Walsh who was confirmed as IATA’s 8th Director General at the 76th IATA Annual General meeting on November 24, 2020, joined IATA after a 40-year career in the airline industry.

Speaking on his appointment, Walsh declared “I am grateful to Alexandre for leaving behind a strong organization and a motivated team. Together, the IATA team is absolutely focused on restoring the freedom of movement that airlines provide to billions of people around the world. That means your freedom to visit friends and family, to meet critical business partners, to secure and retain vital contracts, and to explore our wonderful planet.

“In normal times over four billion travellers depend on aviation each year and the distribution of vaccines has put the value of efficient air cargo in the spotlight. Airlines are committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable services. My goal is to ensure that IATA is a forceful voice supporting the success of global air transport.

“We will work with supporters and critics alike to deliver on our commitments to an environmentally sustainable airline industry. It’s my job to make sure that governments, which rely on the economic and social benefits our industry generates, also understand the policies we need to deliver those benefits,” Walsh concluded.

Walsh retired from the International Airlines Group (IAG) in September 2020 after serving as its CEO since its inception in 2011. Prior to that, he was CEO of British Airways (2005-2011) and CEO of Aer Lingus (2001-2005). He began his career in aviation at Aer Lingus in 1979 as a cadet pilot.

Nigeria: Despite Aviation Bailout, Passengers Groan Under Flight Delay, Fare Hike

Lagos — Despite the financial bailout given to airline operators by the federal government to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on airline operations, air passengers still groan under flight delay and hike in indiscriminate increase in air fare by operators.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had earlier disbursed N5 billion out of the N27 billion Aviation Intervention Fund, expected to rescue ailing airliners and reposition the aviation sector in the country.

But, the bailout is yet to bring succour to the passengers who groan under flight delay and pay ridiculous fare to move around the country.

However, stakeholders have noted that the limited number of aircraft in the fleet of airlines had pushed up demands for available seats, hence, necessitating the increase of air tickets and flight delay.

Also, the grounding of some airlines due to regulatory impasse have compounded the problem in the aviation sector.

For instance, on the northern routes, the absence of the major players – AZMAN Air and Medview Air – have reduced the number of carriers and aircrafts on that routes.

Similarly, despite many airliners such as, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Air Peace, DANA Air and other carriers on the Southern routes, the fares are still high.

A visit to the general aviation terminal of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), on Monday showed that passengers were stranded as flight were delayed due to limited airlines.

For instance, an Arik Air 10 am flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt was delayed as the aircraft was not on the ground to move passengers out of Lagos. Read more

Ethiopian Airlines To Recommence Operations To Enugu, Kano Airports

The Management of Ethiopian Airlines has assured its Nigerian passengers of its plans to return to Enugu and Kano Airports once the new terminals are officially declared open for operations.

Ethiopian Airlines has further declared that it was eager to provide Nigerian passengers with its traditional World Class Service in the most technically advanced Aircraft in the World.

The airline had on April 6th operated a Special Flight to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport as part of the gradual process of reopening the Airport.

While Ethiopian Airlines is the only International Airline that Operates to Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu since it was gazetted as an International Airport, it is also one of the  Airlines that operate into MAKIA in Kano.

Ethiopian has been Operating into Nigeria since 1960 and have stayed with Nigeria during good and difficult times.

When the Abuja Airport was closed for repairs two years ago, ET was the only International Airline that flew to the alternative Airport in Kaduna.

Emirates Skywards Announces Double Tier Miles Offer For Members

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has rolled out an exclusive offer to help members fast-track to a higher tier status.

Under the arrangement, members can automatically earn double Tier Miles on all Emirates and flydubai flights booked from 1st April until 30th June, for travel between April 1 and December 30, 2021.

To be eligible for the promotion, customers need to simply be existing Emirates Skywards members, or join as a new member before 30th June 2021.

Members can now move up tiers faster, and unlock an extensive range of benefits and rewards.

“The offer applies to any ticket, regardless of fare type, purchased on Emirates or flydubai during the offer period, helping members quickly to earn sufficient Tier Miles to bump up one tier status higher.

“For example, an Emirates Skywards Blue tier member can upgrade to an Emirates Skywards Silver tier member, and an Emirates Skywards Silver tier member can upgrade to an Emirates Skywards Gold tier member.”

While Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum, each Tier offers members unique privileges and advantages, including lounge access, priority boarding, dedicated check-in counters, complimentary seat-selection, and much more.

In addition to earning double Tier Miles, members will still be able to earn Skywards Miles on flights flown during the offer period just as Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including flight upgrades, hotel stays and money-can’t-buy experiences.

With more than 27 million members worldwide, Emirates Skywards said “it has continued to provide its members with rich value offerings, unmatched rewards, and innovative offerings.”