NAHCO GMD Seeks Single Digit Interest Loan For Ground Handling Companies

LAGOS – The Federal Government has been charged to grant single digit interest loans to the ground handling companies in the Nigerian aviation industry, just like the airline sub-sector.

This is as the National Assembly has promised to assist the private organisations in the aviation sector to grow by addressing the day-to-day challenges affecting their operations.

Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO aviance), who made the call during the visit of the Senate Committee on Privatisation at the headquarters of the ground handling company at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, on Monday, observed that the ground handling companies still assess loans at double digit interest rate.

She explained that this was affecting the operations of the ground handling companies in the sector, stressing that with single digit interest on loans, the ground handling companies would invest more resources on acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment.

She said: “We want government to look at waivers on duties for the ground handling companies; we can have tax incentives and tax relieves. 

“We are also looking at below 10 per cent interest loan, similar to what the airlines have in the aviation sector because we also buy our parts and equipment in foreign exchange. Read more

COVID-19: Minister Confirms ‘Travel Corridor’ Talks Ahead of Meeting on Ditching Quarantine for Fully Vaccinated US and EU Arrivals.

Currently, those arriving in the UK from amber list locations – which includes the US and much of the EU – must have had both doses of a coronavirus jab as part of the UK’s vaccination programme to avoid the requirement to self-isolate for 10 days.

Airlines are putting pressure on the government to exempt fully-vaccinated Americans and EU visitors from quarantine on their arrival to the UK.

Amid widespread reports ministers could announce such a move as early as Wednesday, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – as well as Heathrow Airport – have claimed a recent trial demonstrates how international travel can safely be opened up further.

They said a 10-day pilot scheme proved that the COVID vaccination status of travelers from amber list countries can be efficiently and accurately checked away from the border.

Currently, those arriving in the UK from amber list locations – which includes the US and much of the EU – must have had both doses of a coronavirus jab as part of the UK’s own vaccination programme to avoid the requirement to self-isolate for 10 days.

However, the government has committed to a review of international travel rules by the end of this month.

Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News on Wednesday morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said “no decision” has yet been made.

“I have to say no decision has been made. Ministers will be meeting to discuss, go through the data, but this was discussed between the president of the United States and the prime minister during the G7 so it should be no surprise if we are looking at ways at how we can facilitate travel but candidly. Read more

Source: Daily Independent, SkyNews UK