The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika says Nigeria is now awaiting final approval by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)as Nigeria Air is poised to take off on or before 29 May, adding that the infrastructure and staffers are ready…..CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING
He disclosed this in a press briefing at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday. The Aviation Minister insisted that Federal Government is taking all necessary measures to overcome the hurdles introduced by the indigenous airlines that went to court to stop the process.
The minister, however, said that the Muhammadu Buhari administration had supported local airlines more than all previous governments in the country
It could be recalled that a few weeks ago, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and five other plaintiffs sued the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over the alleged plan to issue Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Nigeria Air.
The plaintiffs, AON, Azman Air Services Limited, Air peace Limited, Max Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines, and TopBrass Aviation Limited, hakd warned the NCAA from relating with the minister of aviation, ministry of aviation, or their representatives on the issue, pending when the issue is determined by the court.
There have been allegations by the AON that the Federal Government had granted Ethiopian Airlines (ET) in its Commercial and Strategic Plan 15 years tax moratorium for it to partner with the government on Nigeria Air.
Sirika said the national carrier would create numerous jobs and better opportunities in the industry when fully established.
He said that the Nigerian aviation industry was the only one in the world where qualified pilots were without jobs, adding:
“About 50 pilots have come to me complaining about their unemployment status. The national carrier should be able to employ more pilots and create other job opportunities.
“Ethiopian Airlines, the offered bidder for the national carrier is highly competent and profitable enough to add value to the Nigerian aviation sector…..CONTINUE READING
