Travel & Business News

L-R: Dir. of Transport, NCAA, Capt. A M Sidi, DG, NIMET, Dr Athony Anuforom, Ag. NAMA MD, Engr. Emma Anasi and Military Airport Commandant, MMIA, Wing. Cmdr Imoke Emeng Imoke at the AIS Automation forum, NAMA headqurters, Lagos recently. Ahead of the December 2016 expected completion of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) Automation in 11 locations, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has solicited the co-operation of data originators and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth takeoff of the project and also enhance its sustainability. Speaking at the AIS Automation stakeholders’ forum which held at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos, the Ag. Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Emma Anasi noted that all the key agencies or data originators including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), National

(L-R) MR. OHIS EHIMIAGHE, REGIONAL MANAGER - WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA, SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS; MR. OLADIPUPO EPEMOLU, WINNER, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CATEGORY, 7TH NATIONAL TRAVEL ESSAY COMPETITION (NTEC 2015/2016); MRS. KEMI LEKE-BAMTEFA, HEAD, SALES & MARKETING, SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS; AND MR. EWOS IRORO, EDITOR, TRAVEL & BUSINESS NEWS, ORGANISERS OF THE COMPETITION. In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility policy of identifying with and supporting young Nigerian talents, South African Airways (SAA) has once again left its mark in the sands of time by sponsoring the Winner of the Tertiary Institutions Category of the 7 th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2015/2016) with a free return ticket to South Africa. Mr. Oladipupo Epemolu, a third year Business Administration Student of the University of Lagos (Unilag) emerged as winner of the contest following a keenly contested written and oral assessment before a select Panel of Independent Assessors drawn from v

Engr. Emmanuel Anasi, Acting MD, NAMA Come November 2016, the  Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) will commence training of 379 of its staff at the Administrate Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Badagry. The Acting Managing Director of the Agency, Engr. Emmanuel Anasi, disclosed this in Jos, Plateau State during the 45th Annual General Meeting of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). He said, the agency has also concluded plans to apply for N20 million for the National Health Insurance Scheme. According to Anasi, who was represented at the event by the director of human resource Mr. Uwem Akangson, NAMA will ensure improvement in the payment of severance benefits and past service rights to retired staff and engagement of contracts. He appealed to the Air Traffic controllers to always appreciate and accommodate other stakeholders in the industry as they all work for the same system. While explaining that the entire air traffic control work in the

Boeing projects air cargo traffic will grow at an annual rate of 4.2 percent over the next 20 years, with 930 new and 1,440 converted freighters needed to meet market demand by 2035. The company released its biennial World Air Cargo Forecast at TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association) Air Cargo Forum and Exhibition in  Paris on October 26, 2016 . "The air cargo market has faced several years of below trend growth," said  Randy Tinseth , vice president, Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As trade continues to recover, we're confident the air cargo market will see growth over the long-term." Boeing projects the e-commerce market will be one of the primary factors driving that growth, reaching  $3.6 trillion  by 2020. Additionally,  China's  express market keeps expanding, with a five-year growth rate of 55 percent in volume and 39 percent in revenue. The forecast shows markets linked to  Asia  will lead all other international mar

In an effort to support its fleet expansion plans, UPS has announced an order for 14 Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The deal also includes an option to purchase an additional 14 of the cargo airplanes.   Brendan Canavan, president, UPS Airlines, said: “These aircraft are a strategic investment for increased capacity for UPS customers around the globe,” adding that; “The 747-8 will allow UPS to upsize our network in both new and existing markets.” The B747-8 Freighter is the world’s most efficient freighter, providing cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter on the market. With its iconic nose door, the airplane has 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than the B747-400F. The airplane also reduces the noise footprint around an airport by 30 percent compared to its predecessor. "UPS could not have selected a better aircraft to meet its growing business needs," said Brad McMullen, vice president, Sales, North America and Leasing,

Ambassador Mike Ononaiye, Patron, NTEC (Middle) and Mr. Ewos Iroro , Founder, NTEC (1st Left) in a group picture with the top ten winners in the Secondary Schools Category, NTEC 2015/2016. Ambassador Mike Ononaiye, Patron, NTEC addressing the students The 6th Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar and Grand Finale of the 7th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2015/2016) held at the Training Centre of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos on July 16, 2016. The novel event which is aimed at Raising Future Aviation Professionals had as its theme: Choosing An Exciting Career: Why Aviation? Ambassador Mike Ononaiye, former Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal and Nigerian Representative to the United Nations (UN) was Chairman of the occasion. He gave the charge of the day calling on the students to be focused in life and work hard to deliver on their visions and dreams for the future while ensuring t

The Grand Finale of the 7th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2015/2016) and 6th Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar is scheduled to hold on Saturday July 16, 2016 at the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by 9am. Highlights of the event include: 1. Career Talk and Seminar 2. Grand Prize Contest for NTEC 2015/2016   3. Offer of Training Scholarships 4. Dance Presentation and Exhibition 5. Raffle Draw This event is open to young Nigerians of all ages, industry practitioners and enthusiasts as well as the general public. 

The Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Emma Anasi, has expressed determination of the agency to ensure a speedy completion of the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Automation project. Anasi, who was represented by the General Manager, Safety Management Services, Mr. Mathew Pwajok at this year’s Worlds AIS Day Celebration at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Annex, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, revealed that the first phase of automation process shall become fully operational at eleven (11) stations nationwide by the third quarter of 2016. He noted that in spite of initial challenges traceable to lack of funding and other technicalities, the project is back on course. Furthermore, Anasi stressed that AIS is the “live-wire of any air navigation system, as it ensures the safety, efficiency and regularity of air navigation through the exchange of accurate, timely and reliable information to airspace users, h

(L-R) IATA Account Specialist, Christine Charlie, Ag. NAMA MD, Engr. Emma Anasi, Director, Enhancement & Fin. Services, IATA, Manfred Blondeel and IATA Area Manager (South West Africa), Samson Fatokun during a visit of IATA team to NAMA Headquarters in Lagos recently The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has further registered its commitment to work closely with key industry players in its bid to promote air transport safety, security and efficiency by paying a courtesy visit to the Management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The IATA team which comprised of  IATA Account Specialist, Christine Charlie, Director, Enhancement & Financial Services, IATA, Manfred Blondeel and IATA Area Manager (South West Africa), Samson Fatokun  were warmly received by the Acting managing Director of the Agency, Engr. Emmanuel Anasi.    

Mr. Aderemi M. Makanjuola (M), Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc opening the 7th Annual General Meeting of the Company; Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, Chief Executive Officer (R); and Ms. Amaka Obiora, Company Secretary (L) at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos. Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, Nigeria’s fully indigenous Marine and Helicopter services operator in the oil and gas sector of the economy held its Seventh Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 11, 2016 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. Presenting the Company’s operational and financial performance for the year 2015, the Chairman of the Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola explained that; “Due to the challenges faced in 2015, we had a slowdown in activities in both our marine and aircraft operations, which led to a significant reduction in our growth revenue to N23.2 Billion from N24.9 Billion in 2014,” adding that, “The Company’s Profit After Tax at the 2015-year

A cross-section of guests at the 2015 World AIS Day The Aeronautical Information Services Association of Nigeria (AISAN) has reiterated the need for constant training and retraining of AIS personnel for a successful transition from Aeronautical Information System to Aeronautical Information Management (AIM). The President of AISAN, Mr. Babatunde Shittu, who highlighted this while heralding the celebration of the 2016 World AIS Day celebration said, there was a growing need for the proper integration of man and machine including training for effective operation in a seamless environment of zero tolerance for delays in safety critical aeronautical information dissemination as a mandatory requi rement. According to Mr. Shittu, the first stage of the AIS automation project was at its completing stage hence the this year's celebration will be used to sensitize its members. The service was created on 15th May, 1953 as an array of services rendered to Pilots and other rele

(L - R) Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, Chief Operating Officer, NHV, Oostende, Belgium, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas ltd and former Minister of Interior,  Regis Magnac, Vice President and Head of Operational Marketing, Airbus Helicopters, Jimmy Ini Commercial Manager of Atlantic Aviation and Shaf Syed, Managing Director of Atlantic Aviation. Airbus Helicopters recently conducted a series of demonstration flights as part of efforts to introduce its H175 Helicopter to the Nigerian Business Aviation and Oil and Gas market. The H175, which is configured for sixteen passengers in an oil and Gas outlay, combines performance with versatility.   Speaking at an unveiling reception of the new product at Evergreen Aviation of Nigeria (EAN) Hangar, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), the Vice President, Head of Operational Marketing, Regis Magnac said that the helicopter is well placed for the oil and gas industry, and can fit seamlessly into Search and

On Friday April 15, 2016, American Airlines treated passengers on its Flight 90 from Chicago to London Heathrow were treated to a surprise farewell celebration with gifts and a commemorative photo album as the airline flagged off activities to commemorate its 90th anniversary. The carrier’s staff around the world also joined in the excitement with festivities at various airports, while broadcasting the main events broadcast on social media with the word #HBDAmerican. American Airline’s history began on April 15, 1926 when Charles Lindbergh, Chief Pilot of Robertson Aircraft Corporation, loaded a bag of mail in his DH-4 biplane and took off from Chicago to St. Louis.  Ninety years after, Robertson is counted as one of the many airlines that would eventually metamorphose into what is now the world’s largest carrier. Since that first flight embarked on by Lindbergh the airline’s history as a pioneer has continued. American was the first airline to introduce non-stop transcontinen

Emirates Airlines has announced that it had placed an order with Airbus for two additional brand new A380s. The aircraft are due for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2017. The carrier currently operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s, with 75 in service and a further 65 on firm order. These two more two orders, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, will bring the airline’s total order of A380s to an impressive 142 aircraft. Sir Tim Clark, Emirates’ President, said the airline was retiring 30 older aircraft from the fleet between now and the end of next year. “At the same time, to meet our growth expectations, we will receive delivery of 24 new Boeing 777s and 33 new A380s including these two additional A380s just ordered,” adding that; “This is in line with our strategy to operate a modern and efficient fleet and offer the best possible experience for our customers.” Meanwhile, the carrier plans to introduce Prague, Taipei and Vienna to its A380 destinations.

Ethiopian Airlines B787 - Courtesy: wikipedia.org Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it will commence three weekly flights to New York-Newark from its hub in Addis Ababa effective July 3, 2016 via Lomé, Togo. The airline said it will commission the B787 Dreamliner on this route, which not only offers unparalleled onboard comfort to passengers, but is also the world’s most environmentally friendly aircraft with its lower carbon and noise emissions. The aircraft is configured with 24 Business and 246 Economy Class seats, all of which are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual in-flight entertainment consoles. The thrice weekly service will allow passengers connect between New York-Newark and many cities throughout Africa. Passengers out of Lomé will enjoy seamless connections to/from points in West Africa with ASKY, Ethiopian’s partner airline based in the country. Connections will be available to/from Abidjan, Bamako, Bissau, Brazzaville, Conakry, Dakar, Douala, Kinshas

British Airways (BA) has increased its seat capacity on the London – Nairobi route to 784 seats weekly for the summer season. The airline has commissioned a Boeing 747-400 on the route to that effect. BA said the decision was a reflection of growth in sales and the rising demand for services to Kenya from the United Kingdom. The B747 flights will be operated effective July 1 to October 29, 2016, offering a total of 11,200 seats into Nairobi this summer. The airline also disclosed that it will revert to its original B777 service on the route at the end of the season on October 30, 2016. “We have always said we would add capacity if the opportunity arose. It has and we’ve seized it. The additional capacity and the fact we offer an overnight schedule should be good news for business travellers as well as those on leisure trips. Morning arrivals in London mean you don’t waste any time on your business trip or holiday and the schedule also allows for convenient transfer times to onward

Africa World Airlines (AWA) secured the International Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on March 16, 2016 following an intensive and rigorous process. The certificate was presented by Mr. Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President for Africa, IATA to Mr. Samuel Thompson, Chief Operations Officer of the airline in Accra, Ghana. In the light of this achievement, the airline recently embarked on a courtesy visit to the Ghana Civil Aviation Aut hority (GCAA) to officially present its certificate to the regulatory authority. “By this certification, AWA became listed as an IOSA registered airline with IATA valid from May 1, 2015 to May 1, 2017. With the IOSA certification, customers can have comfort knowing that an IOSA registered airline does comply with the stringent standards and practices governing aviation safety. The IOSA registration also opens doors for alliances and parternership with other IOSA registered airlines. It al

Essex Industries has announced that Isreali carrier, EL AL has selected its Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE) for use on the airline’s new 787 aircraft. The Essex PBE is designed to provide crew members with ocular, head and respiratory protection during emergency conditions in an aircraft cabin. A minimum of 15 minutes of protection is provided to the wearer, as aviator’s grade oxygen is released into the unit.  Its unique design provides 270° of visibility and eliminates the need for an oral/nasal mask so that crew members can communicate while wearing the unit. The PBE holds FAA TSO-C116 and TSO-C99 approvals as well as CAA, EASA, CAAC and ANAC approvals.  Recognized for their safe design, Essex PBE units are installed in the majority of U.S. airlines and a number of carriers throughout the world. Established in 1948 as the national airline of Israel, EL AL has become a prestigious international carrier, ranked by IATA as one of the most efficient airlines in the world. 

Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming Chief Executive Officer Delta Air Line has announced a $1.56 billion profit for the first quarter 2016. The financial result is an increase of $966 million compared to the same period in 2015. The airline posted an adjusted net income of $1.0 billion or $1.32 per diluted share. Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming Chief Executive Officer, said; “We have started 2016 with tremendous momentum, generating over $1.5 billion in adjusted pre-tax income, delivering industry-leading operations including 49 days of perfect mainline completion factor for our customers, and reaching our goal of becoming an investment grade company.  With these results, the Delta people have proven again that they are the very best in the industry.” He assured further that: “We will continue to be disciplined with our business in the face of volatile fuel prices, strengthen our foundation, and prove our position as the airline that consistently delivers top results for our employees,

(R - L) Mr. Ikechi Uko, Director of Administration, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Mrs. Victoria Adegbe,   Licensed Aircraft Dispatcher and Ground Instructor with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and Capt. Data Tarfa, Presidential Air Fleet/Former Fleet Captain, Nigeria Airways Limited. A Licensed Aircraft Dispatcher and Ground Instructor with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Mrs. Victoria Adegbe, has called on the Federal Government and industry stakeholders to accord more respect and awareness for the job of aircraft dispatch as a key profession in the sector that plays a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of any flight. Speaking at the official launch of the book titled; “Dispatch Made Easy: An Aircraft Dispatch Handbook,” which she authored, Mrs. Adegbe noted that unknown to so many, the Dispatcher is the one who essentially plans