Air Nigeria Flights Suspended from Operation Nationwide

Yesterday, all flights of Air Nigeria nationwide have been suspended from Operation by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE for sacking its Head of Maintenance Department, Mr. James Erigba.

President of NAAPE, Mr. Balami David, said Erigba was sacked because he insisted that a particular aircraft was due for maintenance and should, therefore, go for maintenance. The management of the airline, however, tried to go ahead by insisting that the said aircraft should still carry out flight operations.

According to him, “Mr. James Erigba insisted that the aircraft must be in the hanger but the CEO, Mr. Kinfe Kahssaye or management was trying to look for a way to go ahead and risk the situation which is not acceptable to us. He insisted that the aircraft must go for maintenance but the CEO or management is trying to look for a way to cut corner which is not allowed.”

Balami said the management of Air Nigeria was toying with safety of passengers which was not acceptable in the aviation industry, noting that if safety was compromised many lives could be lost as accident was bound to happen in such situation.

He said: “They have 11 aircraft in all but only seven are air worthy but they want to fly 10 aircraft to include three aircraft that are not serviceable. So the engineers were against it and because of that they fired the Head of Maintenance, Mr. James Erigba.”

Spokesman for the airline, Mr. Sam Ogbogoro, said: “This dispute came about today as a result of a management change within the airline’s maintenance department, which did not result in anyone losing his job.”

“We regret the inconveniences this recent dispute has caused our passengers and wish to assure that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. In order to minimise the inconveniences, we have set up a refund process for passengers wishing to seek alternative arrangements for their travels.

“We would also like to assure our valued customers and the general public that at no point is the safety of passengers and crew compromised in the execution of the airline’s operations. The airline’s management has, however, expressed its willingness to discuss the issues raised by NAAPE, and it is expected that operations will resume soon. “

2 Comments

1. 

   Anonymous

   November 16, 2011 at 7:37 am

   Why cant we do the right thing once and for all irrespective of gains attached.Imaging substitute life for cash….NIGER.will the CEO, Mr. Kinfe Kahssaye or management of Air Nigeria allow any of their relatives to board those planes that are due for maintenance?then why allow others to perish because of money…….God help us.
2. 

   Anonymous

   November 17, 2011 at 12:42 am

   Thanks to all the staff that stood by the safety of the people,may God continue to bless u guys….they should