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Nigerian pilots back FG on proposed national carrier

By on August 15, 2015

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has thrown its weight behind government plan to establish a national carrier, saying when realised, it would lead to rapid growth of the industry, create jobs and boost the contribution of aviation to nation’s GDP.

The association condemned the liquidation of the Nigeria Airways (NAL), saying that the action had regressive effect on the growth of the industry. The also noted that if the national airline was not liquidated, Nigeria would not only have established modern maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility but would have been able to carry out D-checks on aircraft engines.

In a statement issued after the pronouncement of President Muhammadu Buhari on national carrier, NAAPE said there was unanimous agreement among industry stakeholders that the liquidation of Nigeria Airways was not done in good fate.

The statement, which was signed by NAAPE President, Issac Balami noted: “Everyone who has been in, or around, aviation for a while would easily agree that the ill-advised liquidation of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, is the evil wind that has bedeviled the industry till date.

“It was not a mere death of an airline. It was the demise of the only known airline superstructure in Nigeria – the best ensemble of airline professionals. It was the demise of Nigeria’s global standard aircraft maintenance system that had already attained B737 check D (highest maintenance procedure) in Nigeria by Nigerians. It was, therefore, the death of Nigeria’s dream to establish and operate an MRO soonest.”

NAAPE said the defunct national carrier was responsible for the production of well-trained aviation professionals – in piloting, engineering, marketing, cabin crew, dispatch, and every facet of aircraft operation, adding that its death also killed this noble endeavour.

“And since the forced liquidation of the Nigeria Airways, no Nigerian carrier has been able to go near its big shoes. None has even started to move in that direction. It is, therefore, with enthusiastic welcome that one receives the news of the directive of President Buhari to the Ministry of Aviation to expedite action on the establishment of a new national carrier which can now spearhead Nigeria’s deserved quest for global reckoning in aviation.”

The association also said it is expected that the new carrier would strive for mega carrier status which can compete at the global stage, noting that it was also expected that a full scale MRO would be part of the deal for the new carrier.

“It is however important to sound this note of caution. Any idea of engaging a foreign airline, or foreign MRO as technical partner should be banished. This is because no sane business person will encourage a viable competitor. Nor will such partners agree to terms that will grant advantage to the new carrier over their already vested interests in their home airlines.

“It is sincerely hoped that the Ministry of Aviation will be open and transparent in the process of setting up the new national carrier, and would allow participation by genuine industry stakeholders.

However, the President of Skyjet Aviation Services, Dr. Kashim Shetima called for caution, saying establishing a new national airline might not be in the interest of the country.

“In my own opinion, I think the President needs to be properly briefed with what the current situation is. He needs to hear the truth and nothing but the truth. There should be a stakeholders meeting with President where they he will meet face to face with the industry players such as unions, airline operators of Nigeria and so on.

“Does the President know the cost of running an airline now? Does he know that national carrier will have to be given subsidy from time to time? Why do we have to re-invent what happened to Nigeria Airways? The President needs to have the forensic audit of why Nigeria airlines are debt ridden before venturing into the business. I hope it is going to be business because aviation is nothing but a business. This might be a nightmare. In as much as this is a good dream, sentiment must not replace reality like what we have presently in Nigeria aviation,” Shetima said.

 

[ThisDay]