WorldStage Newsonline– Dana Air and Overland Airways Limited have assured that they would continue flight operations despite the statement issued by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) over the weekend that members would be suspending operations due to rising price of aviation fuel.
Dana Air in a statement said “Following the recent press statement issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), it has become necessary for us to take a stand in the overall interest of our guests, corporate partners, staff and the industry at large.
“While Dana Air agrees with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on all the challenges facing domestic airlines in Nigeria and have on many occasions actively participated in the collective and ongoing engagement of relevant authorities on the urgent need to tackle the many issues domestic airlines have been grappling with which includes the skyrocketing cost of Jet A1, we have taken a decision not to join the suspension of flights on May 9, 2022.
“We acknowledge that the present cost of jet A1 is unsustainable and should not be passed to the flying public, we therefore call on the government to act urgently to resolve these unending operational challenges while Dana Air will continue to support every effort by the AON to achieve a quick and peaceful resolution in the interest of our dear country Nigeria.
“We appreciate and thank our customers once again for choosing to fly with us.”
Similarly, Overland in a statement acknowledged the existential threat that these runaway fuel price increases pose for the Air transport industry in Nigeria, but said “we do not believe that Airlines volunteering to stop operations is the solution.
“Overland Airways has Commercial and Legal obligations to customers, financiers and staff, promise of which must be honoured.
“Overland Airways believes it is the responsibility of Government to address the inequity behind the Aviation fuel supply chain and we join the AON to call on Government urgent action as a duty of State.
“Overland Airways will continue to provide full service to its customers and general public with normal operations on Monday 09 May 2022 and beyond.
“The above notwithstanding, we identify very strongly with our AON and will participate actively in every dialogue to resolve this national emergency as soon as possible in the interest of our country.
“We thank our customers and the general public for their continued patronage.”
