*As Max Air, Arik Air, Aero contractor back out
WorldStage Newsonline– Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called off its planned withdrawal of services over astronomical rise in aviation fuel.
Astatement jointly signed by the operators and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday said they would start fresh round of dialogue with government with the hope of reaching an amicable and lasting solution.
The statement read, “Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JET A1.
“That the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.
“We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.
“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”
This includes Alhaji Shehu Wada, Executive Director, Max Air; Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines; Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, CEO, Arik Air; Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, CEO, Aero Contractors; Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf, MD, Azman Air and Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace.
Max Air
Max Air Ltd. Said it will resume flight operations from Monday as it suspended all flights cancellations for 48 hours.
“Further to our earlier release and on-going engagement with stakeholders, we have agreed to await outcome of various interventions for further 48 hours.
“In view of this, our flights will resume to all destinations on Monday, May 9.
“We believe that these interventions will yield positive results before the expiration of the 48 hours.
“We sincerely hope that issues bordering on the hike in the price of aviation fuel will be addressed conclusively,’’ it said in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The airline expressed optimism that issues bordering on the hike in aviation fuel price would be addressed conclusively before Tuesday.
Arik Air, Aero contractor back out
The management of Arik Air Limited (In Receivership) and Aero Contractors (In Receivership) said that both airlines will be operating all their scheduled flights on Monday, May 9, 2022.
The joint statement reads: “Both managements fully identify with and endorse the efforts of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to bring about a conducive operating environment for Nigerian carriers as the current price of JET A1 is unsustainable and could result in the untimely demise of most airlines.
“However, we have assurances that the government is looking at the issues raised by the AON and will come up with a decision that will be in the best interest of the industry and the traveling public.
” Passengers who are booked to travel on both Arik and Air Aero Contractors tomorrow and beyond should proceed to their airports of departure to board,” the statement added.
Ibom Air had earlier countered the position of AON to suspend flight operations saying that it will continue normal operations on May 9.
According to a statement issued by the airline’s management, su
“Ibom Air acknowledges the existential threat that these runway fuel price increases pose for air transport industry in Nigeria.
”However, every airline has its unique business model and pressures,” the statement said.
