All Posts in "Aviation"

Uganda Airlines wins World’s youngest aircraft fleet 2022 Award

By admin

 

For operating the world’s youngest aircraft fleet for the second year in a row, Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines, boasting of an average aircraft age of only 1,95 years, has been named the winner of the “ch-aviation World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2022.

For the first time, ch-aviation has also recognized aircraft leasing companies with the ‘world’s youngest aircraft portfolio award 2022’.

The aircraft leasing company managing fleet is CMB Financial Leasing, with an average age of 3,91 years.

The ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award was conceived to honour Airlines and Aircraft Leasing companies worldwide who maintain young and efficient aircraft. “Keeping a modern fleet and portfolio by using new generations of aircraft contributes significantly to the decrease of CO2 within the aviation industry and helps achieve better fuel efficiency. This represents a huge step forward for sustainability, and ch-aviation has decided to give them the recognition they deserve.

The ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award recognises Airlines and Aircraft Leasing companies worldwide that operate young fleets and manage young portfolios, respectively. The efficient newer aircraft generations are vital for lowering CO2 emissions and making flying more environmentally friendly, and we commend the winners for their effort. It is essential to say that this award is entirely based on non-manipulable fleet data. There is no jury or any other subjective parameter involved.

 

Patoma Admin by — February 3, 2022 in Aviation 0
FAAN to expand General Aviation Terminal in Lagos

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

As part of efforts to improve on infrastructure and service delivery at the General Aviation Terminal, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to expand the Zulu wing of the terminal.

The expansion project, which will commence any moment from now, will only hamper passenger facilitation minimally at the terminal, as normal passenger check-in will not be affected in any way.

However, FAAN in a statement said the Protocol and VIP lounge at the terminal will be affected, as the facilities will be relocated temporarily till the end of the project, since major construction works will be carried out in that axis of the terminal.

Meanwhile, the Authority is already making arrangements for temporary spaces to be used as Protocol and VIP lounges, while the project is being executed.

When the expansion project is completed, the terminal would have been enhanced in terms of capacity, aesthetics and passenger comfort, as the expected and expanded new lounges will be twice what is presently on ground.

The Authority will like to appeal to passengers and other airport users to please be patient and bear with us for any inconvenience, while the project will last.

We will continue to give more updates on the project, as the need arises.

Patoma Admin by — January 28, 2022 in Aviation 0
Man Stows Away On Cargolux Boeing 747 Wheel From South Africa

A stowaway was discovered in the front landing gear compartment of a Boeing 747-400 on January 23rd.

The discovery was made in Amsterdam aboard a Cargolux freighter which had originated in Johannesburg, South Africa.

With an additional stop in Nairobi, Kenya, this perilous journey would have taken nearly 12 hours to complete- assuming the man boarded in South Africa.

Flight details

On January 22nd, a Cargolux Italia Boeing 747-400F took off from Johannesburg for Nairobi at 19:30 local time operating flight CV7156. The stop in the Kenyan capital would be short, as the freighter’s ultimate destination was Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The aircraft was registered LX-YCV bearing the nickname ‘Monte Rosa.’
The first leg of the flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi would take nearly four hours and touch down at its first stop at 00:17 on January 23rd. The aircraft would spend four hours on the ground here, loading and unloading its payload as necessary.

Then, at 04:16, the jumbo jet would depart for Amsterdam. With a flight duration of just over eight hours, the aircraft would touch down at Schiphol airport at 10:22 local time. It was here in the Dutch capital that authorities discovered the stowaway
Stowaway discovered in the landing gear compartment

According to the BBC, a stowaway was found alive in the nose wheel section of the 747. Royal Dutch Military Police note that the man was taken to hospital in stable condition.

“The man was found alive in the nose wheel section of the plane and was taken to hospital in a stable condition…This is definitely very unusual that someone was able to survive the cold at such a height – very, very unusual.” Royal Dutch Military Police spokeswoman Joanna Helmonds told media.

Indeed, even if the stowaway boarded in Kenya, eight hours at cruising altitude without a heated and pressurized cabin presents extreme life-threatening conditions. At this point, we don’t know if the individual boarded in Johannesburg or Nairobi, with authorities noting that the man’s age and nationality had not yet been determined.

With the man’s body temperature raised at the scene (Schihol airport), he was then taken to hospital by ambulance. Sources also note that he was able to answer basic questions.

Reuters reports that a Cargolux spokesperson has confirmed via email that the stowaway had been on a flight operated by Cargolux Italia. “We are not in a position to make any further comment until the authorities and the airline have completed their investigation,” the airline said to the news agency. Simple Flying has reached out to Cargolux requesting a statement regarding additional information. However, at the time of this article’s publication, no response has been received.

While the stowaway in this incident survived, this may not always be the case, as Simple Flying has reported in recent months.

Patoma Admin by — January 25, 2022 in Aviation 0
Nigeria is ready for ICAO safety audit – NCAA

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu yesterday said the country is ready and prepared for the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), audit slated for the first quarter of this year.
Captain Nuhu said this while refuting a publication by a media house that Nigeria is not prepared for the audit.

According to him, the media report is a misrepresentation of the audit facts.
He said “ICAO Annex 9 is on facilitation, while Annex 17 contains Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) concerned with the security of international air transport and is amended regularly to address the evolving threat.”

He added that the coming audit is an activity during which ICAO assesses the effective implementation of the critical elements (CEs) of a safety oversight system and ” conducts a systematic and objective review of a State’s safety oversight system to verify the status of a its compliance with the provisions of ICAO Convention.”

He further explained that security had its own separate audit, stressing that Nigeria performed well in the last security audit conducted in the sector by ICAO. Nigeria Scored 96.4 per cent and the country received ICAO Council President Award Certificate for its performance.

Captain Nuhu said: ‘NCAA will step up its oversight function and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure continued improvement in aviation security and facilitation.

Security Audit is different from safety audit. What we are doing now is quite different from security audit and it’s not related to facilitation. I understand facilitation is good for passengers, but, it has nothing to do with the current audit.”

“The last security audit we had, Nigeria scored 96.4 per cent and because of this performance, Nigeria received ICAO Council President Award Certificate for its performance. Yes, I accept we have some challenges in the industry, just like in the other countries around the world”.

” However, to say Nigeria is not ready for audit is a misnomer. Someone is saying we are not ready for two issues that are not part of the forthcoming audit. I think that is wrong.”

Recall Nuhu had declared last week at the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) annual training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria that the country was full prepared for the audit.

According to him, NCAA was on top of its game to ensure a successful outing for the Nigeria in the ICAO audit.
He also said NCAA proactive approach and robust regulations had led to the “over eight years of zero accident in commercial flight operation in Nigeria”.

Patoma Admin by — January 17, 2022 in Aviation 0
FAAN hands airports touts to Police

By Favour Nnabugwu

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested over 90 persons, caught at both the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for touting and carrying out nefarious activities at the airports

The touts were arrested for various acts of illegality including Fake Covid-19 test results,Touting, Unauthorised entry, Trespass, Illegal Facilitation, Forgery, Loitering, Theft, Public nuisance & arguments, amongst others.

In a statement By Mrs Henrienta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN said some of those arrested are staff of Patovilki Nigeria Limited, Lakewood Services, Nahco Plc, and other airport staff.

Of the total arrested, 59 were handed over to the airport police command in Abuja for prosecution, while 30 were handed over to the police force in Lagos for same.

FAAN will like to use this opportunity to warn those that do not have any legitimate business at the airports, as well as airport staff carrying out illegal duties to desist from such acts, as the Authority will not hesitate to arrest and hand over such individuals for prosecution.

Patoma Admin by — January 10, 2022 in Aviation 0
NCAA reinstates Emirates 21 weekly flight slots, confirms Air Peace 7 slotd

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The federal government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday reinstated the weekly 21 flight slots earlier approved for Emirates airline.

The reinstatement came after NCAA confirmed that the Dubai airport authority actually approved 7 flight slot weekly for Nigeria Air Peace airline.

The Director General, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu in a letter dated yesterday, December 21, 2021and copied to Nigeria Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, Director General of General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Dubai, UAE and addressed to the country manager of Emirates airline, stated that the approval was given in the wake of consultations with stakeholders and the letter from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority with reference number DCAA/ASA/N-3.016 dated 17 December, 2021 offering Air Peace airline daily slots at Dubai Airport.

Captain Nuhu said : ”Following further consultations with various stakeholders and the letter from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority with reference number DCAA/ASA/N-3.016 dated 17 December, 2021 offering Air Peace airline daily slots at Dubai Airport, I wish to inform you of the reinstatement of the ministerial approval of Emirates Airline Winter schedule.”

“This approval is predicated on the compliance with the Dubai Travel Protocol as released by Dubai airport on Friday 26 November, 2021 as it affects passengers travelling from Nigeria to UAE. Please be guided accordingly”, the letter added.
Recall the Dubai authority last week sent a letter to Nigeria Air Peace airline granting them permission and 7 slots into the Dubai airport after refusing the airline the initial 3 slots into Sharjah it requested for.

The NCAA had hinted that the Ministry of foreign affairs was in the process of verifying the letter sent to Air Peace before any action could be taken about resumption of flights between the two countries . It had also promised that once confirmation is done, Nigeria will reach a decision on flight resumption.

Flights between Nigeria and Dubai had been suspended since March following Dubai discriminatory covid-19 protocol.

Patoma Admin by — December 21, 2021 in Aviation 0
NiMet alerts on poor visibility in North, other States

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

NIGERIAN Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has cautioned Nigerians on possibility of poor visibility in the coming days.

According to a release by the Agency’s Central Forecast Office on Tuesday, the development is as a result of fresh dust plumes raised at the dust source region (Faya Largeau in Chad Republic).

This, according to the statement is expected to advect into the country and reduce horizontal visibility.

“Dust haze conditions are expected to intensify before the end of the day over most of the Northern cities, horizontal visibility should further deteriorate from 0600 local time of 15th December 2021; as thick dust haze should be observed over some of the Northern cities keeping visibilities to 1000m and below over places like Maiduguri, Yobe Nguru, Potiskum, Dutse, Gombe, Yola, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna.”

NiMet therefore warns that flight operations may be disrupted and airline operators are advised to pick up their flight folders and adhere to regulations, especially at aerodromes in the Northern parts of the country while road users should exert caution while driving along areas with poor visibility during this period and people with respiratory problems should take caution.

Meanwhile, in its High Temperature Outlook, NiMet warns that High-temperature between 35°C and 40°C is expected over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara in the northwest. Similarly, in the northeast, temperature greater than 35°C and less than 40°C is expected over parts of Taraba, and Adamawa.

In the north-central, parts of Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Plateau are also expected to experience 35°C and less than 40°C.

Areas in the south that are expected to record the same temperature range (35°C and less than 40°C) include parts of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Cross River.

The Agency therefore advised Nigerians to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, avoid leaving humans or animals in the car, especially young children.

It also advised that people should stay in the shade such as under trees if you have to wait outside, Wear light and bright clothing, avoid wearing dark colors.

Patoma Admin by — December 16, 2021 in Aviation 0
NCAA warns airlines to comply with newly revised covid-19 travel protocols, threatens $3,500 fine, ban

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ,NCAA, has warned airlines operating into the country to adhere strictly to the newly revised COVID-19 Provisional Quarantine protocols.

This is just as the regulator has imposed a fine of $3,500 dollars per passenger for non-compliance with the new requirements and outright ban of airline that consistently flout the new travel rules.

Issuing the warning in an All Operators Letter(AOL) with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/16/327 dated December 3rd, 2021 , addressed to all accountable managers and signed by the Director-General NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, reminded all airlines that protocols for international flight operations and quarantine protocols for travellers arriving Nigeria issued on July 1, 2021still subsists.

Captain Nuhu also said in the revised protocols that for, ”Inbound passengers: Airlines are only to board passengers travelling to Nigeria who are in possession of a paid permit to travel with a QR Code and a result of a negative COVID-19 test done not later than 48 hours from the time of boarding.

“For any inbound passenger who is unable to either make payment for his/her repeat PCR test(s) or generate a paid permit to travel via the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP), airlines are to send an email to directorporthealthfmoh@gmail.com and copy travelportal@ncdc.gov.ng. ictservicedesk@ncdc.gov.ng, ilfred.haggai@ncaa.gov.gn for necessary assistance”.

“For outbound passengers, Airlines are only to board passengers out of Nigeria with evidence of either full vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test done at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) accredited laboratories not later than 48hours from time of boarding.”

The regulator also warned that violation of the above travel directives will cost the airline $3500 for any individual passenger or earn them a ban from flying into Nigeria.

” Non-compliance to these pre-boarding requirements by any airline will attract a penalty of $3,500 per passenger. Airlines who consistently fail to comply with these requirements may be banned from coming to Nigeria,” Captain Nuhu warned.

Patoma Admin by — December 7, 2021 in Aviation 0
FG finally gives approval to Anambra airport to operate visual flights

By Favour Nnabugwu
The Federal government has finally granted approval to Anambra International Cargo Airport, Umueri to commerce the operation of visual, that is, day time flight.
 In a letter by the Director-General, iNgerian Civil Aviation Authority , NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu dated December 1, 2021, entitled, ‘Approval for opening Anambra International Cargo Airport”, and addressed to the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano , the regulator said approval has now been given after getting favourable security reports that the airport can now operate flights.
Nuhu said ” NCAA’s initial response not to approve the airport for flight operations after commissioning was  due to adverse security reports which were conveyed to the Governor on October 28, 2021, vide letter with reference number- NCAA/AC/015/21/VOL/162.”
“However, I now wish to inform His Excellency that NCAA has received clearance from relevant security agency approving the opening of Anambra International Cargo Airport for flight operations”.
“In view of that and in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 12.1.4.1 (C), I am pleased to inform His Excellency that the Authority hereby grants Anambra State government approval to operate category B aircraft (Dash8-Q400 or its equivalent on rescue and fire category 5), with effect from December 2, 2021”.
The NCAA DG further said  that the “operation shall be Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only, meaning sunrise to sunset. Whenever outstanding requirements are met, all restrictions will be removed”.
He however urged the state government to adhere strictly to safety, security, and COVID-19 requirements at the airport at all times.
Recall at the commissioning of the airport  few weeks ago, Governor Willie Obiano said five airlines have been approved to commence operation at the airport. The airlines are  Air Peace, United Nigeria Airline, Dana Air, Ibom Air, and Anap Jets
Patoma Admin by — December 2, 2021 in Aviation 0
NIMET forecast high temperature for Ogun, most northern States

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency ,NiMET, yesterday released a forecast of a high temperature of over 35°C in Ogun State and most Northern states of Nigeria.

The forecast released by Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General, NiMET, said that the affected States would experience some high intensity for the next two days and this will commence from Tuesday till Wednesday in most regions of the north.

The forecast also said that the ” northern region would experience temperatures greater than 35°C, but less than 40°C for the two days.”

Matazu listed the affected states to include ” North-East; Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, the Eastern part of Jigawa, Northern Adamawa and Northern Taraba,” stressing that the areas would have temperatures in the excess of 35°C.

Also, “Sokoto, the western part of Zamfara and the Eastern half of Kebbi, in the North East are expected to experience temperatures in the excess of 35°C during the forecast period”.

He further said : “In the central part of the country, Niger, Northern part of Kwara, west of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), southern Plateau, North-East of Kogi, and North-west of Benue are all expected to experience high temperatures.”

“High-temperature greater than 40°C is expected over parts of Niger state. However, other parts of Niger, FCT, northern Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and eastern Plateau in the central states are expected to experience temperatures above 35°C.”

“Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara in the northwest as well as northern Jigawa, southern Yobe, Borno, Gombe, eastern Bauchi, northern Adamawa, and northern Taraba in the northeast is expected to record temperatures greater than 35°C. Ogun State in the South West of Nigeria could experience 35°C,” he added.

Patoma Admin by — November 29, 2021 in Aviation 0