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The Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, on Wednesday cleared the Boering’s 737 Max to fly passengers again after 20 months the aircraft giant stemed from two crashes of its top-selling plane that killed 346 people.

FAA is a US department of Transportation as the Administrator Steve Dickson after ungrounding the plane said a repeat of the conditions in both crashes is now “impossible” thanks to design and training changes

The fallout from the crashes has engulfed Boeing for more than two years, drawing criticism about design flaws’ roles in the crashes and on how the Chicago-based company marketed the plane, touting its simple training procedures, which would save airlines money.

The crashes and the grounding also raised scrutiny on the FAA, long the world’s gold standard of aviation, and raising questions about whether it ceded too much power in the certification process to Boeing before it approved the planes in 2017.

“We will never forget the lives lost in the two tragic accidents that led to the decision to suspend operations,” Boeing’s CEO David Calhoun said in a statement. “These events and the lessons we have learned as a result have reshaped our company and further focused our attention on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.”

The end of the 20-month flight ban also gives Boeing the chance to start handing over the roughly 450 Max jetliners it has produced but has been unable to deliver to customers after regulators ordered airlines to stop flying them in March 2019. Boeing shares were up about 3% in morning trading.

Boeing has a backlog of more than 3,000 other Boeing 737 Max planes, when stripping out orders that the manufacturer believes could be cancelled. That tally has declined as the lengthy grounding coupled with the coronavirus pandemic prompted customers to call off hundreds of orders.

Regulators grounded the Max in March 2019 after the second of two nearly new 737 Max planes crashed within five months of one another. The crashes prompted a lengthy safety review that was met with numerous delays, driving up losses and costs for Boeing.

For months after the crashes, Boeing and the FAA faced criticism from lawmakers and some air safety experts about the plane’s design and certification. Tensions over the grounding between Boeing and the FAA cost the former CEO his job. U.S. lawmakers are now advancing legislation that would strengthen the FAA’s oversight of new aircraft after it was criticized for being too lax on the new aircraft.

Investigations into the crashes and the Max’s development focused on an automated flight control system that was meant to prevent the aircraft from stalling. Pilots on both flights that crashed — Lion Air Flight 610 on Oct. 29, 2018, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on March 10, 2019 — struggled against the system after it was activated because of faulty sensor data.

Pilots weren’t informed about the system, and mentions of it had been removed from pilot manuals when they were delivered to airlines. A House investigation in September found regulatory, design and management problems as the jets were being developed led to the “preventable death” of everyone on board.

Boeing has made the system less aggressive and added more redundancies, among other changes over the past two years.

Airlines still have to train pilots and remove aircraft from storage, if they had 737 Maxes in their fleets at the time of the grounding.A

American Airlines is set to be the first U.S. airline to return the aircraft to commercial service at the end of December. The carrier on Wednesday said it plans to expand Max flights throughout January from its Miami hub.

United Airlines and Southwest Airlines executives have said they expect the planes to return to their schedules at some point next yea

Patoma Admin by — November 18, 2020 in Aviation 0

By admin

Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of two new wircrafts A350-900 to add to it’s fleet thus expanding businesses.

The company at the weekend took delivery of two of the 10 new Airbuses A350-900 it ordered in 2017, bringing the total number of its Airbus fleet to 16

The Chief Operating Officer, Mesfin Tasew stated that the addition v leatly shows that Ethiopian Airlines is founded on a strong vision, capacity to execute its vision even though it has similar challenges to other airlines.

According to him, “The airline has been operating A350-900 planes for the last four years”.

“Ethiopian is taking delivery of these aircraft at a time when the entire air transport industry is under a big challenge caused by Covid-19, he said”

He pointed out that Ethiopian had transported around five tons of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and IT equipment from France to Addis Ababa in partnership with Airbus Foundation and other European donors.

The humanitarian aid, medical supplies and equipment, were delivered to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and a humanitarian organisation which runs a children’s hospital in Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Health State Minister Seharela Abdullahi, said this kind of support is crucial in countries with poor infrastructure such as Ethiopia.Citing the critical role played by Ethiopian Airlines since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, she added, “I would like to thank Ethiopian Airlines for their tremendous support in the fight against Covid-19.

Patoma Admin by — November 9, 2020 in Aviation 0
MTN, 9Mobile selected for e-SIM trial run

MTN and 9Mobile networks have been duly selected by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the pilot test run for the embedded Subscriber Identification Modules (e-SIM) Service, subject to full compliance with regulatory conditions.

According to NCC, the conditions required for each of them to fulfill include:

Fullc ompliance by the MNOs (Mobile Network Operators), with the Registration of Telecoms Subscribers Regulations 2011. The Mobile Number Portability Regulations and Business Rules 2015. Guidelines on SIM Replacement 2017. Non-degradationof the Quality of Service (QoS) experience by users of e-SIMs.

The disclosure was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who stated that the primary objective of the e-SIM trial run is to confirm, as well as, assess the technical performance of the e-SIM on telecoms service providers’ network – prior to rollout.

He further said, “The trial is in line with the Commission’s forward-looking regulatory approach to ensure Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem is in tandem with global best practices.”

As e-SIM is a small chip that is embedded on a mobile phone or smart devices. It is designed for convenience, flexibility, and simplicity.

The-SIM makes it easier for subscribers to choose a pre-paid plan provider and switch between network operators.

The information on the e-SIM is rewritable by operators and the identification information can be updated over time.

The e-SIM is a technology that will eliminate the need for physical SIM card slots on mobile devices in the near future.

Patoma Admin by — November 3, 2020 in Others 0
African insurers worry over climate change, cyber-risks, pandemic

African countries have to fear three main risks in the next five years: climate change, cyber-risks and pandemics.

The effects of climate change are strongly felt in Africa.

In recent years, we no longer speak of periods of drought but of torrential rains, floods, epidemics, destruction of crops , infrastructure and property.

The impact of natural disasters is aggravated by the low insurance penetration rate, which excludes any monetary compensation.

Digitalization at an accelerated pace is a new risk. While the digital transformation offers opportunities for social and economic development, it also brings its share of risks with the rise of cybercrime.

In the end, the health situation due to Covid-19 has a direct impact on the major African countries’ economies.

In South Africa, a country where insurance has its place in the culture, policyholders find themselves in an impasse because of inadequate insurance contracts with regard to the pandemic risk.

The coverage of these three risks is a growth driver for African insurers who must nevertheless raise more funds in order to engage in this path.

Patoma Admin by — November 2, 2020 in Insurance 0
MTN Nigeria posts N975.76 billion revenue for Q3 2020

This is according to its updated financials  available on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market.

Commenting on the rationale behind the revenue growth in the latest financials posted by the firm, the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, said, “Following a decline in voice traffic and an acceleration in data during lockdowns in Q2, we have seen a normalization of traffic as restrictions have been removed, with a recovery voice traffic and continued growth in data. This has supported a 13.9% growth in service revenue, with an acceleration of growth to 16.5% in Q3 specifically.”

Operating profit also increased by 7.8% from N284.73 billion in Q3 2019 to N307.01 billion in Q3 2020.. The growth in operating profit was largely impacted by the increase in finance costs as a result of increased borrowings (September 2019: N381 billion, September 2020: N509 billion), leading to a decline of 0.6% in profit before tax to N211.6 billion.

The following are key metrics which impacted the Q3 2020 figures posted by the firm:M

Mobile subscribers increased by 3.9 million to 75million.Active data users increased by 1.7 million to 30.7 million. Service revenue increased by 13.9% to N973.8 billion.Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 9.1% to N497.9 billion.

EBITDAmargin declined by 2.3 percentage point (pp) to 51.0%, due to cost pressures arising mainly from increased investments in the firm’s network and the impact on costs of the depreciation to the CBN and NAFEX exchange rates. Profit before Tax (PBT) declined by 0.6% to N211.6 billion. Earnings Per Share (EPS) declined by 3.3% to N7.1 kobo

Patoma Admin by — October 28, 2020 in Others 0
UK High Commission reopens Visa Application centres in Nigeria

The United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria has announced the reopening of its visa application centres in the country.

This is coming some days after the high commission had shut down its visa application centres in Victoria Island, Abuja and Lagos over the outbreak of violence arising from #EndSARS protests against police brutality and extra-judicial killings. This has led to the loss of lives and destruction and looting of public and private assets across the country.

The disclosure was made by the high commission in a statement through a tweet post on its official Twitter handle.

The high commission, however, noted in its statement, titled, ‘Update on UK visa application centres in Nigeria’ that its centres would not open on Thursday due to the public holiday in Nigeria due to the Eid-El Malaud celebration

The statement from the UK high commission, partly reads, “Our TLS contact visa application centres are now open in Nigeria. Following the recent closures, we are working hard to process all outstanding applications.’’

“We thank you for your continued patience and understanding. Please note Thursday, October 29, is a public holiday in Nigeria and our Visa application centres will be closed.”

The reopening of the visa applications centres after they were shut about a week ago is due to the gradual return of peace and order to some of those trouble spots following the intervention of security The UK high commission had been very critical of the outbreak of violence in the country, especially the shooting of unarmed protesters at Lekki Tollgate by alleged military personnel and asked the government to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure justice is done.

In its statement, the high commission said, ‘’We remain concerned by acts of looting and violence in Nigeria and urge security services use restraint as the order is restored. Working with all stakeholders, judicial panels of inquiry must investigate all incidents, including Lekki and ensure accountability for crimes.

Patoma Admin by — October 28, 2020 in Aviation 0
FAAN seals off some airlines over debts

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has sealed off some airlines counters at Nnamidi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja over debts owe by the airlines.

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu who confirmed the development yesterday, said it was FAAN revenue drive efforts in Abuja airport.

Passengers on Azman airline to Maiduguri and other places could not buy tickets or even board their flights as staff of the airlines were unable to complete ticket and boarding formalities as the FAAN task force sealed off the counters.
Also affected are aerocontractors passengers and many others.

Commenting on the development, one of the affected stakeholders said : “The passengers were stranded because the airlines failed to pay bills which the customers had already provided funds for.”

“We have joined to condemn FAAN on occasions of poor service delivery, we should also call out debtor airlines who owe FAAN and not allowing it earn in other to perform its duties. FAAN should use any legal means to collect its monies. Some airlines are chronic debtors. If everybody do their part we will have a functional sector.”

“Not paying your bills when you have received the funds should not be encouraged either. Much stiffer sanctions could have been applied.”
Another stakeholders however blamed FAAN. He said : “ The problem with our FAAN over the years has been its lackadaisical attitude to revenue collection. Sometimes, it is either the other company claims irregular billing or inaccurate billing or irreconcilable differences in their billing system.

FAAN has also failed as much as it had tried to engender Automation in billing and payment system. We have advocated some safety measures severally, but same system. The worst part is the diversion of same funds to private pockets, ” he added.

Patoma Admin by — October 27, 2020 in Aviation 0
#ENDSARS: There must be a State before Statement, Sirika

By Favour Nnabugwu
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika has condemned in earnest the spirit of hooliganism which had almost destroyed the peaceful protest of the country youths. in the last week’s.
Sirika that youths have every fundamental human right to protest but when the protest is overtaken by hooligans then it is barbaric
The Minister in his tweeter handle early this morning wrote, “Peaceful protest is a fundamental right & must be guaranteed at all times. Hooliganism & lawlessness is barbaric & must be checked at all times.’
“Only then our country’s prosperity can be harnessed for the good of all. There must be a state first before there can be statesmen!”
It will recalled that the #ENDSARS which started well for more a week went wrong immediately some soldiers open fire on the Lekki Toll Gate protesters in which a lot of people lost their lives.
The youths who were protesting peaceful were take over by Gilligan’s who destroyed both public and private property and looted massively.
Some of the places destroyed are Nigeria Port Authority Lagos – set ablaze; Orile Police Post, Lagos – set ablaze; Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos – totally destroyed; BRT Terminal, Oyingbo – New Buses set on fire; Television Continental, Ketu, Lagos – set ablaze; VIO, FRSC Office, Ojodu – FRSC branded cars,   generators set ablaze; BRT Terminal, Ojodu, Lagos – buses set ablaze; BRT Bus at Berger – set ablaze.
9Others include Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja – shut down; Recreational Center, Oregun, Lagos – set on fire; Oba’s Palace, Lagos – burnt to ashes. His scepter of authority seized.; Sanwo Olu Mother’s House, Surulere, Lagos – set ablaze; Kings college on fire; Many lives lost already to the protests all in Lagos and south west; Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos burnt; GTBank Branches burnt down and AccessBank Branches burnt down
The other placed added are Channels Television shut down; Ajeromi Local Govt Secretariat; Lagos-Island Local Govt destroyed; Lagos-Island East LCDA Secretariat set on fire; Lagos Mainland Local Govt Secretariat Destroyed; Ibeju Lekki LCDA Secretariat destroyed and anwoolu’s Uncle’s house on Lagos Island to mention but a few.
Also looted were Covid-29 palliative in Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kwara, Osun, Delta among many others
Patoma Admin by — October 25, 2020 in Aviation 0

By Favour Nnabugwu

Globally, the spending on Blockchain is expected to hit $4.1 billion in 2020, increasing from the $2.7 billion recorded in 2019 and an estimated growth ration of nearly 50 percent.

According to StockApp data, Blockchain is expected to maintain a 46.4 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate over the next five-year period of 2020 and 2024, even as the International Data Corporation (IDC) also states that the total spending on blockchain solutions will be nearly $18 billion by 2024.

A blockchain is a digital record of transactions. The name comes from its structure, in which individual records, called blocks, are linked together in single list, called a chain. Blockchains are used for recording transactions made with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, and have many other applications.

Meanwhile, another report from Markets and Markets indicates that the global blockchain market is estimated to be worth $3.0 billion in 2020. It is projected to grow at a 67.3 petcent CAGR between 2020 and 2025, to reach a $39.7 billion valuation by the end of the period.

The total spending in the blockchain space amounted to $1.5 billion in 2018. At the time, the financial sector was most dominant, accounting for 60% of all spending. Though it still leads in 2020, its market share is now about half of that, at 29.7 percent.

Between 2020 and 2024, the IDC predicts that the blockchain industry will maintain a healthy pace of investment at 45.3 percent CAGR. Process and discrete manufacturing will together account for 22.3 percent of all blockchain spending in 2020. While process manufacturing will grow at a 50.3 percent CAGR, discrete manufacturing will grow at 46.5 percent.

With $1.6 billion, the US will top the list globally in terms of spending while Western Europe will be second with $1.0 billion. China will take the third spot with $457 million, but it will be the leading country in terms of growth, with a 51.7 percent CAGR.

China’s blockchain spending was $87 million in 2017. It could rise as high as $1.420 billion by 2022. Prior to the pandemic, it was growing at a 65.7 percent CAGR against APAC’s 50.3 percent and the global’s 60.2percent

Patoma Admin by — October 24, 2020 in Others 0
Arik Air, others cancel flights

Arik Air has announced the suspension of it flights due to the 24 hour curfew imposed on Lagos State by the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo- Olu.

This is just as some foreign airlines have also announced cancellation of flights due to the current protest and unrest in the country.

The airline Communication Manager, Mr Adebanji Ola yesterday said : “Arik Air has cancelled all its flight operations for Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in compliance to the 24 hours curfew announced by the Lagos State government on Tuesday, October 20, 2020”.

“All booked passengers on the cancelled flights are advised to reschedule their flights for later dates at no extra cost”

The Lagos State government announced a 24 hours curfew effective 4:00pm October 20, 2020″.

Recall the 24 hour curfew took effect yesterday, Tuesday throughout the state to forestall further burning of government and private properties.

Thugs have infetrated and hijacked the protest that started peacefully throughout the country.

Other airlines might likely join in the cancellation of flights as prospective passengers will not be able to access the Airports.

Meanwhile, some foreign airlines have announced the suspension of flights to Nigeria due to the current protest. United States owned airline, Delta, in its advisory said flight DL248 ATLLOS for October 19, 2020 scheduled to arrive LOS on Tuesday Oct 20, 2020 will not operate due to the 24-hour curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government.

According to the airline, “Consequently, Flight DL249 LOSATL scheduled to operate today October 20, 2020 has also been canceled. Further details on flight operations will be duly communicated. We truly regret any inconvenience”

Also Ghana based airline, Africa World Airlines (AWA) yesterday said due to “curfew in Lagos, tonight, we will cancel flights for October 20 and October 21, 2020”.

The airline further said that it would be monitoring the situation and will be updating passengers

Kenya Airways has also cancelled flights to the country. The airline said : ” We regret to inform you that KQ533 scheduled to depart 21/Oct/2020 from LOS – NBO has been canceled due to the 24Hrs curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government”

“We implore you to communicate with your guests as soon as you can. Thank you for your patience and understanding”, the airline added.

It also said in a statement that it was planning to send out another communication with regards to “re-protection and flight operations for the affected guests” as soon as they have an update.

Patoma Admin by — October 20, 2020 in Aviation 0