BREAKING: Nigeria’s Oldest Carrier Halts Operations Over Economic Crisis
- The management of Aero Contractors Company Nig. Ltd., said it would temporarily suspend scheduled passenger services operations
- Aero said most of its aircraft were undergoing maintenance, resulting in inability to offer efficient service to customers
- Also, the management said in the statement that the past few months had been challenging for the aviation industry and the airline operators in particular
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Aero Contractors has temporarily suspended operations over economic crisis.
In a statement announcing the development, the airline said the suspension of operation would take effect on July 20, Guardian Newspaper reports.
Airlines have been complaining about the skyrocketing price of Aviation fuel known as Jet A1 as well as its scarcity.
The statement read:
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"The temporary cessation of operations does not in any way affect the Maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.”
“This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircrafts are currently undergoing Maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.”
“We are working to bring these aircrafts back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.
“The past few months have been very challenging for the Aviation industry and the airline operators in particular. With the high cost of maintenance, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and forex scarcity resulting in high foreign exchange rates. These are amongst the major components of airline operations.
“In the meantime, we are working assiduously to return to service as quickly as possible, and do assure our esteemed customers and stakeholders of our determination, that our short absence will not create any major void in the market, as we are coordinating with our business partners to ensure minimum discomfort to ticket holders.
“As members of Spring Alliance (a commercial alliance with member airlines providing mutual support in the area of operations), we are liaising with our partner airlines to minimise the impact on our esteemed customers.
“Our customer service team will be working to help affected esteemed customers reach their destinations.
"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our esteemed customers and promise to return to service as soon as possible. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding at this time.”
FG appeals to airline operators to reconsider planned strike
Recall that following the announcement by airlines to shut down operations on Monday, May 9, the federal government called on operators to reconsider their decisions.
This appeal was made by the minister of aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, via a statement issued by his special assistant on public affairs, James Odaudu, on Saturday, May 7, in Lagos.
According to the statement, the minister acknowledged the difficulties being faced by airline operators over the incessant increase in the cost of aviation fuel.
Source: Legit.ng
