Airline Operators defer planned services withdrawal

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called off its planned withdrawal of services over astronomical rise in aviation fuel.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the operators and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

The airlines 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.”

The statement was signed by six members of the AON, including Alhaji Shehu Wada, Executive Director, Max Air; Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, and Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, CEO, Arik Air.

Other signatories are Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, CEO, Aero Contractors; Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf, MD, Azman Air and Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace.