By Modupe Gbadeyanka Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the airline operator, is expecting an additional five Boeing 777 freighters between 2025 and 2026. The new aircraft, which will gulp about $1 billion, is expected to boost the main deck cargo capacity of the company by 30 per cent, taking its total order book to ..read more

By Modupe Gbadeyanka The federal government has disclosed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to lift the travel ban on Nigerians from Monday, July 15, 2024. The Minister of Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, told State House correspondents in Abuja today that both nations reached an agreement to allow ..read more

The aviation sector’s recovery from COVID-19 has been remarkable, with revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) and available seat kilometres (ASKs) reaching close to pre-pandemic levels, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In the fourth quarter of 2023, traffic was at 98.2% of pre-pandemic numbers. Additionally, the sector is expected to experience record fleet and maintenance, repair ..read more

By Adedapo Adesanya The Nigerian government has paid a backlog of debts to European airlines to the tune of $850 million. The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, revealed this at the 9th edition of the Nigeria – EU Business Forum in Abuja on Tuesday. She commended the government ..read more

By Adedapo Adesanya  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken a decisive step towards eliminating touting, extortion, and illicit activities at the airports by establishing a dedicated task force to monitor activities at the airports managed by the agency. Reacting to reports of illicit activities going on at the various airports, the Managing ..read more

By Adedapo Adesanya The federal government has asked owners of private jets in the country to present their documents for verification as part of efforts to step up regulation related to improper importation. It gave the order in a notice through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), noting that the exercise aims to identify improperly imported private aircraft without documentation, ensure proper imports, and for maximum revenue collection. “The Nigeria Customs Service announces a verification exercise for privately owned aircraft operating in Nigeria,” the statement read. “This exercise aims to ..read more

By Adedapo Adesanya The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has confirmed that about 98 per cent of airlines’ trapped funds in Nigeria have been successfully repatriated by the international airlines after years of struggle. The Director-General of IATA, Mr Willie Walsh, announced this in a statement on Sunday and praised the government for its efforts in ensuring the repatriation. Mr Walsh noted that as of June 2023, Nigeria had blocked funds totalling $850 million, which had a considerable impact on the operations and financial health of airlines operating there. He explained that ..read more

By Dipo Olowookere After undergoing rehabilitation for six months, the luxurious Lagos lounge of British Airways has been reopened by the management to the delight of customers and passengers of the elite airline operator. The lounge is open to customers travelling in Club World (business) and first, as well as Silver and Gold Executive Club Members. The new facility boasts a self-serve dining area with a wide selection of freshly made dishes for travelling catching an evening flight to London. The food and drink menu offers a range of Nigerian classics and British-inspired dishes which will c ..read more

By Adedapo Adesanya  The Nigerian government has said the “indefinitely suspended” national carrier, Nigeria Air project, remains suspended after years of constant promises and utter failure. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, stated this while reeling out the achievements of the aviation sector at the 3rd ministerial update on Monday in Abuja. He also hinted at plans for the resumption of cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Recall that in January, the Minister said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had commenced an investig ..read more

By Adedapo Adesanya The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged former Minister of Aviation under the Mr Muhammadu Buhari administration, Mr Hadi Sirika, his brother, Mr Ahmad Sirika; and his company – Enginos Nigeria Limited, with over N19.4 billion fraud. The sum is said to be for several aviation ministry contracts from the former minister to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by Mr Sirika’s younger brother. The Sirika brothers and Enginos Nigeria Limited will be arraigned before Justice Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Garki, Abuja. In the copy of the fr ..read more