Travel News

BY  Okechukwu Nnodim

The Federal Ministry of Aviation on Tuesday commenced assessment of a made-in-Nigeria helicopter as part of measures to ensure the smooth inauguration of the project.

Officials of the aviation ministry and its agencies visited NASENI Solar Energy Limited where the helicopter hanger and helipad were housed in Abuja for on-site assessment and evaluation of the helicopter.

The Assistant Chief Information Officer, NASENI, Chinyere Ekwuazi, said in a statement issued in Abuja that the target of the Federal Government was to inaugurate the helicopter before the end of the current administration.

The Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, Maiwalima Haruna, who was represented during the assessment programme by the Managing Director, NASENI Solar Energy Limited, Mahmoud Jaffaru, said the agency was ready to accept suggestions and support from the aviation ministry.

He said such support would lead to the successful completion of the project within the timeframe given to the agency by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Haruna said it was the desire of the agency to manufacture made-in- Nigeria helicopter that would be of international standard and help in boosting the nation’s economy.

He said NASENI had massive land mass that would accommodate all the operational activities required for the manufacturing of the aircraft.

Haruna was quoted as saying, “We have expertise for developing the helicopter and we do things according to laid-down rules. We are ready to work with you to achieve this project.”

The Deputy Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Emmanuel Ajani, said NASENI entered into partnership with Dynali Helicopter Company, Thins, Belgium, to develop the helicopter and had trained its engineers for the take off the project in Nigeria.

Buhari had approved the project on January 26, 2021 and directed NASENI to complete the production of a made-in-Nigeria helicopter before the end of his tenure.  

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has conducted an air crash rescue simulation operation to assess its readiness to respond to air crashes and other emergencies.

Speaking after the exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Mahmud Sani, Abuja Airport Manager, said the exercise was to test the capability of FAAN and its stakeholders to respond to air crashes around the airport.

He said, “This was meant to test the safety and emergency plan of the airport in preparation for its re-certification”, adding that, “the exercise was also aimed at examining how the response agencies would manage and respond to emergencies at the scene of accident.”

He further said that the exercise is carried out yearly to prepare and test-run the emergency equipment at the airport in case of any emergency.

Deputy general manager, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Department, Rimdap Nantim, said the exercise was meant to test the emergency response and collaboration procedures at the airport.

He  said the air crash simulation exercise was to also help ascertain the level of coordination among the response teams at the scene of accident.

Some of the agencies involved in the exercise included the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ports Health, the Fire Service Department of FAAN, aviation security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps amongst others.

BY  Sodiq Oyeleke

Lagos State Government has announced that the Eko Bridge from Costain to Alaka in bound National Stadium will be partially closed for 10 weeks for emergency repairs by Federal Government.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, who made this known in a press statement, said the closure will take place from June 4 to August 13.

Oladeinde explained that the repair was necessary to complete the rehabilitation works at the opposite side of the bridge earlier embarked upon by the Federal Government, hence the need for a notice of routes diversion.

He said pending the commencement of the rehabilitation works, alternative routes have been made available for the awareness of motorists, to manage traffic during the period of repairs.

Part of the statement read, “Traffic from Apongbon to Alaka, Stadium, Inner Surulere or Ikorodu Road will be diverted to Eko Bridge to access Costain Roundabout to Iponri through Alaka and Funso Williams Avenue.

“Similarly, motorists from Eko bridge will have to navigate their desired destinations through Costain Roundabout to Abebe Village( by Nigerian Breweries Plc) through Eric Moore to Bode Thomas to Adeniran Ogunsanya, to access Shitta Roundabout by Stadium under the bridge to Funso Williams Avenue to Dorman-Long Bridge and Fadeyi-Ikorodu Road.

“Motorists can gain access to Apongbon through CMS Outer Marina Road to connect Ebute Metta Ikorodu Road to access their destinations.

“Motorists from Apongbon can pass through CMS to Outer Marina to Adeniji Adele, Third Mainland Bridge, Adekunle to Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu and Ikorodu road will also be available.”

He urged residents of the state, especially motorists that ply these corridors, to take note of the diversion routes.

“In like manners, traffic directions and road signals would be made available to minimize inconveniences that may be experienced while the construction work lasts,” he added.

BY  Deborah Tolu-Kolawole

SOME of the 90 international travellers from Brazil, India and Turkey, who were declared persons of interest on Sunday for violating the provisions of the COVID-19 Health Regulations Protection, 2021, have started reaching out to the Federal Government, The PUNCH has learnt.

While some of them have been calling the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which declared them persons of interest on Sunday, some others have been visiting their states’ Departments of Public Health.

The Head of the Technical Secretariat of the PSC, Dr Muktar Muhammad, confirmed this to our correspondent on Tuesday.

The Chairman of the PSC, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, had disclosed that the violators arrived in Nigeria between May 8 and May 15 through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said the affected persons had been declared Persons of Interest on account of posing considerable danger to the overall public health and for the violation of Nigeria COVID-19 travel protocol and they were given 48 hours to report.

The 48 hours expired on Tuesday evening.

Our correspondent had sought to know from Muhammad how many of the defaulters had reported as of Tuesday afternoon.//

Muhammad replied, “It is hard to say this is the number of those who have reached out because many of them have been calling; some have also visited their states’ Departments of Public Health, but we have been guiding them appropriately.”

When asked the number of people on the second batch, the SGF promised that it would be published soon.

 Muhammad said, “We are still collating names for the second batch. That will be released when we are through. For now, I can’t say the number of those on the list.”

With insecurity driving more people to travel by air and the incessant surge in airfares as a result of depleting fleet and high foreign exchange, Green Africa, a new entrant in the Nigerian aviation sector, may cause disruption in airline business as it commences sales of tickets with airfares as low as N16,500.

From N28,000 for one hour flight after the high season in December 2020, the average cost of one hour ticket has now risen to N60,000 for one way ticket and rising still as high as N80,000 for passengers who buy a ticket on the day they are travelling.

Airlines have continued to increase the price of tickets because they source foreign exchange from the parallel market at N500 per dollar.

This is also as operators point out that many aircraft that were taken out of the country overseas were yet to be brought back because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hindered activities in most countries, so the Nigerian carriers have limited fleet but high demand for air travel, as insecurity continues to discourage many people from travelling by road.

With the 70 percent slash in airfares offered by Green Africa, stakeholders are concerned if these fares would be sustainable and if passengers would be willing to fly propeller aircraft instead of jet aircraft, considering how uncomfortable these aircraft can be.

“Actually, if I ran an airline in Nigeria, I would do exactly what Green Africa appears to be trying to do – target the mid-to-lower end of the market with cheap tickets by using propeller aircraft instead of jet aircraft.

“Up to 40 percent less fuel consumption so cheaper tickets. The trade-off is longer flight times and more in-flight turbulence since turboprops have lower cruising altitude (and turboprops are also noisier than jets). But in Nigeria, the deciding factor is always price,” David Hundeyin, a renowned writer, journalist and researcher stated via his twitter handle @DavidHundeyin.

He acknowledged that turboprops are less comfortable and take longer time than jets, adding that some aircraft type like the ATR72, which Green Africa uses are known to have tail rudder issues in severe icing conditions, but in our equatorial climate, that is unlikely to be a factor.

Hundeyin, who expressed his optimism in Green Africa’s business model, added, “Let people fly for N20,000 and you’re printing money.”

With Green Africa’s commencement of ticket sales, some airlines are already slashing fares.

For instance, airfares from Lagos to Abuja has dropped from N60,000 in April to between N25,000 and N35,000 now.

AirPeace slashed the airfare from Lagos to Ilorin from N52,500, some airlines charged last month, to N32,700.

Seyi Adewale, CEO, Mainstream Cargo Limited, told BusinessDay that N16,500 airfares was just a promotional fare by Green Africa to appeal to passengers not used to flying a propeller aircraft and who were yet to experience the airline for the first time.

“If Green Africa does not get people to experience their flights, they won’t be able to penetrate the market. People would be willing to fly the turboprops, as long as it is cheaper,” Adawale said.

He assured that after two weeks of offering promotional prices, Green Africa would begin to adjust prices to fit into current operational and economic realities.

Checks by BusinessDay show that the seat capacity for an ATR 72-600 aircraft that would be operated by Green Africa would take between 70 and 78 passengers, depending on the seat configuration.

John Ojikutu, aviation security consultant and secretary general of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), told BusinessDay that the load factors of the small aircraft were lower, so they may not break even if they charge the same rates with airlines having bigger aircraft.

It cost airlines between $500,000 and $1 million to carry out mandatory C-checks on their aircraft every 18 months.

Checks show that it cost not less than N2 million to operate a one-way flight using a Boeing 737 aircraft. Aviation fuel cost about N220 per litre and operators would need not less than 8,000ltr (N1.7m) to operate a one way Lagos- Abuja flight. In addition, operators need to pay for landing and parking fees, ground handling fees, en-route air navigation services, catering, among others.

Aviation analysts say when airlines charge passengers less than N40,000 for a one-way flight, they are operating at a loss or relying on government intervention funds, palliatives or concession on recurring debts.

However, Tolu Odutola, a pilot and aviation expert, argued that Green Africa operates ATR 72-600, which are generally cheaper to maintain than the 737s, CRJs and other aircraft operated by local airlines.

Operations cost is generally cheaper and that is probably why ticket costs are commiserate, Odutola said, but noted that N16,500 fare may also just be an introductory rate to break into the market.

Air Peace has announced the commencement of Ilorin flights from Lagos and Abuja as well an increase in its daily flights to Accra, Ghana

Spokesman of the airline, Stanley Olisa, who disclosed this to journalists, stated that the airline was set to kick off daily Abuja-Ilorin-Abuja and Lagos-Ilorin-Lagos flights on June 17, 2021. Olisa explained that the new route further exemplifies the airline’s unwavering determination to interconnect various cities across Nigeria while filling the gaps in Nigeria’s air travel connectivity, adding that the flying public could start booking flights for the new destination.

According to him, Air Peace continually reviews its current route network, assesses the air travel needs of Nigerians and consequently develops strategic action plans to meet those needs by launching new routes and connections for Nigerians at affordable fares, with its signature hospitality.

“In the same vein, the airline has also increased its Accra flights to two daily in line with popular demand.

“Air Peace currently services 16 domestic routes, five regional routes and two international destinations, including Johannesburg and boasts of a mixed fleet of 28 aircraft, including 2 brand new Embraer 195-E2 jets delivered earlier this year, with 11 more lined up for delivery,” Olisa said.

Green Africa has commenced flight tickets sales with offerings as low as N16, 500. The airline said the booking website greenafrica.com is now open to members of the public for ticket purchase following the pre-sales approval of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Cities to be served are Lagos (LOS) connecting Akure (AKR), Ilorin (ILR), Abuja (ABV), Owerri (QOW), Port Harcourt (PHC) and Enugu (ENU).

“Flights as low as N16, 500 are available on the website with flight dates starting from June 24th, 2021. Three products are available – gSaver, gClassicTM and gFlexTM giving customers the flexibility of purchasing the product that suits their travel plans. gFlyers who register on the booking website – greenafrica.com get a unique code that gives 10 per cent off their first booking to celebrate this milestone,” the airline stated.

Speaking on the development, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Africa, Babawande Afolabi, said, “Today is a great day for every member of the gTeam and we are thrilled that our customers can now book their trips with us. We are building a value carrier that will connect customers to their opportunities and be a catalyst for positive change across the region.”

The ongoing “gFlyer Special Offer” which takes 10 per cent off ticket prices will last till 11:59pm WAT on June 23rd, 2021. Corporate package known as “gBusiness” is planned for roll out within the coming weeks to cater to SMEs and corporate travels.

The airline is one of the new entrants that are to debut soon, as it has finished the last stage of the process to obtain Air Operator Certification (AOC).

There are other airlines lined up to join the Nigerian domestic market, so it is expected that the outrageous airfares would soon become competitive.

Like Green Africa, other new entrants have chosen small body aircraft, which industry experts said are more profitable and easy to maintain.

Czech restaurants, bars, night clubs and other hospitality venuescan serve customersindoors from Monday, Health Minister Adam Vojtech said on Friday, announcing a quicker-than-planned easing of COVID-19 restrictions following a court ruling.

The Czech government, which has been battling one of the world's most severe second waves of the pandemic, had planned to open indoor facilities from mid-June, as the situation has been steadily improving and vaccinations increasing.

But last week the country's Supreme Administrative Court ruled that blanket restrictions on restaurants were illegal, acting upon a complaint filed by a customer.

"I am not entirely happy that we have to make such a radical easing at one moment. If it were not for the court ruling, then I would suggest sticking to the June 14 date (planned for reopening)," Vojtech told a televised news conference.

Restaurants in the Czech Republic have been allowed to serve customers outdoors since May 17. Schools have also reopened.

From Monday, swimming pools, saunas and casinos will also be allowed to reopen, while the numbers of participants allowed at culture and sports events will rise.

For restaurants self-tests for COVID-19 will suffice, while for all other venues that are allowed to reopen people will have to get tested professionally, Vojtech said.

The Czech Republic will also open up to tourists from seven countries - Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and Germany - under reciprocal agreements.

As of Friday morning, the seven-day number of reported cases per 100,000 dropped to 34. Earlier this year the Czech Republic had one of the highest per capita COVID-19 infection and death rates in the world.

Now the number of daily vaccinations has reached around 100,000. The country of 10.7 million has distributed 5 million doses of vaccines in total so far, and 1.37 million people have now received two doses.

Saudi Arabia is lifting a ban on travelers arriving from 11 countries that it imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, the Saudi state news agency said on Saturday, but will still require quarantine procedures.

Travelers from the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, France and Japan, will be allowed entry from Sunday, SPA reported, quoting an Interior Ministry source.

MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) — After years of fighting and litigation over who can include “Orlando” in the name of their central Florida airport, Orlando International Airport officials and Orlando Melbourne International Airport officials have tentatively agreed that Orlando Melbourne International Airport will change its name to Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

The Melbourne Airport Authority announced the Space Coast airport's new name Friday. The name change was legally agreed upon to everyone’s mutual satisfaction in a consent and license agreement, officials said. It must be approved by both airport boards.

The newly renamed Melbourne Orlando International Airport is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Orlando International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Florida.

The Melbourne International Airport began operations in 1928 and changed its name in 2015 to Orlando Melbourne International Airport in an effort to attract more travelers. Officials with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates the Orlando International Airport, took issue with the new name of the Orlando Melbourne International Airport and eventually filed a federal lawsuit in 2019. The lawsuit claimed the Orlando Melbourne International Airport was misleading passengers into believing they were going to the theme park mecca in the middle of the state instead of Florida's Atlantic coast.

The Associated Press