Airline Operators suspend services, say business no longer sustainable  

AON says: “JetA1 situation poses an “existential threat to the air transport industry in Nigeria” and that “the out-of-control situation is simply unsustainable.”

By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor 

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) say they are standing by their decision to discontinue operations over rising cost of flying. 

In a statement signed by chief executives of at least six airline companies, they say the 95 per cent increase in the price of JetA1 oil was the principal reason for their action. 

They say: “We are private investors and we simply don’t have the money to continue to pay in cash upfront at N700 per liter of JetA1 which has increased our cost unbearably to about 95%. It is totally unsustainable.”

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The airline operators say their action to suspend operation is not a strike action, rather, it a business decision. 

Read the full statement . 

In the light of frantic developments within the last twenty four hours since informing the general public of our decision to suspend operations in response to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would like to state unequivocally that we stand firmly by our decision.

Airline operators are patriotic citizens and we are doing all we can to protect the flying public contrary to what some subjective schools of thought might suggest. This is a collective sacrifice for the common interest of our nation.

Hence, may we use this medium to clearly state that; “Airlines are not on strike. We are private investors and we simply don’t have the money to continue to pay in cash upfront at N700 per liter of JetA1 which has increased our cost unbearably to about 95%. It is totally unsustainable.

AON however regrets the unfortunate position taken by one of our members not to stand by the collective decision. While they may have their reasons for doing what they did, it is pertinent to note that they equally accepted in their statement that the JetA1 situation poses an “existential threat to the air transport industry in Nigeria” and that “the out-of-control situation is simply unsustainable.”

To this end therefore, we remain resolute in our resolve to find a lasting solution to this crucial problem of national emergency and once again use this medium to appeal to the conscience of our esteemed passengers for their understanding.

Signed:

Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina

President

Jointly signed by:

Alhaji Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air

Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace

Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors

Mr. Sukh Mann – Deputy CEO, Dana Air

Dr. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines

Capt. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air

Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf ‘MD, Azman Air -MD, Azman Air