The operators, who called for urgent intervention from the
Federal Government, stated that aircraft due for maintenance have been grounded
and cannot be ferried overseas due to Forex scarcity.
AON’s Spokesman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, in a statement,
said if this continues, the country may not have operating aircraft for
domestic services.
He also said airlines need special allocation of dollars for
their survival because dollars are used for purchasing aircrafts and fleet
maintenance.
The statement reads: “We are making losses on factors that
are beyond our control. We are not only faced with the problem of scarcity of
dollars; even the aviation ecosystem is feeling the heat. Handling companies
have increased the cost of their services, airports have increased their
charges and those that service the aircraft have also increased the cost of
their services. The monies for these payments are coming from the passengers
who are already exhausted financially.
“Passenger traffic has shrunk because even those on social
engagement like weddings, burials and other ceremonies may not be inclined to
spend money on flight tickets; they would rather send credit alerts to those
hosting the events who would appreciate such gestures. So, they pay instead of
appearing in person.
“Air travel is a catalyst to economic development. There
should have been government engagement with airlines at different levels.
Airlines do not have special forex allocation; so, they buy at the same place
traders who trade Brazilian hair, textiles and others buy. Our passion to
remain in this business is being eroded. We are at the point of oxygen supply.
Some airlines are going into a coma. Our equipment is diminishing. The minimal
revenues we earn to keep the airlines flying, we convert to pay our lessors.
“It is impossible to bring in more aircraft. Aircraft owners
have become skeptical because of country risk. A Nigerian airline may meet
their terms, all the standard criteria but the aircraft owners consider country
risk above other factors. Country risk supersedes everything and lessors have
their own obligations. There is nothing personal. Some airlines deposited money
with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, but they cannot provide us the needed
dollars.”
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