Aviation Fuel: Airline Operators Chose Dialogue Over Shutdown, Resume Operation
Airline Operators Of Nigeria(AON) has resumed flight operations following a promise by the federal government to intervene in the astronomical hike in aviation fuel.
The AON announced this on Sunday night in a statement jointly signed by President, Abdulmunaf Sarina and other members.
TheFact Nigeria recalled that the AON had on Friday said its members will suspend flights from Monday, May 9, over the high cost of aviation fuel, also known as jet A1, which currently sells for N700.
But Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, on Saturday appealed to the operators not to shut down operations, assuring that the Federal Government will intervene in the matter.
Consequently, the association said they have consented to the minister’s plea to suspend the planned shut down of operations to allow a fresh round of dialogue with the hope to reach an amicable solution.
The AON said: “We wish 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 JetA1, 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.”
Others who signed the statement include the Executive Director, Max Air, Alhaji Shehu Wada; the Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo; the CEO, Arik Air, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu; the CEO, Aero Contractors, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood; the MD, Azman Air, Faisal Abdulmunaf, and Chairman, Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema.
