Arik Air Limited and Aero Contractors have pulled out of the flights Cessation agreement reached by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
AON, Friday, announced the shutdown of operations, with effect from Monday May 09, 2022, over the skyrocketing cost of Aviation fuel, which has reached an all-time high of N700 per litre.
Aero Contractors had issued this statement on Saturday in solidarity to AON.
But in the airlines backtracked on Sunday. Arik Air and Aero Contractors issued notification to the traveling public, agreeing they will be operating all their scheduled flights on Monday, May 9, 2022.
“Both managements fully identify with and endorse the efforts of the Airline Operators of Nigeria ( AON ) to bring about a conducive operating environment for Nigerian carriers as the current price of JET A1 is unsustainable and could result in the untimely demise of most airlines.
“However, we have assurances that the government is looking at the issues raised by the AON and will come up with a decision that will be in the best interest of the industry and the traveling public.
“Passengers who are booked to travel on both Arik Air and Aero Contractors tomorrow and beyond should proceed to their airports of departure to board”, the statement reads.
Recall that Ibom Airlines Limited (Ibom Air) had issued similar statement on Saturday, announcing that they will not participate in the proposed strike.
Ibom Air, a public statement said, the airlines acknowledges the existential threat that the runaway fuel price increases pose for the air transport industry in Nigeria, however “every airline has its unique business model and pressures”.
