Allen Onyema, the Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, emphasized that the absence of transit facilities at major airports in the country poses a significant hindrance to intra-regional connectivity and international operations.
Speaking at a recent meeting organized by the Aviation Round Table (ART) in Lagos, Onyema highlighted the limitations faced by Nigerian airlines due to the lack of necessary infrastructure.
In his address, Onyema explained that airports with transit facilities play a vital role in passenger movement, acting as hubs where travelers can be efficiently brought together and seamlessly transported to their final destinations.
Regrettably, Nigeria currently lacks such facilities at its airports, impeding the growth and success of domestic carriers.
“To support Nigerian airlines and bolster their strength, we must improve airport infrastructure. Government officials often compare Nigerian airlines to successful carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, claiming that Nigerian carriers are not flying internationally.
However, without the necessary infrastructure, it is unfair to blame the airlines,” Onyema stated.
Onyema further highlighted the lack of major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Nigeria, leading to Nigerian carriers incurring substantial costs by maintaining their aircraft overseas.
He noted that these expenses, including the transportation of aircraft abroad, significantly burden the airlines.
Onyema stressed that the establishment of MRO facilities should have been a priority for the government, suggesting that rather than engaging in direct business ventures, the government should provide an enabling environment for private entities to develop the necessary facilities.
Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced a partnership with the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to establish an Aviation Desk within the federal agency.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to provide specialized aviation training for Customs personnel, enabling them to better understand the sector.
Additionally, the partnership aims to expedite the clearance of aircraft and spare parts, emphasizing the urgency in situations like when an aircraft is grounded (AOG).
Onyema explained that many Customs officials currently lack a comprehensive understanding of aviation operations, resulting in delays in clearing aircraft spare parts.
He highlighted the significance of promptly clearing such items to ensure the seamless functioning of aircraft, emphasizing that in other countries, spare parts under AOG are immediately cleared.
Onyema called for an improvement in the ease of doing business, not only within Customs but throughout the aviation sector, to provide stronger support for Nigerian airlines.
The challenges faced by domestic airlines in Nigeria continue to persist, prompting stakeholders to advocate for enhanced infrastructure and streamlined processes.
Addressing these issues is essential to foster the growth and success of the country’s airlines, ensuring improved connectivity and operational efficiency.
