Unions in the aviation industry have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing crisis at Arik Air Nigeria Limited.
The airline’s operations were grounded last week by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) over-indebtedness following the execution of a court judgement.
The unions in a joint letter dated first August, 2024 signed by their secretaries general and addressed to President Tinubu say, the grounding of the aircraft has caused anguish and frustration among passengers, with many left stranded and unable to make alternative travel arrangements.
The unions; the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN noted that, in a letter dated February 20, 2024, they had requested the President’s urgent and compassionate intervention in the matter, which has now led to the grounding of Arik Air’s fleet of four aircraft.
The scribes estimate that over 2000 workers and their 16,000 dependents are affected by the crisis, which could exacerbate the country’s socio-economic challenges.
According to them, the grounding will have negative impact on third-party vendors and service providers, including airports, aviation agencies, ground handlers, fuellers, and caterers.
They warned that the crisis could have significant negative consequences for the earnings of the aviation agencies.
The unions appealed to the President to use his office to call all parties involved in the matter, including government agencies, to order and allow Arik Air to continue its operations while the issues are being resolved.
They also urged the President to consider the national interest and the order of court directing all parties to maintain status quo ante. “We trust in your renewed hope agenda to bring succour to our troubled dear nation, and we hope that your administration will always carry our unions along in matters connected with the aviation industry”.
The union’s appeal comes as the aviation industry is still reeling from the effects of the grounding of Dana Air, which had a significant impact on the industry.
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