May 08, (THEWILL) – Dana Air, Overland, Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Ibom Air, have joined league of airlines that would not suspend its flight operations on Monday, May 9, 2022, as agreed by airlines under the umbrella body; Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON).
As for Dana Air, the airline stated in a statement that they will not suspend their operations for now.
The statement signed by its management explained that following the recent press statement issued by the AON, it has become necessary for the airline to take a stand in the overall interest of its passengers, corporate partners, staff and the industry at large.
The airline further explained that while Dana Air agrees with the AON on all the challenges facing domestic airlines in Nigeria and have on many occasions actively participated in the collective and ongoing engagement of relevant authorities on the urgent need to tackle the many issues domestic airlines have been grappling with which includes the skyrocketing cost of Jet A1, the has taken a decision not to join the suspension of flights on May 9, 2022.
“We acknowledge that the present cost of jet A1 is unsustainable and should not be passed to the flying public, we therefore call on the government to act urgently to resolve these unending operational challenges, while Dana Air will continue to support every effort by the AON to achieve a quick and peaceful resolution in the interest of our dear country Nigeria”, the statement assured.
While Aero and Arik Air have stated that they will not suspend operations on the said date, Overland has equally stated that it will continue flight operations till Monday 9th, May, 2022 and beyond.
Earlier, Ibom Air had already opted out of the airlines’ decision to suspend operations.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
