Remember the BAC 1-11 groundings a few years ago ? The figure of Nigeria having 10% of the worlds 1-11 fleet and 90% of its accidents springs to mind.
There is nothing wrong with the 737-200, indeed a new airline has started up in Australia with them (Ozjet), and many are still flying in the USA, though gradually being retired.
What's wrong is the maintenance and operation in Nigeria. Old aircraft breakdown, just like cars, and you need the capability to properly fix them. A twenty year old 737 may be very basic in the west when compared to a B777 or A340, but you still can't fix the autopilot under a tree with with a set of Chinese car tools.
With its oil Nigeria could be one of the richest countries in the world, but it doesn't even maintain its oil industry properly. The idea being to squeeze as much money out while putting as little in during your time in power before you get deposed.
And you think there is hope for aviation ?
Last edited by Metro man; 18th Dec 2005 at 22:41.