The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the umbrella group for domestic airlines yesterday took a swipe at the reported designation of some Nigerian airlines on select foreign routes, describing the action as everything but sincere.
AON Chairman and General Secretary, Dr. Steve Mahonwu and Capt. Mohammed Joji respectively, who addressed newsmen in Lagos yeaterday said government's designation of start-up airline, Arik Air as the second Nigerian carrier on the UK route was "a baseless, prejudicial, fraudulent and another huge denial and disservice to the yearnings of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) members who have been in front of the battle for upwards of 10 years".
Giving vent to their allegation, the AON officials noted that apart from Arik Air yet to fly for at least two years as required by law, they added that while Bellview Airlines with a track record of performance was given the Newark route, in New Jersey, United States of America, Arik Arik which is yet to commence operations, was designated on the Atlanta, Georgia route.
Meanwhile, the management of Arik Air also yesterday reacted to the AON poistion.
In a statement made available to THISDAY, the airline said "while it is not our intention to join issues with officials of the AON, however, we feel duty bound to correct misrepresentations and errors of fact.
"Sure, Arik Air is a start up airline, but the truth is that allocation of routes is based on available facilities; capability of the airline and the experience and competence of its professionals. At Arik Air, we have a surfeit of these. Stakeholders in the aviation industry acknowledge that Arik Air is the most capitalized airline in the country today. Besides, we have on our staff, experienced professionals, who have straddled the aviation industry world wide.; whose flying hours compare with the best in the world", the statement noted.
The airline pointed out that within a short while, it has been able to build an European style Air Operator Certificate (A.O.C), fully comply with all NCAA regulations, introduce brand new aircraft into Nigeria and refurbish the buildings and the hangar of the defunct Nigeria Airways.
Apart from these, the airline added that it is supporting the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria with $2million; as well as train pilots and engineers just as it signed an agreement with Lufthansa Technik, the maintenance arm of Lufthansa Airlines for technical support.
"Contrary to the AON’s insinuation, we have a fleet of aircraft.
Indeed, our Boeing 737 aircraft are parked in London, while our brand new CRJ900 are in Montreal, Canada, awaiting the refurbishment of our facilities. Of course, we do have a reservation system, while arrangements are on to join IATA.
"Our appeal to all stakeholders in the aviation industry is to join hands and cooperate with the regulatory authorities towards ensuring that we have a safer sky. At Arik, that is our commitment", the statement concluded.
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