Nigerian Hajj + Umrah 2006

[GlobalFlyer]

Virgin Nigeria To Airlift Hajj Pilgrims
1st September
By Rotimi Durojaiye, Senior Aviation Correspondent, Lagos
Virgin Nigeria has been granted approval by the General Corporation of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia in principle to convey pilgrims into the Kingdom for the 2006/2007 hajj operations.
Consequently, bearing in mind the special nature of the umrah and hajj traffic, the airline has signed on ten travel agents that have specialisation in umrah and hajj operations spread across Nigeria to sell tickets and secure visas and accommodation for intending pilgrims.
The airlift of pilgrims by the airline to Jeddah will involve 16 and 27 commercial flight rotations for the Umrah and Hajj respectively. Pilgrims will be airlifted from the cities of Kano, Abuja and Lagos
The approval from the Saudi authority came on the heels of an earlier approval by the Federal Government of Nigeria designating Virgin Nigeria as one of the carriers for the airlift of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2006/07 hajj in Mecca.
Virgin’s Head of Corporate Communications, Larry Agose, said plans were already afoot by the airline to formally launch scheduled flights to Jeddah.
The approval designating Virgin Nigeria as one of the carriers to this year’s hajj was contained in a letter signed by the Director, Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs, Abdullahi Madaki Bagge,.
At inception, Virgin Nigeria was officially designated by the Federal Government as the flag carrier on the Jeddah route with the full benefit and advantages on the route.
With its readiness to commence scheduled flights on the Jeddah route, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has reconfirmed Virgin Nigeria’s status as the nation’s flag carrier on the Jeddah route with effect from August 17, 2006.
The airlift of pilgrims to this year’s hajj by the airline, which is it’s first time of airlifting pilgrims, will be preceded by special Umrah charter services to Jeddah to airlift a projected 8,000 pilgrims for the lesser Hajj in September.

[Flying Touareg]

VK has commenced sales of ticket for the umrah in kano through saudi accredited travel agents. It seems that they will be flying direct to jeddah from kano. There is a huge pax load during umrah ops and VK will definitely be delighted by the revenue. However, umrah /hajj ops are quite nightmarish especially in kano.
By the way, any idea on the fleet vk will be deploying for the umrah? and for the hajj, will vk use 747?

[GlobalFlyer]

Virgin Nigeria CEO Conrad Clifford was quoted in June as saying 2 747-400s planes would be chartered for use in Umrah and Hajj.

This would be the most modern equipment ever used on Hajj flights from Nigeria. How refreshing.... Kabo ought to learn :)

[surely not]

I hope that VK are liaising closely with KAN Customs as they had some considerable input into the problems that the inbound flights had last year.

At a debriefing earlier this year, where there was quite heated discussion :}, the KAN Customs Chief was adamant that baggage inbound from JED had to be clearly segregated between Hajj baggage and Commercial baggage, even if a passenger was a Hajj pax who had done a little shopping in town and had therefore added to his baggage in Saudi. The segregation was that Hajj baggage went to the Hajj terminal and the bags deemed Commercial went to the main terminal!!!

Never mind passenger convenience, as far as customs is concerned rules is rules and don't let common sense get in the way!!

The airport authority were just as bemused as the airlines I think.

[Flying Touareg]

I saw the kabo 747s today in kano.none seems to be servicable.they are also trying to source some a/c.kabo has been in the hajj and umrah business for more than a decade.they have d xperience and are good at sabotaging other operators especially in jeddah.vk should be prepared to face a lot of challenges both in kano and jeddah .the nigerian camps at both places are the most disorganised and not compatible with vk standards.well we shall see how it goes.

[surely not]

Hi FT, I know a couple of cabin crew who have flown the Hajj and Umrah for Kabo and it amazes me that they got away with their operation from the stories the cabin crew told. Short cuts were the norm and these crew didn't think there was anything wrong with what they were being asked to do because they had never flown for anyone else, and in an area of high unemployment they weren't going to complain because they needed the work!

The NCAA must have sent Stevie Wonder up to audit their flights :E

I know that in June they were taxiing one of the 747's around the ramp and taxiways on an irregular basis, but they had them sitting out on the ramp doing nothing all through the Hammatan without any engine blanks on or control locks on any surface. More Cowboy than Kabo was my impression and they got a slating at the de-brief meeting I attended.

I also know that one of the other operators ex Kano last year flew an L1011 between Maiduguri and Kano as a feeder. One of the operating cabin crew on that flew several sectors did so despite not having been through any training on the aircraft or being issued with any licence!!! When I left Kano she and several others were still waiting for their pay!

You are right though that VK should anticipate some 'interference' aimed at preventing them having a smooth operation by those who have lost the contracts.

[Flying Touareg]

"Aviation autho-rities have placed tough safety checks on airlines certified by the Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs for the airlift of 2006 Hajj operations.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) the has written up new rules banning old planes from being used for the airlift due to start in December.
The regulations stipulates that no aircraft can be imported into the country without passing the mandatory pre-arrival safety inspection and issued with the necessary certificates. Accor-dingly, the safety inspection must be completed and required safety certificates obtained at least 30 days before the comm-encement of Hajj airlift.
NCAA in the new requirem-ents, a copy of which was made available to Daily Trust said, the aircraft must be equipped with the necessary airworthiness equipment, adding that only aircraft authorized and listed in the operations specifications shall be permitted for use.
According to the new rules : “The NCAA’s Aviation Safety Inspectors will carry out aircraft , flight safety and facility inspection at the operator’s base, while all aircraft technical records submitted to NCAA must be in English language.”
Certain categories of airc-rafts are banned by NCAA for Hajj operations into or from Nigeria. Such aircrafts include B747-100, B727, B737-100,200, B707, DC-8, TU-154, YAK-42, inactive aircraft parked for extended period and other older generation aircrafts.
“Aircrafts to be used for hajj must not be due for major checks within three months of comme-ncement of Hajj operations; First Aid, Medical Kit must contain adequate medications as stip-ulated by the Safety Regula-tions”
Air operators are also man-dated to possess a valid Air Tra-vel Organizer’s Licence (AT-OL).This is in addition to having full insurance cover for inter-national operations in line with the 1999 Montreal Convention; minimum of $500 million USD Combined Single Limit. (Pass-enger third party)
“Air operators shall post performance Bond in addition to that obtainable in the ATOL, to the tune of 15% of the total volu-me of operation, which shall not be less than N10million. Statis-tical returns of all operations must be made available by the airline/tour operators and cargo consolidator to NCAA.”
Nigerian Air Carriers prov-iding aircrafts for the airlifting of pilgrims are mandated to hold valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and applicable opera-tions specifications issued by NCAA 30 days before the commencement of Hajj airlift.
Foreign carriers engaged to provide aircrafts for the airlift of pilgrims, in addition to its for-eign AOC and operations speci-fications issued by the country of operation, must also hold Ni-gerian operations specifications issued by NCAA in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulation.
However, domestic opera-tors are requested to hold AOC with operations specifications applicable to hajj operations and issued by NCAA.
Foreign AOC holders, in addition to the valid AOC and operations specifications of the country of operator, must also hold operations specifications issued by NCAA.
“AOC holders or aircraft registered in countries that are deemed to be “flags of conven-ience” without adequate safety oversight capability, shall not be approved. Evidence must be produced that the CAA of that state has been audited by the ICAO and found satisfactory,” NCAA added.
NCAA stated further that all selected carriers would be requ-ired to attend Safety Workshop organized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to take place at least three months before the commencement of the airlift.
The aviation regulatory authority approved selected airports for the Hajj operation.
They include: Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Maid-uguri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Kaduna, Minna and Yola."

[GlobalFlyer]

surely not, can you confirm equipment to be used by Virgin Nigeria?

How about some 777-300s :D

[surely not]

Global, alas I am no longer in Nigeria. Others have taken over what I used to do, which was always the game plan but doesn't make me any less sad to be away from Nigeria. Not sure which a/c type VK have contracted for, but the team planning the operation are first rate so I am sure they have everything under control and news will be announced when timely.

[jbayfan]

They are going to be wet leasing an SAA B747-400 with SAA crew.

[Flying Touareg]

two questions: 1.Are the 747-400 to be used for umrah and hajj? or for hajj only?
2.will vk operate flights to jeddah direct from kano?

[18left]

two questions: 1.Are the 747-400 to be used for umrah and hajj? or for hajj only?
2.will vk operate flights to jeddah direct from kano?

sources in vna say the 747 are for just hajj and umrah only,they are planning a scheduled service to dubai/jeddah via kano with the the 340 before year end

[Flying Touareg]

Thanks 18l.
I understand that state govts have been given the discretion to chose who amongst the selected carriers will ferry their pilgrims.This implies that each airline has to lobby for pax. I know some governors or top govt officials have connections with some of the selected carriers. My fear is that these airlines will not use bad tactics and "ghana most go" to get a large chunk of the pax from the states.Take for example mangal airlines. The owner is an oil magnate and top contractor fronting for alot of big people in the north west region of Nigeria.
Well we look forward to the unfolding scenarios and wish VK Luck in the intrest of aviation safety and standards.

[Rani]

sources in vna say the 747 are for just hajj and umrah only,they are planning a scheduled service to dubai/jeddah via kano with the the 340 before year end
There are rumours going around that VK will deliver a third A340-300 (G-VAEL) to launch Jeddah and Dubai via Kano...
It's a pity these birds are still on the UK register, probably to keep insurance premiums to a minimum :hmm:

[aerotransport.org]

See

http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=09/11/2006&qrTitle=Saudi%20authorities%20clear%20six%20airlines%20for%2 0Hajj%20operations&qrColumn=BUSINESS

for a list of approved Nigerian carriers.

Any info on these two: Meridian and Mangal ?? Thanks

/A

[AVSEC]

NCAA are holding seminars in LOS,KAN,on 13th and 18th september respectively called Hajj safety workshop.
NCAA should be congratulated.
Understand that VK may not be carrying cargo on Hajj flights because the aircraft being used is leased from another airline.

[Flying Touareg]

The Umrah period has since begun and will be over in 18 days.There seems to be an unexplained silence on the proposed and much advertised VKs Umrah Ops. Or has VK commenced?
Secondly, i learnt that VK has been unable to get patronage from state govts for the hajj operations and many of the states are going for Kabo. One of the reasons adduced for this is that VK has asked the states govt to pay an extra 200usd for each intending pilgrim which the states have refused.

[Flying Touareg]

i told you guys that VK will definitely be sabotaged:sad:

Virgin Nigeria has announced that it could not airlift pilgrims for the Umrah over the weekend in Kano because of the failure of the Saudi authorities to grant it landing slots.
The inability to airlift the pilgrims according to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Conrad Clifford, is as a result of the last minute request by the Saudi authorities for a fresh submission of papers, which Virgin Nigeria had already filed with the authority and duly acknowledged.
Speaking on the development, Conrad said: “It was a surprise to us when at the eleventh hour we were asked to re-submit documents which we had earlier filed with the Saudi authorities which were acknowledged by them, and despite the fact that Virgin Nigeria has been duly designated on the route by the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
“On the strength of our designation, we set the machinery in motion for hitch-free Umrah operations, especially in the area of sourcing for an aircraft and eventual leasing from Europe . The aircraft, a modern state of the art Boeing 767-300, and crew members have been on ground at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano since Saturday, September 30, 2006”.
“It is ironic that we have the aircraft, the crew and the government approvals to operate, and yet we are being blocked at every turn. We feel perplexed and very disappointed over this turn of events, as all attempts to resolve the issue with the Saudi authorities have not produced any positive result to date”.
“We therefore call on all pilgrims that have been booked on our service for their patience and to assure them of our deepest regret for a situation beyond our understanding, and that Virgin Nigeria is doing everything possible to ensure that they are airlifted to and from the holy land within the specified time frame”, Conrad said.
Virgin Nigeria had plan-ned to airlift about 8000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s lesser Hajj from Lagos, Abuja and Kano. The airline has signed on ten travel agents that have special-isation in umrah and hajj operations spread across Nigeria, to sell tickets and secure visas and accommodation for intending pilgrims.
http://www.dailytrust.com/news7c.html

Meanwhile, KABO is having a field day.

[Rani]

It would appear that the Saudi authorities have once again victimized another Hajj airlift operator.:bored: VK should learn that a "yes" from the Saudis sometimes means "inshallah" which in turn, means "never".
Kabo's learned the hard way, arrange for "wasta" and learn every corner of the trade.

[jagunmolu]

Guys it never stops to suprise me when the Westminister businness plan is being unleashed on the NIGERIAN/ARAB way of life,that vis a little persuation or call it egunje or oiling the machinery of industry; PEOPLE,The ones that make things work like they were programmed,its a way of life and nobody can expect to get things rolling as advertised without some encouragement whether WHITE,BLACK ARAB etc....BRANSON is a very suceessful merchant ask him how he swung his deals its not definitely his disarming smile, its what you know,The VK people had better start doing the right things that will make them prosper that is if they want to suceed.AIRCRAFT STUCK IN KANO. haha DO I SMELL EXECUTIVE ACROSS THE NIGER SABOTAGE.VK WAKE UP.:cool: :cool:

[Flying Touareg]

I cant believe this. But thumbs up to Kabo, those guys be mafians:ok:

"Virgin Nigeria has entered into agreement with Kabo Air for the airlift of pilgrims to the lesser hajj (Umrah) commencing on Sunday, October 8, 2006 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This is coming on the heals of refusal of Saudi authorities to grant landing slots to Virgin Nigeria which had planned to airlift pilgrims to the holy land as a flag carrier.
The inability to airlift the pilgrims according to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Conrad Clifford is as a result of the last minute request by the Saudi authorities for a fresh submission of papers, which he said Virgin Nigeria had already filed with the authority and duly acknowledged.
Announcing the planned commencement of the airlift of pilgrims, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Conrad Clifford said: “having been denied landing slots by the Saudi authorities, we met with the management of Kabo Airline and have reached an understanding to partner with the airline whereby we will act as the operating carrier for Kabo to permit the deployment of our modern Boeing 767-300 to this route as we had originally planned.
Conrad further stressed that Virgin Nigeria is very grateful to have worked with its fellow Nigerian airline and have proactively come up with a timely measure to ensure that all pilgrims booked on its services are airlifted within the specified time frame.
It will be recalled that Virgin Nigeria over the weekend took delivery of a modern Boeing 767-300 aircraft leased from Europe which the airline plans to use for the airlift of pilgrims to perform their religious obligations in the holy land.
The airlift of pilgrims which was earlier scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 1, 2006 by Virgin Nigeria could not start in earnest as the airline was at the eleventh hour denied landing slots by the Saudi authorities.
Conrad said working together as partners, Kabo and Virgin Nigeria airlines will provide quality services to the Nigerian pilgrims.
Virgin Nigeria had plan-ned to airlift about 8000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s lesser Hajj from Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
The airline has signed on ten Travel agents that have specialization in umrah and hajj operations spread across Nigeria to sell tickets and secure visas and accommodation for intending pilgrims."

http://www.dailytrust.com/news5a.htm

[Rani]

I wonder how much commission Kabo took on this one :} :} :}

[AVSEC]

Wellll then I never.....:}
You mean VK announced an operation,sold tickets,without actually having permission to operate in Saudi Arabia???????

Boyyyy the management is excellent.Its just like how they insist all pax must,MUST buy return tkts if travelling to Accra Ghana and one happens to be a Nigeria citizen.Reason?????? Ghanian imigration has ordered them they would be fined for any Nigerian entering Ghana that does not have a return ticket.
Found out myself in Accra that this was untrue.So I am not suprised they tried this cowboy stunt.
Got to congratulate Saudi Arabian authorities though:D :D :D :D

[surely not]

AVSEC why don't you go back to school and learn to read!!!!!!

The inability to airlift the pilgrims according to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Conrad Clifford is as a result of the last minute request by the Saudi authorities for a fresh submission of papers, which he said Virgin Nigeria had already filed with the authority and duly acknowledged.

So VK had gained all the approvals and had the rug pulled from under it.

I shall check on the other stuff you wrote re Ghana because I haven't heard anything............................

[Flying Touareg]

Surely Not, how much is VK paying Kabo?
Secondly, how true is the story that VK is asking states to pay an additional 200 USD per pax apart from the government prescribed hajj fee?
Thirdly, will the VK-KABO romance continue to exist also during the Hajj ops that will commence in december?

[surely not]

FT I don't know the answers to your questions, I am no longer in Nigeria but I keep in touch with a few :) hence I known that VK followed all the rules and complied with them only to be stitched up at the last minute.

What a poor reference for those in Saudi who are involved in this Holy movement of people that they are prepared to jeopardise the operations of airlines operating to bring a lifes dream to for whom the Hajj and Umrahh are so important.

Any more and I would be guessing..........so goodnight all, sweet dreams

[NDB17]

Gist i got was that a mentally challenged individual in the minister of state for foreign affairs office, conveniently misplaced some documents that were sent by the saudis concerning Vk. When they got no response from nigeria, they cancelled the application.
Now remember this is a gist, but it tallies with what is possible in nigeria.

[Rani]

VIRGIN NIGERIA STARTS AIRLIFT OF UMRAH PILGRIMS :)
Virgin Nigeria’s inaugural flight conveying the first set of pilgrims booked on the airline’s service to this year’s Umrah took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday en-route Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the pilgrims are to perform their religious obligations.
The Virgin Nigeria aircraft, a modern Boeing 767-300 leased from Europe left the airport at 13:05 with 164 passengers.
The airlift of pilgrims by Virgin Nigeria to the holy land comes on the heels of Saudi Authorities granting the airline landing rights to operate into the Jeddah airport.
Commenting on the inaugural flight by Virgin Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer, Conrad Clifford said: "securing the landing right to operate our own flight schedule to Jeddah is a testimony to our firm resolve to airlift our valued customers who have placed their trust in us to the holy land to perform their religious obligations. We are happy to be given this opportunity to serve".
Conrad Clifford further thanked the Saudi authorities for the eventual approval of Virgin Nigeria’s flight slots for the Umrah

[surely not]

Oh dearie me..........I can confirm yet more bolleaux posted by AVSEC. I take it that he isn't involved with security intelligence gathering!!

I have it confirmed that Nigerians DO NOT need to purchase return tickets when travelling to Ghana, and VK have NEVER required them to do this.

There was an incident some weeks back where a grp of refugee children tried to get into Ghana with one way tickets, but they were stopped in Lagos as they didn't have any permissions to enter Ghana. Seems ALML did a good job :D

Tsk Tsk AVSEC check your facts.....................

[jagunmolu]

Please spare the rest of us with modicums of somed intelligence soime slack:suspect: :suspect: :suspect: Keep quiet when theres no need to bore us with your utmost INTELLIGENCE:rolleyes: :rolleyes: