What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
glamour was possibly not the correct word
the reality of life in the Delta
Say or do something positive in your life for once
BTW, if you look at the 'interests' in my profile, you may see why I'm touchy about your description
Gentlemen! Pray Silence!
For the record.....I have never heard 212man called either Faceitious or Condescending!
That being said.....there are a few folks with first hand knowledge of how "glamorous" being a victim of a hijacking and then being held hostage can be.
I would suggest one would have a much different and informed view of that bit of life's entertainment if one had actually been a hostage.
For the record.....I have never heard 212man called either Faceitious or Condescending!
That being said.....there are a few folks with first hand knowledge of how "glamorous" being a victim of a hijacking and then being held hostage can be.
I would suggest one would have a much different and informed view of that bit of life's entertainment if one had actually been a hostage.
How times change...
As I understand it from my Pa when he used to swing the lanterns and turn a yarn..... He was held at knife point and redirected in his 206 to a rebel camp or somewhere similar in Nigeria, wait for it........... Back in ................. 1969. 
So, no change there then in 30 years....
The various Governments, oil companies and operators must be so proud of their acheivements over the past 3 decades. What a bustling and modern country Nigeria has become, bought and paid for by their wonderful "natural resources" that have been liberally spread amongst the masses
The swiss banks must be bursting to the seems on the misery of millions...
So, no change there then in 30 years....
The various Governments, oil companies and operators must be so proud of their acheivements over the past 3 decades. What a bustling and modern country Nigeria has become, bought and paid for by their wonderful "natural resources" that have been liberally spread amongst the masses
The swiss banks must be bursting to the seems on the misery of millions...
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Desert Rat
Age: 53
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It never ends as long as there is ... oil
Now you say Swiss banks...what about those folks who thought bribing a few tribal elders is the way to get the contract done?
And yet another notion to this Delta disaster; Nigeria is importing fuel, yes yes...some government officials I bet partaking in importing fuel are not interested that the country's oil industry prospers - they would lose their bonuses on the imported fuel.
And yet another notion to this Delta disaster; Nigeria is importing fuel, yes yes...some government officials I bet partaking in importing fuel are not interested that the country's oil industry prospers - they would lose their bonuses on the imported fuel.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Natal
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SAS - wise words.
Archos - missed the point.
B212 - Sounds like you have first hand experience in these matters. Not nice to say the least. Glad back with us - we have lost enough good men.
I don't think RFDT words were apt but without knowing your past or viewing everyones profile so were yours.
General news from the patio
On a good note life in Lagos is normal (as can be)
The Rand vs $ sucks ($1=R8.20) - I got a 15% pay cut last month - what is happening???????
S92 SAR is dead in the water CVX/Shell/mobil could not reach a tripartate (spelling) agreement.
Bristow has one new (600hr) B412EP
2 new C++'s on their way
Hiring Freeze still in place......that includes new tea ladies. Tea still costs N100/cup.
Aero/CHC EC225 backup and flying after compulsory maintenance. Who knows what is happening further with them??????
Archos - missed the point.
B212 - Sounds like you have first hand experience in these matters. Not nice to say the least. Glad back with us - we have lost enough good men.
I don't think RFDT words were apt but without knowing your past or viewing everyones profile so were yours.
General news from the patio
On a good note life in Lagos is normal (as can be)
The Rand vs $ sucks ($1=R8.20) - I got a 15% pay cut last month - what is happening???????
S92 SAR is dead in the water CVX/Shell/mobil could not reach a tripartate (spelling) agreement.
Bristow has one new (600hr) B412EP
2 new C++'s on their way
Hiring Freeze still in place......that includes new tea ladies. Tea still costs N100/cup.
Aero/CHC EC225 backup and flying after compulsory maintenance. Who knows what is happening further with them??????
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jankara
Age: 64
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is it true Evergreen are taking over LNG contract from Caverton? With all of Virgin Nigeria's problems will they still be Evergreen's partner? If Evergreen does arrive will the NCAA really allow them to operate commercially on the N register here?
Does anyone really believe John G will make any difference to Caverton after his time with PAAN and Chevron? Are Caverton still bringing in their 412s, which are now more than 6 months overdue. If they lose LNG what will they do with their Twinned Ooters
Has Nabil returned from leave? Is Captain Kobo looking at a new venture? Will Aero still be operating helicopters by this time next year?
What's the betting on who will be operating helicopters for Agip by this time next year?
With Aero's star rapidly fading does anyone really imagine Bristow will be allowed by the oil companies to almost operate a monopoly?
The answers to these and many other questions over the coming months will possibly make interesting reading - and possibly lead to a major reshaping of the Nigerian RW scene.
Does anyone really believe John G will make any difference to Caverton after his time with PAAN and Chevron? Are Caverton still bringing in their 412s, which are now more than 6 months overdue. If they lose LNG what will they do with their Twinned Ooters
Has Nabil returned from leave? Is Captain Kobo looking at a new venture? Will Aero still be operating helicopters by this time next year?
What's the betting on who will be operating helicopters for Agip by this time next year?
With Aero's star rapidly fading does anyone really imagine Bristow will be allowed by the oil companies to almost operate a monopoly?
The answers to these and many other questions over the coming months will possibly make interesting reading - and possibly lead to a major reshaping of the Nigerian RW scene.
I see the current Royal Aeronautical Society Journal has an in-depth article about an airline called Arik Air, based at the old NAA hangars. Are they being used by the operators and/or oil companies for staff travel internally?
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Here and there...
Age: 58
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was gazing into my crystal ball (OK, an upturned whiskey glass) and I saw CHC pulling all their machines out of Nigeria and them being replaced on a one-for-one basis by a subsidiary of Bristow.
Of course, the problem there is getting the Government to sign onto the deal, but there are ways around that one.
Time will tell.
Of course, the problem there is getting the Government to sign onto the deal, but there are ways around that one.
Time will tell.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: In the Haven of Peace
Age: 79
Posts: 600
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
212man,
Arik started after your departure and now have one of the most modern fixed wing fleets in the country. As you can gather from reading the African Aviation page, they're not without controversy (particularly concerning allegations made in the press about their initial funding). However, they are being used quite a lot by companies now and in Port Harcourt, for example, they're one of only 2 operators still operating into NAF Base since Virgin Nigeria pulled out. Check in can be rather chaotic (but then that hasn't changed with any of the airlines since you left) but they seem to be doing quite well. Bristow use them a lot for flights to/from NAF Base.
Arik started after your departure and now have one of the most modern fixed wing fleets in the country. As you can gather from reading the African Aviation page, they're not without controversy (particularly concerning allegations made in the press about their initial funding). However, they are being used quite a lot by companies now and in Port Harcourt, for example, they're one of only 2 operators still operating into NAF Base since Virgin Nigeria pulled out. Check in can be rather chaotic (but then that hasn't changed with any of the airlines since you left
) but they seem to be doing quite well. Bristow use them a lot for flights to/from NAF Base.
Sogs,
Bristow using a particular domestic airline does not connote anything beyond price and availibility.
Bristow using a particular domestic airline does not connote anything beyond price and availibility.
C'mon now.....can't be....you still have a job, mate!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Afrika sometimes
Age: 68
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aero National Staff Strike
I'm surprised nobody seem to have noticed yet that Aero national staff have been on strike today. I believe it's because they haven't been paid. Many of their helicopters were still flying because they were manned by expats, so it seems they were allowed to go in to work. With all their other problems this can't bode well for the company 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Out of Africa
Age: 70
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On Strike??
I'm surprised nobody seem to have noticed yet that Aero national staff have been on strike today.
Sometimes the only way you can tell is by noticing that they have their trousers on inside-out
Trog
Trogs Ol' Lad....looking to take an escorted ramble through the Swamp are we? You might become a victim of a reverse ransom situation you keep this up!
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: THE MANGROVE SWAMPS (RETIRED)
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back in the good days of Aero they had a partner with a bit of class, refinement and good taste who knew that black shoes go with a charcoal suit, unles you are Italian. Then in comes a brash, arrogant new partner convinced that they know it all and haven't realised that being dressed properly is being appropriate to the occasion and that for them this means always wearing black suits and brown suede shoes. No wonder things have got to the sorry state they are now. I have a bad feeling that the divorce is going to be messy as the guidance counselling hasn't worked. With the new young-bloods of the family wishing to have a more active participation in the running of Aero, look for a decline in standards and the company going the way of Okada 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DNMM
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Evergreen Virgin Nigeria (EVN)
Does anyone have any information on this new start up based out of Nigeria,being a collaboration between Evergreen helicopters U.S.A and Virgin Nigeria?
I understand some contracts are about been signed with the oil majors,rattled by CHC/AERO squabbles.
I understand some contracts are about been signed with the oil majors,rattled by CHC/AERO squabbles.