The first time I boarded a plane was a trip from Lagos to Air Force base in Port Harcourt. My head of department, Prof SOE Ogbogu, had sent a note to me to go in person, and decline an offer in Schlumberger Port Harcourt. The oil industry giant had offered a job out of FUTO but I wanted to work in Victoria Island to make it easier to sneak out for a US visa interview. I had reasoned that staying in PHC would complicate that process but if in VI, it would be a lot easier. So, I left a job which was to pay better and chose the banking world.
For that first flight, the company was Aero Contractors. Today, they have suspended operations in Nigeria. I did three internships in NNPC; Aero Contractors was the deal for them to travel to Escravos. The reason for suspension? “The past few months have been very challenging for the Aviation industry and the airline operators in particular. With the high cost of maintenance, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and forex scarcity resulting in high foreign exchange rates.” Ibom Air has also parked its aircrafts.
So, what are the options now? I have an answer: camel. I know many people in Sokoto who can help. If you drive from Usman Danfodio University main gate to the campus, you will see many camels there. Those men are available for business: they can help “camel” you from Lagos to PHC now that airlines are packing up. We’re giving a 2.5% discount on all camel trips. Nigeria, a nation in motion!
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(The photo: I took this picture myself on my way to Usman Danfodio University to help set up the electronics lab. It was part of life those days we traveled around Nigeria with no fear of evil men. Not anymore.)
“This does not in any way affect the Maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.
“This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.
“We are working to bring these aircraft back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.
“The past few months have been very challenging for the aviation industry and the airline operators in particular.
“With the high cost of maintenance, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and forex scarcity resulting in high foreign exchange rates. These are amongst the major components of airline operations.
“In the meantime, we are working assiduously to return to service as quickly as possible, and do assure our esteemed customers and stakeholders of our determination, that our short absence will not create any major void in the market, as we are coordinating with our business partners to ensure minimum discomfort to ticket holders.
“As members of Spring Alliance (a commercial alliance with member airlines providing mutual support in the area of operations), we are liaising with our partner airlines to minimise the impact on our esteemed customers.
“Our customer service team will be working to help affected esteemed customers reach their destinations.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our esteemed customers and promise to return to service as soon as possible.
“We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding at this time.”
Comment on Social Media Feed
Comment: I’m not happy with the way you have put up this piece. It tends to portray that you are happy with the look of things. Please, kindly know that a lot of people follow you and are always ready to read your recommendations for our political problems. We are saddened with the situation of the Country and the least we can expect is for a respectable Nigerian Professor to make jest of our situation.
My Response; “I am not happy” that our aircrafts are packing up in Nigeria. But bringing new styles, when writing, helps engage readers. Read it again, no one is happy that airlines are used for decorations in airports. Pick your English Literature secondary school book, and re-study figures of speech and communicating with sarcasm.
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They are going on a break to recharge, the turbulence out there demands lots of stop and start, in order to keep trudging forward, else you go into extinction.
The land is politically, economically, ethically and spiritually challenged, you cannot breathe well if challenged in such orders of magnitude.
This is really sad. I pray these issues are sorted out soon.
Challenging times all over the world. Nigeria isn’t left out and ours are worse due to insecurity that reduces the travel options people have.
So bad a situation we find ourselves. We can’t wait for 2023 to come!