ZAINAB JUNAID
Amidst various interventions and pleads by government in the last 48 hours for Nigerian Airlines Operators to suspend the idea of shutting down operations on Monday, the operators has on Sunday insisted that they are not backing down on their decisions.
A Statement jointly signed by Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors, Faisal Abdulmunaf – MD, Azman Air and Mr. Sukh Mann – Deputy CEO, Dana Air confirmed this.
The statement partly reads that “In the light of frantic developments within the last twenty-four hours since informing the general public of our decision to suspend operations in response to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would like to state unequivocally that we stand firmly by our decision. “Airline operators are patriotic citizens and we are doing all we can to protect the flying public contrary to what some subjective schools of thought might suggest. This is a collective sacrifice for the common interest of our nation.” The operators also regret the action taking by Ibom Air that on Saturday denounced involving in the proposed strike slated for Monday. The operators said in the communique that “We regret the unfortunate position taken by one of our members, Ibom Air, not to stand by the collective decision. While they may have their reasons for doing what they did, it is pertinent to note that they equally accepted in their statement that the JetA1 situation poses an “existential threat to the air transport industry in Nigeria” and that “the out-of-control situation is simply unsustainable. “May we use this medium to clearly state that; “Airlines are not on strike. We are private investors who do not run our airlines with public funds to be able to continue to pay upfront in cash at N700 per litre for JetA1 which has increased our cost on daily basis to about 95%. “This is totally unsustainable. And its consequences, if allowed to stay, will be borne by the passengers; which is what we are trying to prevent. “To this end, therefore, we remain resolute in our resolve to find a lasting solution to this crucial problem of national emergency and once again use this medium to appeal to the conscience of our esteemed passengers for their understanding”, the statement added.
