Nigerian Aviation: Influential Airlines of 2012

Dana Air will have to redeem its image after after loosing an airplane in a crash in June

Generally, 2012 was a challenging year for the Nigeria airlines as they were financially stressed. Some of them rocked the industry on the good side, others did on the bad side. Wherever spectrum they fall into, the fact is they kept the industry on its toes and were the talking points of the industry.

Dana Air: On June 3, a Dana Air McDonnell Douglass MD 83 aircraft operating as flight 992 crashed into a residential building at Iju Ishaga after both engines flamed out killing all the 153 on board as well as some others on ground. The crash led to wide spread condemnations from the general public over the use of unserviceable airplanes and negligence on the part of the airline. There were allegations questioning the airworthiness of the ill fated aircraft as it was reported that the crashed plane was involved in an incident with its previous owner, Alaska. The same airplane in 2010 was involved in a bird strike incident. The federal government suspended the airline because of the crash and it led to criticisms from the industry experts. The airline's license was later reinstated causing widespread condemnation from the families of the victims of the crash as well as the general public. Dana Air in October was awarded by the FAAN as one of the best airlines in Nigeria. Will the airline succeed in resuming operations next year? If it does, will it be able to redeem its image? Time will tell

Air Nigeria:  Things appeared to be fine for Air Nigeria when it wet leased two Airbus A330s from Egypt Air to begin its international operations to London (Gatwick Airport) and Johannesburg in May. However things went awry for the airline when its then managing director, Kinfe Kasshaye was arrested for allegation of tax evasion by the FIRS. The airline was said to be owing over N4bn in accumulated taxes. The airline's pilots and staff went on a strike due to the airline's failure to pay their salaries for four months. The airline was grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for its financial insolvency. During that period, four of its Boeing 737-300s were withdrawn by its lessor, GECAS due to the failure of the airline to honor its lease obligation. The Airline's Chairman, Jimoh Ibrahim sacked majority of the staff of the airline on the grounds of disloyality. The airline in August finally ceased operations but left its London passengers stranded due to non availability of aircraft. Passengers were made to contribute 40 pounds to buy fuel for the airplane. The cessation of operations by Air Nigeria led to a near duopoly between AeroContractors and Arik Air. It joined the likes of First Nation, Dana Air and Chanchagi who have suspended their operations

 First Nation: First Nation is the aftermath of Bellview Airlines. First Nation in June suspended its operations. According to the airline, it suspended its operations to maintain its entire fleet of 3 Airbus A320s. It denied allegation that the NCAA suspended it. It is believed that the airline is suffering as a result of the Bellview crash in 2005. As at now the airline is yet to commence operation. But if everything is to come by, the airline may resume operations next year as it has taken a lease for Airbus A319s

First nation

Arik Air:It has being a rough ride for Arik this year. In March the airline suspended its Abuja - London flights due to high cost of gate rents. AMCON attempted to take over the airline due to accumulated debts. In September, the airline's operations were disrupted by the labour unions due to its inability to pay its debt. It suspended domestic flights for days . After settling the labour unions called off their strike, the airline resumed domestic operations. The airline blamed corruption and inefficiency in the government as conditions for not making the airlines to operate optimally. The good side is that the airline has acquired 2 A330s for its international operations but they have not entered into service with the airline

Chanchagi Airlines: Chanchangi Airlines has been going in and out of business for a while due to availability of aircraft. The airline announced plans to begin flight operations once again with one Boeing 737-300. It is hopeful that it is going to survive.

Chanchagi Airlines

Med-View Airlines: Medview Airlines is known as a cargo airline as well as a charter airline. The airline began domestic operations at a time when the confidence in air travel seems to have waned in the wake of the Dana Air plane crash. The airline commence operations in November. It is performance will be felt next year.

Med-View Airlines

Aero Contractors

Aero Contractors: Aero Contractors had the good and bad side of the year.The good side was that it had a good dominance of the domestic and regional market due to the cheap air fares it offers. It dominance was felt when Dana, First Nation and Air Nigeria were out of business. The airline was awarded the best in West Africa. The bad side of it all boils down to leadership crises when AMCON took over the management of the airline. Capt. Akin Goerge, the Airline's managing director resigned and was replaced by Obaro Ibru. It is hopeful that the airline will recover from its troubles.