… Says Flight Operations In 2016 Relatively Very Safe Despite Challenges

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) said has expressed  sincere concern over challenges and difficulties airlines and passengers  have been subjected to over the past few days due to reduced flight visibility occasioned by the prevailing harmattan dust haze that has limited operations into most airports.

An online statement by the agency  made available to Abelnewsng.com, said that while the agency is not unmindful of the economic losses to airlines, passengers   and   other   airport   stakeholders,   the  agency   is   however   primarily required   to  ensure   safety   of   lives   and   properties   by   ensuring   that   all   flight operations   are   in   compliance   with   minimum   state   weather   conditions   as published by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) for each airport.

The Acting Managing Director, NAMA, Engr. Emma Anasi, said in the statement that NAMA had earlier taken appropriate measures to ensure the availability and reliability of air navigation facilities at all   airports.

He added that the agency   in   October   2015   implemented   and published   Performance   Based   Navigation   (PBN)   flight   procedures   for   the guidance of aircraft into and out of 16 domestic airports in addition to similar procedures implemented at Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt in 2012.

He encouraged Nigerian airline operators   to   equip   their   fleets  and  take  advantage  of   these  new   PBN  flight procedures,   as   well   as   other   satellite   based   navigation   systems   such   as Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication Systems that were implemented in 2015, with increased level   of   safety,   accuracy,   reliability,   integrity,   availability   and   continuity   of service.

 Furthermore, Anasi said that while the current severe weather conditions are expected to improve within the next few days, NAMA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation has embarked on the upgrading of existing facilities, as well as the deployment of new communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems that will further enhance capacity as well as safety, efficiency and economy of flight operations.

 He stated that flight operations in the year 2016 had been relatively very safe following significant investments made in the development of safety critical infrastructure and manpower, assuring Nigerians that all efforts are been made to ensure more efficient and safe air navigation service delivery in the year 2017.

“Finally, while NAMA sincerely sympathises with all Nigerians who have suffered losses or inconveniences as a result of flight delays/cancellations, the agency   however   wish   all   Nigerians,   the   travelling   public,   airlines,   sister agencies, and other stakeholders, a safe and Happy New Year ahead” Anasi said.