Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON) has said categorically that there is no going back on the decision by its members to shut down flight operations tomorrow, Monday, May 9,2022 due to increase in the price of aviation fuel which is sold for N700 per litre.
The insistence by AON is coming despite an appeal by the Federal Government through the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika for the body to rescind its decision.
The AON decision not to back down came on the heels of the call by the President National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA)on the Federal Government to help resolve issues concerning domestic airline operators in Nigeria and threat to shut down flight operations effect from Monday, May 9,2022
The latest statement signed by the AON, President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina and jointly signed by the Executive Director, Max Air, Alhaji Shehu Wada, the Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema, CEO of Arik, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, CEO of Aero Contractors, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Managing Director of Azman Air, Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf and Deputy CEO, Dana Air, Mr. Sukh Mann.
AON said that in the light of the latest developments within the last 24 hours since informing the general public of its decision to suspend operations in response to the Astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1,AON would like to state unequivocally that it stands firmly by its decision.
Airline operators, AON said, are patriotic citizens and that they are doing all they can to protect the flying public contrary to what some subjective schools of thought might suggest.
AON said that this is a collective sacrifice for the common interest of our nation.
“AON however regrets 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,” the airline umbrella body said.
Continuing, AON said, “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 a daily basis to about 95 per cent.
“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.”
