In spite of the seeming depression in the Nigerian aviation industry, trending events have shown that under the present administration, the industry still has the potential for further global recognition.
A pointer to this is the recent score made on the global aviation scene by Allied Air Limited, one of the oldest airlines in Nigeria, which became the first African cargo carrier to scale the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
Last week, the African Export-Import Bank (AFRIEXIM) said it would continue to strengthen its relationship with Arik Air and support the airline in areas they can, amid the current economic challenges in Nigeria.
These two events take place few months after Aero Contractors and First Nation suspended their operations for having only one functional aircraft, which contradicts the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations.
However, First Nation resumed operations a month after its flight’s suspension, revealing it experienced strong passenger demands.
According to Benedict Oramah, president, AFRIEXIM, “We are strengthening our partnership with Arik Air because of the essential role the airline is playing in connecting people across Africa and making sure goods are delivered across Africa.
“So, we want to make sure they are strengthened to do that. We also understand the difficulties in the environment, not only in Nigeria but also in most African countries.
“At this time, as a bank created to deal with or support our clients under such situations. We also wanted to be briefed on how these things are affecting the company and what we can do to make sure they ride through the situation.”
Following the new drive by the government to reposition the sector for a greater height, Allied Air is now listed on the IOSA Registry. The airline, described as the foremost in cargo operations on the African continent, has also been admitted as a member of the prestigious IATA.
A membership certificate was handed to Val Tongo, chairman/chief executive of the airline by Tony Tyler, the immediate past director-general of IATA.
According to industry watchers, for a cargo carrier to bag IOSA certification, Nigeria has gloriously moved to the leading edge of aviation in the world and consequently translating to an honour for the minister of state for aviation and the regulatory agency, the NCAA.
The IATA Operational Safety Audit programme is an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline, in terms of global standards.
