AVIATION MEGAFORCE

Senator Orji Kalu Story By Supo Atobatele,Lagos Senator Orji Kalu must have stirred the hornets net by his unguarded claims that Nigerian pilots    operate under the influence of Indian hemp,a prohibited drug for the flying crew. Defending the Pilots earlier today,Mr.Adeola Fadairo,a veteran    aviation journalist and Publisher, Arrival Magazine, described the    statement by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleging that “some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp and are unfit to fly” to be reckless, ill-considered, and gravely damaging”. Fadairo,in a press statement,reminded the Senator of his failed attempt to float an airline stressing that for a sitting Senator, “to make such a sweeping allegation on the floor of the National Assembly, without a shred of verifiable data, empirical research, or regulatory validation, is both irresponsible and injurious to the image of the Nigerian aviation sector”.   His words:  “Nigeria’s pilots are among the most discipl...

 Demand Grows 4.6% in August   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for August 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights: •     Total demand , measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 4.6% compared to August 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 4.5% year-on-year. The August load factor was 86.0% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024), a record high for the month. •     International demand  rose 6.6% compared to August 2024. Capacity was up 6.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.8% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024). •     Domestic demand  increased 1.5% compared to August 2024. Capacity was up 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 86.3% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024). “August year-on-year demand growth of 4.6% confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. Moreover, planes were ...

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) on Monday flagged off its “Go Cashless Operation” at airports    across the country    aiming to triple revenue    like never before. The Managing Director,Mrs Olubunmi Kuku announced that the new payment solution would start from two international airports in Lagos and Abuja effective today.  FAAN is rolling out this cashless contactless payment solution in partnership with Paystack that comes with assurance of safe and seamless services. The MD represented at the ceremony in Lagos by the Director of Public Affairs and    Consumer Protection, Henry Gberigbe ,explained that the from now on,FAAN’ revenue points    including the airport access gates ,car parks, FAAN VIP and protocol lounges would go cashless. The MD stressed that with the introduction of this payment solution,passengers and airport users    would enjoy fast and seamless services by using this secure con...

 The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has slammed Qatar Airways with serious allegations of disregarding Nigerian passengers and aviation laws .  According to NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer  Protection, Michael Achimugu ,Qatar Airways had  repeatedly violated regulations, notably in an incident involving a Nigerian couple traveling to the US via Doha .  A cabin crew member had accused the male passenger of misconduct during boarding in Lagos , but didn't report it then.  However, upon arrival in Doha, the accusation was made, leading to his arrest and detention for 18 hours.  The passenger, Achimugu stated  had to pay a fine and sign a document in Arabic , which he couldn't read, to secure his release and  despite this, Qatar Airways refused to let him continue his journey, forcing him to buy new tickets. The NCAA criticized Qatar Airways for ignoring their invitations and failing to respond to complaints.  The aut...

  SAHCO Received Award In Logistics Innovation  From left: Chukwu Emmanuel,GM,Aerodrome Standard,NCAA,Rev Olatunde Shoyemi presnting the Award to Mrs Adetola Vanessa Uansohia,Head, Corporate Communications,SAHCO while the publisher,ATQ Magazine ,Prince ‘Supo Atobatele applauds the moment.   Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has been honored with the prestigious Logistics Innovation Award 2024 by the Air Transport Quarterly (ATQ) Magazine Editorial Board in recognition of its outstanding contributions to innovation and operational excellence in the Aviation Ground Handling sector.    The award was presented to SAHCO during the 4th Annual ATQ Industry Awards held at the Country Club Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. This recognition underscores SAHCO’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class logistics and aviation handling services, consistently setting industry benchmarks through efficiency, reliability, and customer-centric solutions.    As ...

      The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Aero Contractors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in industry-led safety training, knowledge exchange, and human capital development.  This will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding global aviation safety standards. The agreement, signed today in Lagos in the presence of key industry stakeholders, establishes a framework for structured training programs, technical collaborations, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors.  The partnership will see NSIB’s Transportation Safety Officers and technical personnel undergo specialised on-the-job training using Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, including simulators and maintenance workshops. In return, Aero’s technical personnel will benefit from NSIB-led training in accident investigation and related disciplines, creating a robust exchange of expertise. Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director-Genera...

   The hardworking Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has once again been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria's aviation sector, receiving his fourth award in just one month. This remarkable achievement highlights his relentless dedication to transforming the aviation landscape and his unyielding commitment to progress. Last night, the Minister was honoured with the prestigious Minister of the Year 2024 award by the Board of Editors of one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, Daily Independent. The award ceremony, held at the renowned Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, was a star-studded affair, attended by captains of industry, prominent personalities, and respected figures from various sectors. The event underscored the immense recognition and admiration the Minister has garnered from all quarters, including from some of the nation’s most stringent opinion leaders and society cr...