FG turns back Portuguese aircraft over wrongful deportation

The Federal Government on Sunday turned back an aircraft and officials of Portuguese government that deported a Nigerian, Raymond Jnr, into the country, claiming he was wrongfully deported without due process by the Portuguese government.

This is barely three weeks after the same issue played out at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by the Kenyan government. The deportees were not accepted into the country by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Lagos airport.

it is was gathered on Sunday that Raymond Jnr was brought back to Nigeria from Lisbon, Portugal, but the NIS requested the officials of the Portuguese airplane to return him to where he was coming from and follow the law on deportation of its nationals before he could be accepted into the country.

The NIS had requested that he should be taken back to Portugal and proper documentation filed before he could be accepted as a deportee from Portugal.

A top official of NIS explained that what the Nigerian government was only asking them to do was take back the deportee and comply with international law before bringing him back to Nigeria. 

The same situation is playing out between Nairobi and Abuja following the deportation of three Nigerians, with the Federal Government claiming that Nairobi flouted all known international law and diplomacy in deporting her citizens.

The Kenyan government, which deported three Nigerians, Christopher Nnanyelu, Oluwatosin Adebiyi and Anthony Chinedu, had brought a legislative order from their minister of interior to deport foreign nationals but Nigeria claimed that was not the acceptable process, adding that the Kenyan government had flouted all rules on deportation.

BY : Sade Williams

Nigerian authorities insisted that Kenya will not be allowed to fly out without the three men.

“On the 3rd of June at about 18:36 hours, a Kenyan aircraft with registration number 5Y-SAX, owned by Cavoc Airlines arrived Nigeria with a total of 18 persons. Among them, 15 were crew members while three were passengers.

“The three Nigerians were said to be deportees from Kenya, but the security agencies in Lagos discovered that certain procedures were not complied with and subsequently grounded the aircraft.

Article accredited to: Businessday

Arik Air signs order for seven NextGen aircraft worth $297m

In a move aimed at boosting its flight services globally, Arik Air, largest commercial carrier in West Africa, has signed a firm agreement for three CRJ1000 NextGen Regional Jets and four Q400 NextGen Tier turboprop airliners worth $297 million.

The Nigeria-based airline will be the first to operate the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft in Africa when delivered. Bombardier Aerospace announced the Lagos based signed a firm contract to acquire three CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft and four Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. “Based on the list price of the CRJ1000 NextGen and Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract announced today is valued at approximately $297 million”, says Bombardier. Arik Air currently operates four CRJ900 aircraft and two Q400 NextGen aircraft. “Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation”, the aircraft manufacturer said. Bombardier is head quartered in Montréal, Canada.

Arik Air is Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline and operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It operates a fleet of 23 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa. The airline currently serves 20 destinations across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia), Douala (Cameroon), Luanda (Angola), Kinshasa (Congo Democratic Republic), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA). 

Article Accredited to Businessday

Another beginning at tourism house

For the love of their country and contribution to a robust domestic tourism, Americans will have visited Orlando or Miami before they go to see the Eiffel Tower in France or Buckingham Place in London. If they want to ski, they will go to Colorado before going to Switzerland.

You can imagine the multimillion dollar investment the tourism sector has become in the ‘God’s Own Country’ through huge patronage by its people let alone foreigners who come in their droves.

Of course, it is no longer news that a total of 73,282 Nigerian tourists visited South Africa last year, contributing almost R800 million ($88.6m) to the country’s economy.

But the news is that more than that number will stay back in their next holiday on destinations across the country to visit the rains forests and rarest wildlife species that are almost extinct, to relax at the likes of Obudu Mountain Resort and Yankari Games Reserve that seem empty, and the sprawling beaches that wish all Nigerians will frolic and cool off the intensity of the sun at their refreshing coolness.

Saddened by the little or no patronage of Nigerian destinations, Sally Mbanefo, the new director general of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), insists it is time “holiday begins at home” in Nigeria by encouraging domestic tourism.

The new DG with her private sector background is assuring a commitment to pushing a transformation agenda for Nigerian of tourism starting with wooing every Nigerian to embrace domestic tourism to sustain the industry and also to enable it develop to attract tourist dollar.

She is starting with the development of local content, because she believes that before Nigerian tourism brand can be successfully sold to the outside world, the country must address the domestic market potentials, secure the buy-in and confidence of Nigerians in the sector and get Nigerians to be proud of their tourism heritage and industry.

The Corporation, according to her, is developing Tourism Value Chain across the country to enable NTDC realise the objectives for which it was set up as well as meeting the core mandate of the supervising ministry of tourism.

The development of the domestic tourism would also entail other core mandates, which includes job creation, poverty alleviation and revenue generation.

To achieve results, Mbanefo notes that the programmes of the new NTDC shall be determined and executed in line with the mission of the Tourism Ministry which is engaging with stakeholders to reinvent and reposition Nigerian Tourism sector for the emergence of an integrated, globally competitive, professional, private sector-driven industry through strategic international corporation, investment promotion and a strong regulation.

In this connection the new DG indicates that NTDC, working in close partnership with other parastatals shall be implementing the Tourism Master Plan geared towards the promotion of Nigeria’s rich tourism potentials through identification, development and marketing of the diverse tourism opportunities.

In addition and in line with the core-mandate of the supervising Ministry, the new NTDC shall be active in promoting tourism as a foreign exchange earner, income re-distributor, major revenue earner to the federal government, major employer of labour as well as a catalyst for rural development and poverty reduction.

She is also engaging poverty alleviation and job creation through the activities of the new NTDC such as encouraging the establishment and running of tourism enterprises by the poor and ensuring that proceeds and profits from tourism benefits the poor.

Her pro-poor programmes would also ensure that investments in tourism infrastructure benefit the poor in the locality where they are sited while empowerment of women, youths and the underprivileged through tourism entrepreneurship would receive high priority.

All boils down to encouraging more Nigerians to visit at least a destination in a month and help in realising her ultimate goal of making tourism count in the Nigerian economy with at least 10 percent contribution to Gross Domestic Product.

So, why wait, call your tour operator to get going!

 Article Accredited to Businessday

Lufthansa to invest N600bn on new aircraft, better services through 2015

As part of plans to transform and rejuvenate travellers experience and up its services globally, Lufthansa German airline said it is investing €3bn (N600 billion) on new aircraft, (new business class, first class and Economy) and ground services to offer better products for travellers.

While presenting incentives to some travel and tour operators in Nigeria, Claus Becker, managing director, West and Central Africa, said the plan which has been muted and being implemented since 2012 is aimed at increasing the fleet of the airline, develop its in-flight services in all cabins, introduction of new classes and ground handling services among others.

Wakanow.com and Aeroland travels were recognised by the airline. “We started in 2012, but as you know it is quite complex in introducing new classes and products, it takes a lot of time and preparation and it is also costly in introducing new class. In a fleet of 400 planes, it takes quite some time before all these planes will be equipped with the new products in them.

“We have a full fledged business class, which is also a state of the art and that is already been introduced on the new Boeing 747-800, which is also coming on the other planes and we have up to date economic class product.

“All these will be done in four years; 2012, 2013, 2014 up to 2015 and it takes a lot of money, which we have to put in the cash flow. So, it is a big effort and it requires a profitable airline to carry out.” Becker emphasised that its clients in Nigeria will also benefit from the improved services on its fleet, but could not state categorically the percentage that would be allocated to the Nigerian routes from the amount of money.

He said unlike some airlines which sometimes exclude Nigeria from their plans, ‘Nigerian passengers are sure of getting these new products.

He said that the airline had employed Nigerians as one of its social responsibilities to the country, stressing that employment generation was one of the major Cooperate Social Responsibilities supported by the company’s headquarters.

Becker stated further that the airline had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train Nigerian flight attendance, which it has been doing over the years, adding that it has been doing this over the years.

Segun Adewale, managing director of Aeroland Travels, one of the companies which received award and commendation of the airline, pledged to increase sales of the airline’s ticket by 20 percent adding that Lufthansa was the first to show such appreciation by personally visiting Agency offices.

Article Accredited to Businessday

NCAA warns cargo agents on shipping dangerous goods

Cargo agents operating in and out of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos have been warned to desist from shipping dangerous and prohibited goods to and from their destinations as this might land them in prison if detected.

At a seminar organised by the Greater Washington Logistics, a cargo consolidator at the Aero Airlines headquarters, Lagos Airport yesterday, the Authorities advised the cargo agents to report any suspicious cargo to the appropriate authorities or face sanction when caught.

Austin Eboigbe, safety inspector, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) told the agents to identify any dangerous goods items they are collecting from clients.

He noted that several air incidents and accidents happen regularly in the world because of improper carriage of dangerous goods onboard of airplanes, adding that the agency was currently investigating incidents relating to dangerous goods within the country at the moment.

Among the dangerous goods identified according to Eboigbe, are matches, fireworks, lighter, gas cooker, body spray and magnets among others, warning that the agency would not hesitate to withdrawn the license of any agent or sanction any airline found wanting.

“Although, there are some quantities of liquid that are allowed onboard of planes. Just for information, your license can be withdrawn as an agent while the airline can be fined too. We expect you (agents) to think about the safety of the aircraft and the passengers onboard in the cause of carrying out your business.”

Also speaking, Nasir Kotangora, head, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) domestic Airport, said drugs that can cause harm to flights if not properly packaged or concealed are all considered dangerous. “As agents, you are expected to check properly any luggage you collect from shippers. And it is important for you not to connive with any shipper and once you are tempted to carry illegal drugs, you should report such person to the NDLEA.

“Dangerous goods for shipment should be accompanied with required papers. 

Any powder you are collecting should be followed by forensic analysis. It is the responsibility of all to ensure total security within the airport,” he said. On his own part, Agbongban Bright, group head, Regional Business and Cargo Shed manager, Greater Washington Logistics, said that the company organised the seminar for the cargo agents to sensitise the agents on shipment of dangerous goods.

Bright urged them to always follow safety standards and recommendations laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association ( IATA) in carrying out their jobs.

 “In recent times, we have had cases of some agents who ignorantly shipped items that constitute dangerous goods, but because of the process we put in place, we have had to identify these goods.

Article accredited to: Businessday

TAT Nigeria, Atlas jet bid for NCPC airlift job

As the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) prepares for the 2013 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel, Rome and Greece, the commission has disclosed that only two airlines have so far bid for air carrier’s job that would see the successful airlines lifting pilgrims to the holy land later this year.

Disclosing the commitment of the commission to ensure due process in the biding exercise at the opening of the bids held recently at recently at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, John Kennedy Opara, executive secretary of the commission, noted that the bid was opened to interested but competent airlines with adverts placed in the Nigerian dailies since March 22, 2013.

While TAT presented their cost prize of flight from Nigeria- Israel at $1,790 and additional $420 to Rome and Greece, Atlas jet offered $1,750 from Nigeria – Israel and additional $240 to Rome and $200 to Greece. However, the NCPC in house estimate is $1,400 to Israel and additional $300 to either Rome or Greece, this excludes the administrative charges.

Despite the narrow option, the NCPC helmsman assured air carriers that the Commission would do everything humanly possible to follow due process. According to him, “if the bidders do not meet the requirements as published in the Newspapers, they would not be allowed to airlift pilgrims for the 2013 pilgrimage exercise.”

Opara averred that Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,( NCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation would ensures that only the Air Carrier that qualifies for the bid would be selected before the final approval by President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that the insistence on due process was in order not to compromise the comfort and lives of pilgrims which are paramount to the commission.

Nicholas Okoh, chairman, NCPC who doubles as the primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, advised bidders to shun those who would come in disguise as NCPC representatives to ask for favour from them. He further advised the Technical Evaluation Committee to ensure that the qualified bidders are chosen.

In her remarks, Nnenna Ukaeje, chairperson, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the bidding was in line with their oversight function and the Procurement Act which is to ensure transparency. 

According to her, “we want to ensure that the bidding process is transparent and we want to be part of it.”

Article accredited to: Businessday

The Brief history of coal mine in Enugu

One can not talk about Enugu without the mentioning of the coal mine in the state which the Enugu is well known for, some historians says that coal mine started in Ogbete, while some say it started in Iva valley, others say it started in Udi ridge. All I can say is that coal mine started in Enugu, because I was able to discover another coal mine in Akwuke Atakwu area during a tour.

Historically coal mine started in Enugu when the first European settlers arrived in the area in 1909, led by a British mining engineer, Albert Kitson. Who, in his quest for silver, discovered coal, by serendipidity, in the Udi Ridge?  Colonial Governor of Nigeria Frederick Lugard took keen interest in     the discovery, and by 1914 the first shipment of coal was made to Britain. As mining activities increased in the area, a permanent cosmopolitan settlement emerged, supported by a railway system. Enugu acquired township status in 1917 and became strategic to British interests. Foreign businesses began to move into Enugu, the most notable of which were John Holt, Kingsway Stores, British Bank of West Africa and United Africa Company (UAC). By 1929, Enugu had become the capital of the former Eastern Region, and has since then retained its old status as the regional industrial and business hub as well as the political capital and rallying point of the Igbo people.

Mining of coal in Enugu really started in 1916 with the Ogbete mine and later other mines like the Ribadu, Onyeama and Okpara mines were opened up. During the civil war there was establishment of coal mine at Odagbor better known as Okaba coal that became the Nigeria Coal Corporation while the one in Enugu was known as Biafra Coal Corporation but at the end of the war, the two merged.

A mysterious chain of deep valleys jewelled the charming landscape of Enugu City; and steep walls of stratified rocks beatify the confines of these valleys, within which outcrop the ‘black gold’ of ancient Nigeria: the black gold that powered our railways and brought us fortune for decades.

Iva Valley is one of these valleys. The valley and its coal mines are reposed in the south-western outskirts of Enugu City, capital of Enugu State in Eastern Nigeria.

Visible from 9th Mile road is the small dingy enclave that developed as a result of coal mining in the locality and is located at the mouth of the Iva Valley, and can be seen sprawling up the steep valley walls.

Extant within the Iva Valley are the relics of ancient mine structures and activities, which include gigantic machines and mining equipments, submerged tunnels, ramps, collapsed office buildings etc.

This relic therefore constitute a picture of Nigeria’s economic past especially in regards to her energy sector; and therefore means that they’re typically historical objects which can be harnessed for historical tourism purposes, instead of being neglected for perpetual degradation and ruin.

This is therefore a call to the Enugu State Government and Nigeria at large to come to the rescue of this wonderful museum of our economic past, locked away in the depths of Enugu’s Iva Valley. The Iva Valley Coal Mine was opened in 1917 by the British colonial government of Nigeria after the Udi Mine in 1916, making it the second ever coal mine established in the city of Enugu.

Compensation: Dana Air, aviation ministry stop payments to fake claimants

But for the scrutiny by the Aviation Ministry, management of Dana Airlines and Prestige Insurance, some fake persons who had presented themselves as next-of-kin and relations of the victims of the June 3,2012 crash would have collected $100,000 each as compensation for the dead.

This would have led the airline into paying double the amount it would have paid genuine relatives, bringing more loss to an airline that has already lost a fortune after the crash.

“As much as we sympathise with the families of the deceased, you definitely would have such people coming forward to claim money they know does not belong to them because of poverty and probably, for lack of conscience and respect for the dead. That is why the insurance company and relevant agencies have to painstakingly scrutinise those parading themselves as next-of-kin but in the real sense, plan to defraud them before making any payment,” a stakeholder said.

BusinessDay gathered that over 50 persons may have come forward for multiple claims as this has caused in-fighting among family members as the insurance companies, Lloyds of London in conjunction with Prestige Assurance, could not immediately resolve to whom the compensation should be paid, they therefore deferred payment.

According to Aviation regulations, each of the victim is entitled to initial $30,000 immediately after the crash or within 30 days and another $70,000 after the 30 days.

“Problem started with the payment of the initial $30,000 compensation to families of the crash victims when multiple relatives started laying claims to the benefit of some victims,” a staff of the insurance company who preferred anonymity told BuisinessDay.

She said Prestige Assurance, the local underwriter’s job stops at paying its share of verified claims on the advice of the legal representative of the reinsurer, Lloyds of London, Yomi Osikoya & Co, which is the firm handling all the claims on behalf of its principal.

Explaining why they have had issues with paying the compensation as and when necessary, Stella Oduah, aviation minister, through Joe Obi, her spokesperson, said multiple claimants and litigations were major challenges.

She said the Federal Government was working to ensure that compensation is paid to legitimate next-of -kin.

“One of the greatest obstacles is that in some cases, you have multiple claimants and the greatest evil somebody can do to the deceased is to pay compensation to somebody that does not deserve or warrant it.

“We are taking our time deliberately to ensure that compensation is given to the right person; so in a situation where you have multiple claimants, you must make a deliberate effort to identify the legitimate next -of-kin.”

“We will continue to share the loss suffered by these families. Our heart and condolences go out to them. On the issue of compensation, like the Minister said last Thursday, all efforts are being intensified by the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Government to ensure that every victim’s family is fully compensated according to the regulations and according to the law.

On court cases, she added: “the second aspect is the issue of litigation, as we speak; we have about 70 cases in court. Interestingly, some of these litigations are from members that have collected 30 percent and some 100 percent.

“The truth of the matter is that compensation is given to families that have fully verified their claims. It is a process. Interestingly, the Ministry of Aviation was able to secure some waivers from the Lagos State government in terms of making the processes of this compensation to be a little bit easier.

“So we have obtained some waivers. As the procedure is completed one after the other, every family that is fully verified is paid.

“As we speak, 30 percent of the compensation has been paid. The remaining 70 percent are still trying to get the rightful claimants identified. Once that is done, the compensation will be paid,” she said.

Jacky Hathiramani, managing director of the airline, said in Lagos that 23 families of the had been paid full compensation of $2.3 million ($100,000) each, also attributing the delay to multiple documentation.

Also, according to George Ossi, a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, at Saint Leo Catholic Church, “the airline fully insured all passengers, some families have been fully compensated. For the others there are family squabbles.

“Some (families) are in court. Some can’t agree on who will take the compensation. If they all had agreed, by now, we won’t be talking about compensation,” Ossi said.

Article Accerdited to: Businessday

Arik Air introduces online check-in services for travellers

Arik Air, West Africa and Central Africa’s leading airline, has introduced a new online check-in service to further boost its passenger experience. The service is aimed at customers who want a streamlined travel experience by reducing queuing times at the airport, especially for those travelling without check-in baggage. The new service is designed to provide customers with the ability to check-in from 24 hours to 3 hours before their flights, select their seats and print a boarding pass. Passengers with baggage to check-in can still check-in online and proceed to the check-in counters at the airport for baggage drop and standard security checks. The service has been introduced in Arik Air’s international locations- Johannesburg, London and New York- as well as the key domestic locations of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with full network coverage of domestic and regional locations to be progressively rolled out in the coming months. Guests should visit www.aikair.com for full details of the online check-in service.

The addition of an online check-in service is part of a raft of online initiatives that Arik Air is introducing to enhance its online offering and customer experience. Commenting on the service, Chris Ndulue, Arik Air’s managing director/executive vice president, said “We believe that the addition of the online check-in service will offer greater flexibility for our guests and is just one in a long line of upgrades to our technology offering we will be releasing over the coming months.

“As the number one airline in Nigeria we have an obligation to our guests to ensure we utilise all forms of technology to improve our customer experience.”

Arik Air (www.airkair.com) is Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline and operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

It operates a fleet of 23 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa.

The airline currently serves 20 destinations across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia),and Douala (Cameroon), Luanda (Angola), Kinshasa (Congo Democratic Republic), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).

Article Accerdited to: Businessday

“COAL CITY TOURS 2013”

TOURS TO EZEAGU TOURIST COMPLEX, AWHUM WATER FALL/CAVE AND NGWO PINE FOREST, CAVE AND WATER FALL
Departure: Enugu State Tourism Board Complex (1A Rangers Avenue Hotel Presidential Complex Independence Lay-out) at 0900 prompt
Return: Enugu State Tourism Board Complex (1A Rangers Avenue Hotel Presidential Complex Independence Lay-out) at 1800 hours.
TOTAL PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Transportation in air conditioned bus
• Entry into Attractions
• Full Board Feeding(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Accommodation
• Security
• Tour Guide
• Entertainment on the last tour day by the state cultural troupe at Richcrest Hotel, Enugu

 (Other visits around the state are available on request)

Tour Dates: 18-20^th July, 1-3^rd August 2013

Day 1
Ezeagu Tourist Complex 
Leaving from Enugu state Tourism Board Complex making our way through Independence Layout then past Army Barracks to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and south to Ezeagu
     The complex is located at the south central pan of the State. It is made up of a waterfall, a three kilometer cave, natural spring and a lake. The complex has a unique beautification due to its natural setting.                 
Day 2
Awhum Waterfall and Cave
Enugu state Tourism Board Complex making our way through Bisalla Road Independence Layout, past Army Barracks to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway then to 9^th mile Corner, then precede to Awhum.
    Awhum waterfall is situated at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area.  The waterfall is as a result of massive outcrop of granite rock with water cascading over the top forming a stream. A section of the fall is warm through the season. The fall is 30 meters high and is located close to Awhum Monastery. The water is said to be curative (have healing power) and capable of dispelling evil or satanic forces if and wherever sprinkled. It takes about 45 minutes’ walk from the parking spot to the fall.
Day 3
Ngwo Pine Forest, Cave and Waterfall
Enugu State Tourism Board Complex through Ebeano tunnel to Polo Park Shopping Mall then through to New Market, then to Millken Hill, through Ngwo.
    The trek to the Ngwo Cave requires navigating your way through the large cluster of trees at the beautiful Ngwo Pine Forest, sharp twists and turns along the stone-paved track, as the route slants downward. The valley floor is tiled by a gently flowing stream of limpid spring waters. A barefooted trek upstream in the water leads into a dark cleft at the end of the valley. A narrow but high opening leads into the crevice and the loud splashing of the waters of the raging crystal clear waters announces your arrival.
                                                              Cost:

Single Day Tour:  N10, 000 per person

3-day Tour package: N27, 000 per person

To book your Coal City Tour contact:

Enugu State Tourism Board (1A Hotel Presidential Complex Independence Lay out)

www.enugustatetourismboard.com

Email: contact@enugustatetourismboard.com

Jands Travel Network

www.jandsgroupng.com

Email: Jandsgroup3003@gmail.com

MaureenGeorge Concept Limited

51 Ijaiye Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos

www.maureengeorgeconceptltd.com

Email: maureengeorgeconceptltd@yahoo.com

Contact numbers: 08182229283, 08063502100, 08037423791, 08067446755, 08096442048,

All Payment Should be Made toEcobank - Jands Enterprises Account Number: 1191087213
Every Tourist will be expected to produce a proof of payment for the Tour

Coal City Tours 2013 Enugu State Tourism Board

Upcoming- Coal City Tours 2013 Enugu State Tourism Board

Aircraft financing: Manufacturers should establish regional accounts for airlines – Ajayi, Avonheli boss

In a bid to retain home money being stashed away in foreign accounts for aircraft acquisition by airlines, especially those in West Africa, there is need for aircraft manufacturers to establish accounts with banks in the region, to also make it easier for aircraft financing.

Oluwaseyi Aremu Ajayi, chief executive officer of Avonheli, a company that specialises in helicopter sales and services (Agusta, Bell, McDonnel Douglas and Sikorsky) and private jets supply, among others, also said Nigerian banks should rise to the occasion of aircraft financing, adding that it eventually pays off for them and the economy.

Speaking in interview with BuisnesDay, Ajayi noted that as a way of boosting the economy, Nigerian airlines may not need to deposit huge money in accounts abroad because they have ordered for aircraft while the money is being used by other countries if there is what he called ‘regional accounts’, say for airlines in West Africa.

“With this account, airlines and manufactures can rest assured that the money is still there while they wait for the aircraft to be delivered. Nigerian banks too can give airlines money to acquire aircraft, What I want from the Nigerian banks is that if they can buy these aircraft outright and give them to the airlines that want them.

“If it is for seven years’ payment, the bank tells you for instance that every month you pay $7,000 and the interest on it is three percent. Every month you keep paying that and for seven years you are done with the payment. What the U.S. company does is, if you want to buy an aircraft for instance $145 million, you spread it for seven years and if you don’t pay back, they collect the aircraft and the money you paid is gone.

“That is the agreement they all have and when they have that type of agreement with you, it pays off for Nigerian banks to finance and buy that aircraft, give you the same terms. Once Nigerian banks give you the same term, the Nigerian bank is not losing too, because they can also get the aircraft back and give it to us and we will sell the aircraft for them.

“For instance, you can get a passenger aircraft for about $145 million and if you get a full load on that aircraft like B777, you can make a million dollars. You just need to fly that aircraft 145 times. After 145 times flown, the engine life is still there and it is still probably new with the engine programme you have. A normal engine lifespan goes for about 15 to 20 years. I think it can still fly for another 145 times, even 500 times on that aircraft and you will get your money back as well as your profit back before you can resell it,” he said.

The Avonheli boss, who is also into maintenance, hangar and helipads construction, watercraft sales and pilot outsourcing, explained that the market for helicopter services in Nigeria is huge adding that almost every sector of the economy needs it for movement.

“The market for helicopter operations and services is there in Nigeria, it is used by many oil companies, government officials and even individuals and media houses need them apart from charter in recent times, that is why we have our partners in the U.S. to get us these things very quickly because they are members of international helicopters’ association; they can rally round to get you aircraf,t” he added.

On how the sector can fair better generally, Ajayi advised that there is need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce interest rate on lending adding airlines who will not normally fair well when they are made to pay huge interest on loans.

Article Accredited  :Business day

Business class: Etihad Airways takes guests to comfort zone

You probably must have been used to the sitting configuration of many international airlines’ business class if you are a frequent traveller, and then savour the experience you‘d never forget.

The experience continues as airlines try to outshine one another to gain more market share at the expense of high-paying travellers

That is what competition to get more customers can do; that is, putting the airlines on their toes anyway.

The Pearl Business Class of Etihad Airways is one favourite options right now, providing privacy when you need it and the ability to travel and talk with a partner if you desire. Etihad Airways award-winning Pearl Business Class is available on its A330-200 aircraft that flies daily between Abu Dhabi and Lagos.

The A330-200 aircraft sits a total of 262 guests and is configured to carry 22 guests in Pearl Business Class and 240 guests in Coral Economy Class.

The cabin seat provides a luxurious Poltrona Frau 6ft 1-inch, fully flat bed seat which features an 82-inch seat pitch with reclining function, adjustable headrest, footrest and lumbar support. Along with a privacy shell, the seat’s 1-2-1 configuration provides all guests with direct aisle access.

The Pearl Business Class flat-bed seats include noise-cancelling headsets and more than 650 hours of on-demand entertainment provided via individual 15-inch screens. With Etihad Airways’ in-flight E-Box system, guests can choose from a wide selection of movies and interactive games.

All seats also feature in-seat power sockets compatible with most major plug types and USB, Ethernet and audio jack sockets, providing increased connectivity options. Mood lighting and an in-seat massager are also available to enhance the guest’s experience and ease jet lag.

In the Pearl Business Class, the airline’s ‘Inspired Dining’ concept ensures the service is stylish, under-stated and attentive.

According to the airline’s management, guests can select from our extensive five-star ‘à la carte’ or ‘Kitchen Anytime’ menus, prepared by award-winning chefs - and an onboard food and beverage manager, hired from leading establishments worldwide, is exclusively dedicated to assisting our guests in selecting the right dish, and the perfect accompaniment to suit their mood.

To keep things fresh, new menus are introduced every two months to ensure that our regular passengers are provided with tasty alternative options on a regular basis. Each in-flight menu is tailored to the route, and typically includes at least one dish inspired by the destination, one “Taste of Arabia” dish, one vegetarian dish and one Western option.

As part of its commitment to raise the service benchmark, a number of additional enhancements have recently been introduced, including: new signature bread on board, inspired by Etihad Airways’ own in-flight chefs’ recipes, including Kraftkorn mushroom filled breads, cranberry breakfast breads and all new ‘country-style’ rustic breads; a sooner start of culinary service once airborne; introduction of a defined second meal service 90 minutes before landing on longhaul and ultra-longhaul routes and selection of international cheeses served on ceramic cheese boards; ew meal services, which allow guests to maximise their sleep, including early morning ‘ à la minute’ and light breakfasts, and evening ‘Express Supper’ and light meals. 

The cabin crew offer guests a range of designer and natural skin-care products from Korres, which includes Shea butter lip balm and basil lemon hand and body lotion, a dental kit, a care kit, ear plugs and pens.

“Our Pearl Business Class lavatories are also stocked with Korres basil lemon hand and body lotion and facial mist, allowing guests to freshen up during their flight. In addition, our new custom-made comforters are smartly packed together with socks and eyeshades to ensure our guest’s in-flight comfort is assured,” the airline says.

Etihad Airways provides its complimentary Etihad Chauffeur limousine service that creates a unique door-to-door experience for Pearl Business Class guests, with personal chauffeurs available at 28 Etihad destinations in 16 countries.

It has also made significant investments in providing its premium passengers with lounge facilities at major destinations across its fast growing global network.

The beautifully-appointed lounges feature a whole range of exclusive services that allow passengers to relax in style before their flight. These include soothing relaxation spaces, elegant fine dining areas, state-of-the-art business amenities, luxurious bathrooms with invigorating shower facilities, and family entertainment areas.

In addition to its signature First and Business Class lounges in Abu Dhabi, the airline has also established premium lounges in Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Manchester and Paris. Additionally, new state-of-the-art luxury lounges are planned for New York, Sydney and Melbourne.

From the moment of booking, Etihad Airways says it is committed to providing its guests with a remarkable travel experience on the ground and in the air.

Etihad Airways represents modern Arabia and its home, Abu Dhabi, while also drawing inspiration from the very best in five-star boutique hospitality from around the world. Guests travel in state-of-the-art seating designed for maximum comfort, use the latest in-flight entertainment systems and experience fine dining and impeccable service.

Article Accredited  :Business day

Air France-KLM unveils plans for Africa, other destinations

Air France-KLM management said it is working hard to meet its target in two years just as it said Nigeria is a very strategic market for the airlines.

The management, which said it has great plans to be closer to its loyal customers in Nigeria and other destinations, disclosed that the carrier would do more to satisfy its customers despite the challenge of financial difficulties it faced last year.

Christian Herpin, the airline’s general manager, made the disclosure in an interactive session with journalists in Lagos recently.

Herpin, who was in company of Cosmando Byarugaba, the airline’s commercial director (Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone), disclosed that the Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris was the key to its success, coupled with its first class lounge, which he said they are very proud of.

The membership of the Sky Team Alliance, he noted, places the airline in pole position as the first choice airline to Europe and other destinations from Nigeria, hinting that Air France-KLM enjoys partnership with six other members in the country.

Herpin said Nigeria is a very strategic market for the airline, stressing that major airlines in Europe are now concentrating their operations on long haul services in Africa, Asia and Middle East.

“Despite the high cost of fuel hitting us in Europe, we increased our seat capacity by eight percent. That means, African market is growing and developing. Many investors are coming to invest. We don’t have this figure anywhere in the world except in China.”

Herpin said the airline’s load factor to Abuja and Port Harcourt has recorded a resounding success.

“Air France resumed operations to Port Harcourt and Abuja April last year and the load factor has been incredible. On KLM side, we just started our brand new World Business Class cabin with full flat seats, wide screen, beverages onboard with fantastic meals. Schipol Airport has always been top of the class for transit passengers.

Article Accredited  :Business day