FirstNation takes delivery of A319 aircraft, begins operations soon

FirstNation Airways has taken delivery of two modern Airbus A319 with registration numbers 5N-FND and 5N-FNE, respectively.

The A319s are younger fleet and part of a nine-aircraft programme for the airline.

The Airbus A319 delivery is historic as the very first set of A319 to come on Nigerian register. The Airbus A319 has the same optimised cabin cross section as the A320, which is the widest single aisle fuselage on the market and set the standard for passenger cabin comfort.

The A319 continues to prove its versatility to enable airlines around the world, such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France, South African Airways, American Airways, Delta Airlines, Virgin American Airways, etc, to benefit from range option and versatility.

The airline will re-launch service in August 2013 initially serving domestic Nigeria between Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, and offering premium passenger experience.

The aircraft are installed with AFIRS 220 iridium satellite global communication equipment, one of the very few aircraft with this state-of-the-art Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) equipment operating in West Africa. The SATNAV provides crew reliable voice and simultaneously connects to aircraft systems analysing performance in-flight.

This allows the airline to track aircraft system performance in-flight from ground. This is one of the most advanced SATNAV systems that support the airline flight operations quality assurance oversight. Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is actively encouraging airlines to upgrade their fleet with this equipment.

FirstNation Airbus A319’s cabin layout is in two classes of twelve business class legroom pitch of 42 inches and the rear cabin in comfort class with legroom pitch of 32 inches. The aircraft offers the widest seat pitch for regional operation within West Africa today. The Airbus A319 registration 5N-FND is named “FAITH” while 5N-FNE is “ENDURANCE”.

The airline has, however, reinforced its management with appointment of John Brady, an Irish, as chief engineer, in addition to the appointment of Rolando Gatchalianas as quality manager. The airline is currently undergoing several refresher programmes and drills in readiness for world-class re-launch in August 2013.

Article accredited: Businessday