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From left: Barrister Allen Onyema, new V.President; Alhj. Abdulmunaf Yunusa, President and another member of AON
Posted by Sade Williams
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has said that in the light of frantic developments within the last twenty four hours since informing the general public of its decision to suspend operations in response to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA, it ‘unequivocally stands firmly by its decision to withdraw flight operations on Monday.
The association said it’s members are patriotic citizens and are doing all they can to protect the flying public contrary to what some subjective schools of thought might suggest.
“This is a collective sacrifice for the common interest of our nation., it said.
AON however said it ‘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.”
“May we use this medium to clearly state that; “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 daily basis to about 95%. 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.
The statement was signed by Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, president and jointly signed by:
1. Alhaji Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air
2. Dr. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines
3. Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace
4. Capt. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air
5. Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors
6. Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf – MD, Azman Air
7. Mr. Sukh Mann – Deputy CEO, Dana Air