Nigeria’s oldest airline, Aero contractors has suspended its Lagos-Accra operations due to inadequate aircraft and inaccessibility to foreign exchange.

 

Aero is the oldest Nigerian airline operating the route from Lagos.

 

Also, a new entrant on the route Dana Air has also suspended operations.

 

Confirming the situation, the Managing Director and the Chief Executive of the airline, Jacky Hathiramani told Mediage that it was due to high cost of foreign exchange and some other factors.

 

An official of Dana Air also confirmed to  The Travel Port on phone that it stopped operations on the route about two weeks ago.

 

He said the airline is also expecting some aircraft into its fleet soon.

It was gathered  that Aero contractors suspended operations on the route months ago while Dana Air’s was few weeks ago.

 

Responding to the challenges facing Aero contractors while on a courtesy visit to the Minister of State (Aviation), Sen. Hadi Sirika.

National President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Balami Isaac said Aero has only two or three aircraft flying due to foreign exchange challenge.

 

“Aero has about 17 aircraft only about two or three is flying now. And we have over 1,500 staff.  We have our aircraft in Jordan. We cannot access dollar from CBN  to   bring them back.

 

“There are some that their engines are  due for maintenance. Once there is no aircraft after 60 days, NCAA will withdraw the AOC of Aero contractors. We do not want that to happen to Aero. I think for the sake of Nigerians that are working there. Aero will be 57 years old”, he added.

 

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