By Sade Williams
Capt. Ado Sanusi would on Monday February 13, 2017 assume office as the new Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Asset Management Corporation Nigeria (AMCON), has said.
He takes over from Captain Fola Akinkuotu, who was recently appointed Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) by the Federal Government.
Until his appointment, Capt. Sanusi, was Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air, the largest local carrier in the country. The new Aero CEO is a thorough-bred aviation professional; highly respected in the industry for his immeasurable contribution to the sector over the years. He previously led NAMA as Managing Director in 2009.
Sanusi, who is expected to hit the ground running on resumption, has been mandated by the management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to reposition the airline by returning it to full operational capacity, offering reliable, safe and secure operations, which the airline is known for. The objective is to within the shortest possible time return Aero, which remains Nigeria’s oldest carrier with strong brand equity regain its prime position in the aviation industry.
Industry watchers have also commended AMCON for the appointment of Sanusi whom they described as the best suited for the job of rebuilding Aero by bringing his experience to bear in rejuvenating the airline.
Sanusi started his flying carrier in Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria where he obtained Commercial Pilot License and a National Diploma in Aeronautical Sciences. He then proceeded to the United States where he advanced his education and obtained Air Transport Pilot Licence, Certified Flight and Ground Instructor’s license in the following institution in United States: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Flight Safety Savannah GA, University of Southern California, Simuflite Dallas TX North America Training and Development TX, USAir Training center Pittsburg PA Flight Safety International Wichita KS.
He also worked for Kabo Air, a local airline as a Senior First Officer and then proceeded to ExxonMobil as Captain and flight Safety Officer. He then joined Virgin Nigeria as a Captain on the B737 Classic. He later became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). He was responsible for managing the entire Nigerian Airspace and succeeded in laying the foundation for a performance base airspace.
He worked in collaboration with other parastatals in the aviation industry (NCAT, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to implement the total radar coverage on the Nigeria Airspace (TRACON). He designed the blue print of capacity building by organizing training for the Air Traffic Controllers and Engineers in the United States.
This position in charge of safety of The Nigerian Airspace allowed him to have an insight into safety critical areas of the aeronautical industry including airports management and meteorological services. Captain Sanusi has a blend of best American training and vast experience in African operation.