Domestic airline operators in the country have suspended their planned shutdown over high cost of jet fuel and other operational costs.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) announced on Sunday that they have “acceded” to appeals from the government to withdraw plans to suspend operations from Monday.
Domestic airlines had on Friday threatened to shutdown operations from Monday, May 9, amidst increase in aviation fuel.
But in a joint statement by AON executives on Sunday, the operators announced a suspension of the shutdown after requests to withdraw the action by the federal government.
“…the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with the government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution,” the letter read in part.
Read full statement below;
AON ACCEDES TO CALLS FROM GOVERNMENT, SUSPENDS ACTION IN GOOD FATE
Lagos; May 8, 2022. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crisis being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.
We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.
In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good faith pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with the government.
Signed:
Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina
President
Jointly signed by:
1. Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air
2. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines
3. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air
4. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors
5. Faisal Abdulmunaf – MD, Azman Air
6. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace