All the domestic airline operators in Nigeria under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have cried foul as a reaction to the recent commencement of an additional frequency into the country by Emirates airlines.
The latest approval granted by the Federal Government to the UAE carrier to operate the additional frequency has now increased its frequency to four (4) flights daily into Nigeria on the eve of when a Nigerian carrier began flights to UAE operated with 100% Nigerian Pilots, Cabin Crew, Engineers and Dispatchers.
In a statement issued on behalf of the airlines by their Chairman, Captain Nogie Megisson yesterday, the operators described as unfair for Emirates to be allowed such increase barely two (2) weeks after the launch of flights on July 5, 2019 to Sharjah, UAE by Air Peace, a Nigerian airline.
According to AON, the move effectively placed the indigenous carriers, the Nigerian economy and the jobs of youths at a massive disadvantage and huge capital flight.
“You would recall that at the launch of Air Peace flights to UAE, AON appealed that government must stand tall to play the role of aeropolitics to support Air Peace, otherwise it will end up the same way as others such as Bellview, Arik Air and Medview that went before it as they were unable to play in the wild and aggressive field of international aeropolitics.
“Emirates as of today, operates two daily flights out of Lagos and two daily flights out of Abuja. Etihad, from the same country, also operates daily flights out of Lagos as well. This translates to 5 flights daily and a total of 150 flights per month from UAE; as against a Nigerian Carrier that only just started operating 3 flights weekly (12 flights monthly into UAE). This is a colossal plundering of the Nigerian economy through capital flight and a huge loss of Nigerian jobs.
“And sadly, Air Peace is still waiting to be allocated a dedicated lounge or departure wing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to signify that this is a Nigerian airline; as against the case with Emirates that has a huge lounge at the Dubai International Airport that is heavily branded in the airline’s colours. The same goes with Etihad in Abu Dhabi, British Airways in London, Lufthansa in Frankfurt, and Air France in Paris etc.
Source: Tribune
