Nigeria’s aviation sector is soon to receive another boost in the area of air safety and operations following a meeting between the representatives of the Nigerian government and that of Egypt in Cairo.
The meeting, which was convened based on an invitation extended to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Capt. Shehu Usman Iyal, by the Minister of Egyptian Civil Aviation, Abdel Aziz Fadel, made far-reaching decisions in the drive to deliver quality aviation services that would be mutually beneficial to both countries.
It examined how the two countries can cooperate in the areas of training of aviation personnel, Hajj operations, quality services by Egypt Air on Nigerian routes, cooperation with Nigerian domestic flight operators, and airport planning, developments, operations and management.
He also said the airline expressed preparedness to increase the current weekly 16 frequencies in Lagos, Kano and Abuja to 21 with a review of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries.
The presidential aide, who is also a member of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), explained that Egypt Air had shown its interest in transporting Nigerian pilgrims to the holy land in compliance with the requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and NAHCON.
He said: “I think the meeting is coming at the right time especially when so much positive things are taking shape in our aviation sector. In line with President Goodluck Jonathan transformation agenda, Nigeria demanded that Egypt Air should improve the quality of air services on the Nigeria route generally and, in particular, in the business class of Egypt Air flights.
“Of course, Nigeria also stressed its strategic positioning as a hub for West Africa and Egypt Air said it was ready to go into a joint venture with one out of any three nominated Nigerian domestic operators, for the enhancement of hub operations from Nigeria to other West African countries.”
He also said the airline expressed preparedness to increase the current weekly 16 frequencies in Lagos, Kano and Abuja to 21 with a review of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries.
The Egyptian ministry of civil aviation had equally offered to lias with Nigeria in the transfer of experience and expertise “of the Egyptian Airport Company in the areas of fund sourcing, building, operations and management of airports as well as engineer in maintenance.”
