Aero Contractors shut down operations over Jet A1 cost, forex scarcity, others
By Seun Ibiyemi
There is palpable fear over the present state of airlines as Nigeria’s oldest airline Aero Contractors has announced a suspension of its scheduled passenger services operations with effect from this Wednesday, July 20, 2022 till further notice citing harsh operating conditions as major reasons.
This announcement is coming just over a month after the airline operators of Nigeria at a public fora recently, asserted to the fact that three of its members may cease operations due to the unavailable and high prices of Jet A1 among other challenges airlines have had to face this year alone.
The suspension açcording to the airline management affirms the above but does not affect Aero’s other businesses: the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School or the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.
Airline explained that its partners in the Spring Alliance (a commercial alliance with member airlines providing mutual support in the area of operations), will aid minimise the impact of the stoppage on its affected customers to help them reach their destinations.
The statement read, “Due to the impact of the challenging operating environment on our daily operations, the management of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd. wish to announce the temporary suspension of its scheduled passenger services operations with effect from Wednesday, July 20, 2022.
“This does not in any way affect the maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.
“This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircrafts are currently undergoing maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.
“We are working to bring these aircrafts back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.
“The past few months have been very challenging for the aviation industry and the airline operators in particular. With the high cost of maintenance, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and forex scarcity resulting in high foreign exchange rates. These are amongst the major components of airline operations.
“In the meantime, we are working assiduously to return to service as quickly as possible, and do assure our esteemed customers and stakeholders of our determination, that our short absence will not create any major void in the market, as we are coordinating with our business partners to ensure minimum discomfort to ticket holders.
“As members of Spring Alliance (a commercial alliance with member airlines providing mutual support in the area of operations), we are liaising with our partner airlines to minimise the impact on our esteemed customers. Our customer service team will be working to help affected esteemed customers reach their destinations.”
