Aviation fuel increase threatens airline operations
Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, has raised an alarm over the continuous increase of aviation fuel, Jet A-1, which it says poses an existential threats to domestic airline operations in the country.
The AON’s spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo explained that the scarcity of forex is pushing up the price of Jet-from N800 to N1,300 per litre making it difficult to ferry aircraft due for maintenance abroad as it is now becoming a risk for operations.
The airline operators noted that the aviation ecosystem is feeling the heat while the handling companies and other airports service charges have been jerked up which will create untold hardship on travelling passengers who are already exhausted financially.
The association also expressed concern over the deposition of money with the central bank of Nigeria, (CBN) but cannot provide the needed dollars for the operators to carry out operations smoothly.
Okonwkwo called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government through a special allocation of dollars for their survival to carry out operations and maintenance as well as constant engagements with airlines at different levels.
