Airlines operators remain adamant , insist on shutting-down services on Monday
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Sunday said they are not backing down on its decision to suspend operations in response to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1 despite various interventions in the last 24 hours.
In a statement jointly signed by Shehu Wada, the airlines insist that they are patriotic citizens and are doing all to protect the flying public and the nation at large.
“In the light of frantic developments within the last twenty-four hours since informing the general public of our decision to suspend operations in response to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would like to state unequivocally that we stand firmly by our decision.
“Airline operators are patriotic citizens and we are doing all we can to protect the flying public contrary to what some subjective schools of thought might suggest. This is a collective sacrifice for the common interest of our nation”, the statement read in parts.
Read the full press statement
In the light of frantic developments within the last twenty four hours since informing the general public of our decision to suspend operations in response to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would like to state unequivocally that we stand firmly by our decision.
Airline operators are patriotic citizens and we are doing all we can to protect the flying public contrary to what some subjective schools of thought might suggest. This is a collective sacrifice for the common interest of our nation.
Hence, may we use this medium to clearly state that; “Airlines are not on strike. We are private investors and we simply don’t have the money to continue to pay in cash upfront at N700 per liter of JetA1 which has increased our cost unbearably to about 95%.” It is totally unsustainable.
AON however regrets the unfortunate position taken by one of our members not to stand by the collective decision. While they may have their reasons for doing what they did, it is pertinent to note that they equally accepted in their statement that the JetA1 situation poses an “existential threat to the air transport industry in Nigeria” and that “the out-of-control situation is simply unsustainable.”
To this end therefore, we remain resolute in our resolve to find a lasting solution to this crucial problem of national emergency and once again use this medium to appeal to the conscience of our esteemed passengers for their understanding.
Signed:
Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina
President
Jointly signed by:
Alhaji Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air
Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace
Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors
Mr. Sukh Mann – Deputy CEO, Dana Air
Dr. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines
Capt. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air
Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf ‘MD, Azman Air
