The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has announced its decision to temporarily suspend its earlier decision to shut down flights beginning from Monday, May 9. The main grievance of the Airline operators is the huge cost and scarcity of aviation fuel that has affected the financial viability of the Airlines.
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Responding to the threat, the federal government appealed to operators to reconsider their decision to ground their operations assuring that it was taking the necessary initiatives with the relevant stakeholders to address the issue of scarcity of aviation fuel. The House of Representatives through its Committee on Aviation also urged the airlines to reconsider their decision.
AON has issued a statement that after its talks with Federal Government, it has decided to continue operations as usual. The statement said that the decision to continue operations was also taken in view of the interest of the customers, national economy and security considerations. It hoped that the continued consultations with the government will resolve the issues faced by the airlines.
The operators had made a representation to the Federal Government about the astronomical rise of the cost of the aviation fuel price (JetA1) from N190 per litre to N700.The hike in JetA1 has led to 95% increase in the operating cost.
Though it was a collective decision by all Airlines to shut down their operations to protest against the skyrocketing prices of jet fuel on May 9th, about six airlines backed out of the planned shutdown and announced that they will continue operations. Those pulled out include Ibom Air, Dana, Arik, Aero, Overland and Green Africa Airways.
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