Pilots, aviation engineers, and workers from the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have jointly penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu. Their urgent plea: intervene and prevent the “reckless grounding” of Arik Air.
The airline’s recent suspension has caused anguish and frustration among passengers, exacerbating the already challenging air travel situation in the country. With Arik Air’s fate hanging in the balance, approximately 2,000 workers and their 16,000 dependents face uncertainty. This crisis adds to the growing number of unemployed individuals in Nigeria.
Arik Air’s grounding coincides with a shortage of domestic aircraft, leading to unaffordable airfares. Notably, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority previously grounded Dana Airlines due to safety concerns, and NAMA acted similarly against Arik Air over a $2.5 million debt.
In their letter, the unions implore President Tinubu to find an amicable resolution. They emphasize that the fleet of aircraft, which does not belong to Arik Air but to secured creditors, should not be subject to attachment.
As Nigerians grapple with economic challenges, the fate of Arik Air remains a critical concern. Let us hope for a swift resolution that preserves jobs and sustains air travel in our nation.
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