NDLEA Intercepts 83.390 kg of ephedrine to South Africa

NDLEA Chairman, Col. Mustapha Abdallah

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd) said that the Agency’s counter-narcotic measures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos had led to the interception of the largest quantity of ephedrine with a total weight of 83.390kgs.

The ephedrine which was concealed in female hair attachment by a suspected drug trafficking syndicate was going to South Africa. This is the largest quantity of ephedrine seized at the Lagos airport with an estimated street value of 4billion naira. In addition, two bags, one containing heroin from Nairobi and another containing cannabis going to London were equally abandoned at the airport.

Ephedrine is a precursor ingredient used in the production of methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the ephedrine is about 4 billion naira. According to Abdallah, a bag containing ephedrine was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the departure hall during outward screening of a South African Airline flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Three suspects including luggage handlers and a clearing agent are currently being interrogated in connection with the crime. The NDLEA boss described the ephedrine seizure as the single largest quantity seized at the Lagos airport.

Abdallah warned that the “NDLEA will continue to resist attempt by criminal syndicates to compromise security measures through strict law enforcement practice. Anti-narcotic agents have been placed on the alert and will remain vigilant in detecting any act of sabotage. The case is under investigation and anyone found wanting shall be prosecuted in line with the NDLEA Act”.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba gave the names of the suspects as Unegbu Daniel Chukwu, 42, Ettah Joseph, 28, and Wopara Bright, 31. 

“Officials of the NDLEA at the departure hall detected a bag and during search, it was found to contain substances that tested positive for ephedrine with a total weight of 83.390kgs. So far, three suspects apprehended are being interrogated to determine their level of culpability. Meanwhile the parcels of ephedrine was concealed amidst artificial hair” Ahmadu stated.

Besides, a bag containing 2.500kg of heroin was abandoned at the arrival hall during the inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight  from Nairobi, Kenya. Similarly, a luggage containing 4.6kg of cannabis meant for export to London on a British Airways flight from Lagos was abandoned at the airport.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Unegbu Daniel who works as a clearing agent collected the luggage from his client and took it to the airport. He hails from Anambra State. Two luggage handlers allegedly worked with him are Ettah Joseph who hails from Cross Rivers State and Wopara Bright who is from Rivers State.

The cases are under investigation to uncover the drug cartel that is behind the illegal shipment of the narcotic drugs.

Culled from Safe Flight Tips

Stakeholders, media seek involvement in Nigeria’s tourism master-plan review

Tourism Stakeholders have commended the Minister of Culture and Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for his efforts in reviewing the Tourism Master Plan but they have also called for the inclusion of Nigerian Tourism Experts and Media into the Review committee.

The tourism stakeholders and travel media unanimously commended the effort of the, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his ongoing quest to redeem the ailing tourism sector, part of the effort being the setting up of the Tourism Master Plan Review Committee which included Mr. Jim Flannery, International Tourism Adviser of The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Alhaji Lai Mohammed received Mr. Flannery on Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory who is in Nigeria on the bid of UNWTO the global apex tourism body’s effort in helping Nigeria to review its Tourism Master Plan, which was put together in 2006, and which after 10 year is still to be implemented.

Mr. Flannery, in his speech, observed that Nigeria’s Tourism Master Plan could not be implemented ten years ago because of the sheer volume of activities that previous governments wanted to undertake at once, and went on to advise the adoption a new approach where salient areas in the tourism Master Plan can be identified for immediate implementation.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the Review Committee for Nigeria’s National Tourism Master Plan which is made up of Nigerian Government officials and some Tourism Association heads along with the so called experts from UNWTO that has been inaugurated, and particularly on the inclusion of Mr. Jim Flannery, by stakeholders and travel journalists.

According to one of the Tourism journalists, Okorie Uguru ‘Mr. Flannery was a member of the team that wrote the Masterplan that Nigerians say was unimplementable. Why bring him back again’? the Journalist asked.

‘I was shocked to see him being part of the experts from UNWTO. He was among those that formulated the 2006 unworkable tourism master plan. If the 2006 did not fly, why bring him back again? We cannot be doing the wrong thing and expect to get the right result’, he concluded.

On a related development last week, the National President of Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, who is a member of the review committee made a call in a chat with the media for the inclusion of local tourism experts and the tourism media to be part of the Tourism Master Plan Review Committee.

“I have attended the meeting and is impressed with the documents presented; but I feel we should involve our local experts and Tourism media in this review. These experts criticized the Master Plan and they were proved right with the failure of the plan’, Mr. Onung had said.

‘So, putting together another plan without them is a sure path to failure. I want to see our known experts get involved. We should not be afraid to involve them.”

The NATOP President also wants some members of the Tourism Committee of the Vision 202020 that had earlier reviewed the Document so that there will be some form of continuity. Civil servants alone cannot review the Master plan,” he opined.

Boeing begins final assembly of first 787-10 Dreamliner

Boeing teammates in North Charleston, S.C., started final assembly of the first 787-10 Dreamliner, marking yet another on-time milestone for the development program. The first 787-10 will cycle through Boeing South Carolina’s Final Assembly facility as all major sections are joined, interior and exterior components completed, power turned on and production tests begin.

“As we enter the next phase of the 787-10’s development, we eagerly watch our first airplane come to life,” said Ken Sanger, vice president and general manager, 787 Airplane Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This is the result of years of preparation and solid performance by our Boeing teammates and supplier partners. This achievement is another example that demonstrates Boeing’s ability to develop great airplanes in a disciplined fashion in order to meet our customer commitments.”

The first 787-10 is expected to fly in 2017 and first delivery is scheduled for 2018.

The 787-10 is the third member of the super-efficient, passenger-pleasing 787 Dreamliner family. As a stretch of the 787-9, the 787-10 will retain 95 percent commonality while adding seats and cargo capacity, setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics – 25 percent better fuel per seat and emissions than the airplanes it will replace.

To date, Boeing has received 154 787-10 orders from nine customers.

How world’s biggest ship, “Harmony of the Sea” got its name

One of the Leading Cruise companies in the World the Royal Caribbean set a World record early November when it named and launched the biggest cruise ship in the World.

The Naming of the Harmony of the Seas at Fort Lauderdale in Florida was a milestone for the Cruise Company. To celebrate the Arrival of Harmony of the Seas Royal Caribbean arranged a historic meeting at Seas off the coast of Florida of the 3 Largest Cruise ship in the World. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

Before the Arrival of Harmony these were the Largest Vessels on Water. They actually occupy a class of their own called the Oasis class of Ship. After the Historic meeting at Sea Harmony settled into its port at Florida for its maiden Voyage from The US. With Media and Executives from all over the World Harmony sets sail for the Bahamas. With over 2500 passengers and Crew the 6000 capacity vessels steamed through the Seas.

Hosted simultaneously in 3 Different locations on board the majestic ship the naming Ceremony was coordinated by Ken Rush, Abe Hughes and Simeon Kirkiles. It featured the 24 Grammy award Singer Jon Secada singing the American National Anthem. There was a performance at the Royal theatre beamed live throughout the ship of the very Popular Musical GREASE. And from the Studio the Drumline of the Royal Carribbean supported Florida International University and the ST. Andrews Pipe Band entertained the Guest.

The very exciting show came to a head when the Godmother Brittany Affolter named the ship Harmony of the Seas. To name the ship they released the biggest bottle of Veuve Cliqout Champagne bottle ever made. It flew through the Air via the Zip line all through the Central Park and smashed against the wall on the 6th floor. An amazing experience.

In the words of the Chairman of the 46 years old Cruise Company Royal Carribbean the ship is the Biggest, The ‘Baddest’ and the Sexiest ship ever made. He invited the guest to have fun.

Touted as the most Technologically advanced ship it’s Carbon Footprint is so small that it is also seen as an environmental marvel. It rides on its own bubbles reducing attrition as it moves through Water. Loaded with the latest state of the art fast internet appropriately named VOOM the media enjoyed quick time and easy streaming of videos using VOOM.

With 2700 rooms or Staterooms designed to the highest taste possible at Double occupancy the ship can carry over 5000 passengers. The scale of Harmony is incredible. Imagine 40 Brands of Beer, 340 brands of Wine, 532 Restaurant staff and a total of 1056 culinary team members. 40 varieties of fruit and 80 kinds of Vegetables served in 8 Specialty Restaurants with 200 different dishes served on a daily basis. 200 different types of Spices and 30 varieties of Herbs.40 types of bread and 100 kinds of Pastries. 127 specialty cocktails and 479,304 gallons of fresh water consumed I each day. Of all things food the superstar are the 2 Ribotic bar tenders at the Bionic Bar.

The Captain Gus Anderson was proud of his vessel and the over 900 staff who work for about 9 months at a stretch. He insisted that Harmony is the best place to be at any time.

According the promotional material from the company “The Oasis-class ships are architectural and engineering marvels, boasting industry-changing and unexpected onboard experiences.

Each ship features seven themed neighbourhoods – a distinctive feature of the Oasis-class ships – and a number of spectacular features, adventures and thrills, including the lush and tranquil Central Park with nearly 12,000 plants and trees, FlowRider surf simulators; a thrilling zip line 82 foot long that races guests nine-decks in the air, luxurious multi-level loft suites with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor Aqua Theater that hosts dazzling high-diving, aquatic and acrobatic performances, a Boardwalk with a hand-carved carousel, and The Rising Tide Bar, the first moving bar at sea.

The newest and youngest of the three ships, Harmony of the Seas, officially claimed the title of world’s largest cruise ship, beating her sisters by a mere foot in length and nearly 1,700 gross registered tons.

The ship features a bold line up of new thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.

Harmony combines the iconic seven neighbourhood concept with some of the most modern and ground-breaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages. From The Ultimate Abyss, a dramatic 10-story tall slide, to unparalleled entertainment including Broadway’s hit musical Grease, sophisticated dining in venues ranging from Jamie’s Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean’s whimsical restaurant Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses, and robot bartenders, there is an adventure for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas.”

Of all the attractions the most famous is the Ultimate Abyss a humongous tunnel that drops from the 15th Deck of the ship all the way to the 5th deck a twisting screaming drop of over 20 metres. It’s an excitement only the strong hearted can attempt.

At the cost of about $1.5billion Harmony is a state on its own. It generates it’s own Power, Recycles and Manages it’s own Waste and it’s own Security. It produces its own Water and has excellent temperature control.

The President of Nigerian Association of Tour Operators NATOP Nkereuwem Onung who was among the guests on Board the Ship for its maiden Cruise thanked Royal Caribbean for the opportunity to sample this world Class product.

In his words” as Royal Caribbean has opened an office in Nigeria it is obvious that the world of Cruising will be the way of travel for Nigerians especially Families. Our members will market this product.

It’s a wholesome new travel experience”. Uloma EGBUNA the Chief Executive of Tour Brokers International who represents Royal Caribbean in Nigeria and the leading promoter of Cruises in Nigeria promised” as Nigerians are coming into the Cruise World Royal Carribbean is poised to provide for all their needs, that’s why they opened a local office in Nigeria.”

Beware of India tour operators, they hike forex for tourists

Indian travel industry players have called for steps to ease the hardships faced by tourists as a result of the demonetization of high value currency notes on November 8.

At a meeting of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) held on December 7 in New Delhi, members said that the amount of foreign exchange allowed to be exchanged by the tourists should be hiked so that the visitors do not have a poor and bad experience in India.

On another level, senior leaders like Rajeev Kohli, Senior Vice President for IATO, and Joint Managing Director at Creative Travel, asked the members to gather data on whatever points they have to make; otherwise the officials may not be convinced.

Some members felt that there was a decline in upmarket bookings from some markets.

There was a demand to see that tourists are not harassed at monuments and the ASI should streamline its working.

The Archecological Survey of India looks after some 300 monuments in the country, which are visited by the tourists.

Subhash Goyal, former IATO President, said that efforts were being made to see that an e-visa at four ports is implemented soon.

Kenya’s independence celebration to interrupt air traffic

While the temporary closure of the airspace around Kenya’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International, caused limited disruption Tuesday, Kenya’s air force has been training for their flyby maneuvers and aerial displays ahead of the nation’s Independence Day slated for 12th of December. This time, the five hour closure of Wilson Airport will have a different effect altogether.

Information availed suggests that Wilson Airport will be closed from as early as 9:00am to at least 2:00pm, throwing departures into the country’s national parks into some disarray.

Air operators with scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to upcountry destinations, the national parks and the Kenya coast are scrambling right now to inform clients and passengers booked for December 12 of changed timings, with most departures being pulled back to before 9:00am, a challenge of sorts, as Wilson Airport only opens for operations at 7:00am.

Return flights into Wilson will also be affected, very likely causing major upheavals for the afternoon scheduled services with aircraft coming in late, i.e. after 2:00pm, thereby throwing the afternoon departures into delays or even cancellations.

Some airlines have opted to take the more expensive alternative of flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, but initial passenger feedback speaks of travelers not being amused by being forced to use the main airport given the traffic jams on the road to the airport and the increased hassle of getting through the security checkpoints.

Passengers who parked their vehicles at Wilson Airport and are returning on the 12th will also be forced to make added transport arrangements should their inbound flights land at JKIA instead of Wilson.

Colombia crashed plane “had no fuel”

The LaMia airlines plane that crashed near Medellín killing 71 people may have run out of fuel leading to an electrical systems failure.

Six people on the flight chartered by Brazilian football club Chapecoense survived the crash. The top-flight soccer team was flying to Colombia to take part in a Copa Sudamericana match against local side Atlético Nacional.

The BAe 146/Avro RJ85 plane operated by Bolivian airline LaMia crashed at about 22:15 (10.15pm) local time as it approached José María Córdova Airport in Medellín. It was flying from the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

An audio tape of the last conversations between the pilots and the control tower leaked to local media indicated a loss of fuel. The pilot was heard saying the aircraft had suffered a “total failure, total electrical failure, without fuel.” He requested permission to make an emergency landing.

The aircraft crashed shortly after into rough terrain which hampered the rescue effort. Three Chapecoense players, a journalist and two crew members survived.

The flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered and appeared to be in good condition, rescue services said.

Crash investigators from Brazil and Colombia were due to be joined by the UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch, the US National Transportation Safety Board, and Bolivian officials.

One of the areas which will be examined is the maximum range of the aircraft, which appears to be less than the flight distance, according to aviation experts. A lack of fuel would lead to a rapid electrical systems failure.

Lufthansa makes new pay offer to striking pilots

Lufthansa has made its pilots a new pay offer to try to end the series of 24-hour strikes that have crippled operations of the German air giant.

Lufthansa, on Friday last week, had offered a 4.4 percent increase in two stages and a one-off payment. The Vereinigung Cockpit union turned down that offer.

The latest offer maintains the financial terms but drops Lufthansa’s demands for extended working hours from its pilots. Remuneration would be increased by 2.4 percent for 2016 and 2.0 percent in 2017, the airline said in a statement. The offer is not linked to any other terms or conditions.

VC is seeking a 3.66 percent average pay increase for the last five years.

“We want to urgently avoid any further damage to our company and finally return to offering our passengers the kind of service they can expect from us,” Lufthansa’s Harry Hohmeister said.

Bettina Volkens, chief officer human resources, said “We want to get back to the negotiating table as quickly as possible… we can then successively negotiate on all the currently-open collective labour agreement issues.”

Lufthansa has cancelled 4,450 flights over a series of six 24-hour strikes. Over half a million passengers have been affected, the airline said.

VC said they had received support from pilots all over the world, but have not commented on the latest offer.

ASKY Airlines is awarded Regional Carrier of the Year

ASKY, the Pan-African Airline with the largest network in West and Central Africa, has announced that it is the recipient of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Airline of the Year Award for Regional Operations at the AFRAA 48th Annual General Assembly held on November 20-22, 2016 at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

The AFRAA annual awards recognize excellence in service delivery, innovation and competitiveness in airlines.

“It is a great honor for all of us at ASKY to be recognized as the 2016 African Regional Operator of the Year by our Association. I wish to thank all my colleagues for their tireless efforts and contribution in enabling the airline to achieve this success.

This award is a validation of our business model as well as the exemplary Pan-African strategic partnership we have with Ethiopian Airlines. It also encourages us to redouble our efforts in ensuring better services and air connectivity to the travelling public in West and Central Africa”, said Henok Teferra, CEO of ASKY.

United Airlines unveils its new Polaris business class

United Airlines has rolled-out its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline’s most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing experience for intercontinental travelers. United Polaris began service today, December 1, 2016, at 12:01 a.m. local time in all of the airline’s markets.

Announced in June, the first phase of United Polaris features an elevated inflight food and beverage experience, tranquil custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa, and the opening of the first of nine United Polaris lounges around the world, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

“In our quest to be the best airline in the world, we are rethinking and reimagining all we do. United Polaris offers an elevated customer experience and redefines the meaning of premier business travel,” said Oscar Munoz, CEO of United. “The high quality of amenities United Polaris provides is matched only by the service and care our employees demonstrate from lounge to landing.”

Sleep-Enticing Amenities

In rethinking the international business class experience, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research, and sleep emerged as the single most important priority for international business class travelers. United Polaris’ path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus was inspired and informed by insights from hundreds of customers and employees, inflight product simulations and more than 100 product evaluations.

“With United Polaris, we set out to put the legacy of the weary business traveler to bed for good,” said Julia Haywood, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of United. 

“What we heard from our customers, and what resonated as a very consistent theme, was that they needed a tailored experience that would maximize comfort and sleep. Arriving at your destination well rested is something we all strive for when we travel, and for our customers traveling halfway around the world, optimal performance when they arrive at their destination is the only option.”

In a first-of-its-kind relationship, United has worked with leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding. All designed to provide the best sleep in the sky, the new bedding collection will feature plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer. In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request.

Slippers will be available on all flights, and customized United Polaris pajamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours. Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow. New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa.

With the introduction of United Polaris, the airline intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation, which United and its employees have long supported.

Additionally, United will offer a new and unique channel for customers on its inflight entertainment system focused on sleep and relaxation. Customers will be able to relax with soothing nature scenes, guided meditation sessions from Headspace, and experience Slow TV as they settle-in onboard.

Elevated Dining Experience

Upon boarding their flight, each United Polaris customer will be welcomed with a pre-departure beverage of his or her choice and gourmet chocolate. On morning flights, passengers can choose a sweet and bubbly Mimosa or create their own savory and spicy Tito’s Handmade Vodka® Bloody Mary. 

On afternoon and evening flights, passengers can create their own wine tasting menu, with a customized wine flight with the highest-quality options curated exclusively by United’s Master Sommelier. While in the air, customers will enjoy regionally influenced in-flight menus updated seasonally, developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs, including Chef Bill Kim of Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack and Chef Jesse Dunford Wood, chef-owner at Parlour in London.

Inflight service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes and a dessert cart with a variety of petit dessert options. On daytime flights longer than eight hours and on all flights longer than 12 hours, hot mid-flight snacks such as lobster macaroni and cheese will be available.

Renewed Focus on Service

United is transforming its international business class experience to provide customers with truly best-in-class service. The airline has invested heavily in extensive training for all employees who will help deliver United Polaris. This included a training module delivered by Saks Fifth Avenue, known for their extraordinary program of customer service.

Every decision related to the development and implementation of United Polaris was rooted with employee and customer feedback in mind. United Polaris business class will include enhanced flight attendant service procedures for greater efficiency, including a shorter meal service so customers can have undisturbed sleep times.

One-Of-A-Kind Lounges

United will also open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world – the only lounge of its kind offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers – that will feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers, bespoke art installations by artist Wolfgang Buttress, and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting so customers can refresh and dine before boarding their planes. Premium sparkling wines and spirits, refreshing snacks and bottled water will also be offered.

The first United Polaris lounge opens at Chicago O’Hare International Airport near Gate C18 and lounges in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow – will follow.

Innovative Design

The all-new United Polaris business class seat will first take flight in 2017 on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and subsequently on Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, as well as on Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 retrofits.

In setting out to create a transformative business class experience, United chose to outfit its widebody fleet with a custom-designed, exclusive-to-United seat, rather than select an option already in the marketplace. Designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates and PriestmanGoode and manufactured by Zodiac Seats United Kingdom, each United Polaris seat will offer direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 6 foot 6 inches of bed space.

Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each customer’s personal suite will feature a “Do Not Disturb” sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen and, for seats in the center of the cabin, electronic privacy dividers. Complementing the new seats, United and PriestmanGoode have also conceived an all-new look for the United Polaris cabins

Nigerian aviation experts canvass for security at the nation’s airports

L-R Oba Femi Ogunleye, Transportation Security Agency (TSA) Attaché of the United States Embassy in West African Region, Mr. Gary Pleus and President ART, Elder Gabriel Olowo at the Aviation Round TABLE (ART) Breakfast Meeting,

Security challenges, especially those aimed at causing massive casualties in the aviation industry have become a reason to worry and experts are looking for countermeasures to combat these threats before they arise and wherever they do.

It is against this backdrop that the aviation industry’s foremost think-tank, the Aviation round Table (ART)  gathered like-minded stakeholders to deliberate on the security challenges at the country’s airports at a breakfast meeting with the theme: Aviation Security in the midst of Home Grown Terrorism.

Setting the tone for this quarter’s discussion, President of ART, Elder Gabriel Olowo in his welcome note decried with sadness the incessant stowaway cases recorded by the country stating that it shows a general lack in security.

According to the industry veteran, this security lapse portrayed by the stowaway cases affect a major sector like tourism which, in his opinion, is a faster way of getting out of the economic doldrums than agriculture which will do the same but take a longer time.

“For us to get out of recession the sure way is boosting our tourism and the one way to do that is to build linkages through aviation. Tourism can give us money just like that but agriculture takes time. And one thing hampering the growth of tourism is security. Even our neighbours in Ghana do not want to come and the security is not helping matters as our law enforcement are seen as security threats on their own.”

” I read with sadness on the incident of the stowaway on one of our airlines from Lagos to Johannesburg  and let’s assume he is there to stowaway for greener pastures but on the alternative he could have been a terrorist and may have just planted something on any aircraft avionics and this shows how porous our security has been.”

In his presentation, the guest speaker, a Transportation Security Agency (TSA) Attaché of the United States Embassy in West African Region, Mr. Gary Pleus told the gathering that in the grand scheme of things security  agencies must be on top of their game.

According to Pleus, security agencies must continue to get it right all the time because the terrorists only need to get it right once with devastating consequences as was seen in 9/11 which led to the birth of the TSA.

Pleus said that,” aviation is a primary target for terrorists, they only have to get it right once while we  have to keep getting it right all the time. A single incident has high stakes from the economic consequences to the fear it will instill.”

He called on the gathering to be wary of threats from the landside as well as insider threats as some terrorist would seek the cooperation of aviation security to carry out their dastardly act.

He was also particularly interested in the new trend using improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) further stating that most terrorists have gone from trying to bomb aircraft mid-air to attacking terminals as was seen in Belgium and then Turkey.

“Apart from evolving new ways to take security unawares, they do not discard their old ways, these terrorists simply try to improve on it. It was after the attack on the terminal in Belgium that these groups evolved it yo carry a similar and deadly attack in Turkey.”

He however commended Nigeria stating that the country has seen the need to improve on security and is carrying out regular exercises to ensure their terminals are secure.

” kudos to Nigeria for trying to ensure they are prepared to handle this situation if it ever comes to that as most countries can take a cue and ensure that they safeguard the aviation industry.”

Culled from Nigerian FlightDeck

Dana Air gets International Safety Certification

…bags two awards in November 2016. 

Nigeria’s award winning airline, Dana Air, has gained approval of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), having undergone Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), one of the basic requirements to be admitted into the association’s global safety registry. The airline announced Thursday that it has been awarded the IOSA certificate after passing the audit.

The Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, said: “Our admission into the IOSA registry is a confirmation of our strict adherence to global management and safety standards and procedures, required of global carriers.

“Getting the IOSA certification is a double for us, as we remain the only domestic airline to have passed a similar audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and its foreign partners, The Flight Safety Group.’’

Obi thanked the staff of the airline for their professionalism, commitment and loyalty and the teeming customers of the airline for keeping faith with the airline and believing in the airlines’ resolve to continue to provide safe, reliable and customer –centric air transport services.

The IOSA programme is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline.
IOSA uses internationally recognized quality audit principles and is designed to conduct audits in a standardised and consistent manner.

Meanwhile, the IOSA certification is just one among other awards Dana Air has claimed this year – 2016. The airline recently bagged two awards at the just concluded Nigerian Entrepreneurs Award as Customer Friendly of the Year and Best Private Airline at Annual Lecture and Gold Service Awards 2016, of the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa. 

Dana Air is, no doubt, one of Nigeria’s consistent and reliable airlines, having demonstrated an unmatched record with over 27 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri.

The airline recently celebrated its 8^th anniversary with a commitment to continue to provide safe, reliable and world-class air transport service to its teeming passengers.

Decomposed body of a stowaway found on Arik aircraft in Jo’burg

The lifeless body of a stowaway was on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 found in the main wheel well of one of Arik Air’s A330-200 aircraft at the Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.

The aircraft operated the scheduled Lagos-Johannesburg flight that departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 3:55pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 and arrived Johannesburg shortly before 11pm.

Engineers of South African Airways Technical facility at the Oliver Tambo International Airport where the aircraft was scheduled for a routine maintenance check discovered the body of the stowaway during inspection phase.

Investigations are ongoing to determine how the stowaway found his way into the aircraft’s main wheel well.