Merry Christmas!!

HO HO HO! says the boeing 747-400

Names of Victims in Nigerian Navy Helicopter Crash

Pix of the Chopper involved in the Crash was a Nigerian Navy Augusta A109E code name Helo 07.

Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba of the Nigerian Navy, Pilot.

Others who were involved in the Crash are.

1] Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Governor of Kaduna State.


2] Rtd General Andrew Owoye Azazi, former National Security Adviser to the President

3] Dauda Tsoho (aide to Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna).

4] Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, (aide to Owoye Azazi).

5] Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole. (co-pilot).

 May their souls rest in peace.

Gov Yakowa and Gen Azazi Feared Dead in Helicopter Crash

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi
apparently died in a helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Navy that crashed today in Bayelsa State, between 3:30pm this evening. The chopper was said to be on its way to Port Harcout Airport, but Crashed 5-10mins after take-off. Governor Yakowa of Kaduna State and Rtd General Andrew Azazi, who served as chief security adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, were among passengers in the ill-fated helicopter.
Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) had earlier indicated that the agency had activated a search for a crashed helicopter. The crashed chopper was carrying “some major political figures.” The identity of any other passengers in the ill-fated chopper has not been identified. 

Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi were among many political figures who reportedly attended the burial of the father of senior presidential aide Oronto Douglas. The funeral event took place in the Nembe area of Bayelsa State earlier today. The crashed helicopter was one of several helicopters that some well- connected people to the funeral. There has been no reports to what caused the crash but there has been confirmed reports that all Six(6) passengers and crew were killed.

Nigerian Aviation Industry Has Created 60,000 Jobs so Far

Nigeria’s aviation sector generated more than 60,000 jobs in the last 12 months, according to the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.

The Nigerian Aviation sector went under scrutiny since it experienced its last plane crash on the 3rd of december this year, which claimed the lives of about 153 crew and passengers. There has been significant improvement in the installation of highest safety standard equipment comparable to those available in any developed countries in the world and because of the automation of the airports, there would be reduction in flight times from 2013.

Meanwhile Minister of Aviation. Princess Stella Oduah has proposed the expansion of six new international airports in 2013 while the Murtala International Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja would be turned to regional hub of aviation in West Africa.

The Minister of Information Dr Labaran Maku said the plan to have a national carrier that would be private sector driven was on-going and special cargo terminals would be constructed in some States to promote the agriculture sector.

"The state of our airports has received uplift in the last one year particularly with the state of aviation safety equipment that has been installed to ensure the highest safety standards as compared to any other place in the world.”

He also added, "Travelling  by air anywhere in Nigeria, you have radar coverage, a plane entering Nigerian airspace from any angle day or night would be seen and there would be instantaneous appearance on radar as well as communication between the various airport facilities and the pilot.

"Some of the facilities that are manual before such as reading weather by pilot is now automated so there is no reason for any pilot to take off without knowing the weather condition throughout his own route, so if any pilot took off and return to base because of bad weather, that pilot should be sanctioned, it only means the pilot disregarded weather advise given before takeoff.

"Because of the automation of some of these facilities, by next year, flight time would reduce between the various airports

"She also talked about plans to expand airports in Lagos, Nnnamdi Azikiwe airports while there would be about 20 international hotels that would be built around the various international airports in the country to create a hub of services within the airport that will almost make them look like modern cities."

On the plan to have a national carrier, the minister said it was going on smoothly and also unveiled fresh initiative to ensure the national carrier would be private sector driven to eliminate inefficiency associated with government involvement

American Airlines gets new B777-300ER. Pictures:

Its funny to think that out of the 605aircrafts in American Airlines fleet, they didn't have a Boeing 777-300ER. Well i'm surprised also. Well its all been solve they recently got livery of two out of ten(10) B777-300ER orders, sometime in october (i think). The other eight are expected to be delivered sometime in 2013.
Although they decieded to give the world a glimpse of what their 77W interior looks like.

American’s 777-300ER is set up with three classes. Both Business and First have lie-flat seats. The plane will offer Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as a Panasonic entertainment system with 120 movies, 150 TV options and 350 audio selections available in all classes. Every seat will also include a 110-volt AC power and USB outlets. Sweet!

Okay aircraft Interior is something we need to talk about, because these interiors have me teary already. This is America's 77W walk-up bar. It is stocked with snacks and refreshments, situated in the premium cabin. The first of its kind in AA.

Okay, now i'm hungry. Great Airplanes come with beautiful interiors.
The airline plans to operate the new planes to London Heathrow, New York’s John F. Kennedy and Los Angeles after additional deliveries.

Pictures were gotten from AA website and courtesy David Parker Brown.

Aero Confirms AMCON as part owner of airline

Aero has now confirmed that AMCON is now the majority shareholder of the airline while the Ibru family, known as the legacy shareholders maintain a stake in the business.
“The Legacy shareholders have first right of option to buy-back the shares owned by AMCON through the financial investment for equity,”
As a result of the takeover, several changes have been made in the past few weeks to help AERO achieve its set objectives.
Captain Akinlawon George resigned on 30 November to pave way to a new management.
“The incumbent Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Obaro Ibru, has been temporarily appointed as the Acting Managing Director while Captain Russell Leefoon who is in charge of Flight Operations has been appointed as the Acting Accountable Manager, pending the conclusion of the ongoing recruitment exercise,”
The airline said the following positions, Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Head, Internal Control & Audit, will all be affected by the takeover.

Photo: Like a Boss!

for the love of the greatest job in the world.

Capt. Akin George Resigns as Aero Contractors MD

Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s on Sunday night said that its Managing Director, Captain Akin George, had resigned and replaced with (tush-boy) Mr Obaro Ibru, who currently acts as the Airlines Acting Managing Director. Mr. Obaro Ibru, used to be the airline’s Deputy Managing Director. He is said to have a wealth of experience in Business Aviation and banking.

The airline however said in a statement today that George resigned following the commencement of a restructuring exercise initiated by AMCON.
“This is the beginning of a restructuring exercise that will make the airline slimmer and stronger with the aim of making it more competitive.
Since AMCON took over the airline few months ago over bad debts, a new management was expected.
Aero Contractors airline is the oldest airline in Nigeria. The 51 year old Aero Contractors airline is one of the four major commercial airlines in Nigeria.
Two other, Dana Air and Air Nigeria are not in the skies.
While Air Nigeria has suspended operations for a year on account of bankruptcy, Dana Air has not resumed operation since the 3 June plane crash, although dana air has completed neccessary documents and test and has been given its Airline Operators Licence AOC.
The Central Bank of Nigeria had announced that all credits to Aero should be halted because of its $200 million loan.
“We can confirm that Aero’s debt has been taken over by AMCON. Currently Aero is going through a restructuring exercise under AMCON, pending final approval by AMCON board which is expected very soon,” said Mr. Omoke Enyi, Aero Contractors Chief Financial Officer.
Aero, the preferred airline by multinational oil companies, is Nigeria’s oldest private airline. With technical support offered by the Canadian Helicopters Corporation (CHC), the world’s largest commercial helicopter operator, Aero has played a key role in the oil and gas operation in Nigeria.
On its website, Aero, based in Lagos, says it operates a “combined fleet of around 20 helicopters and 15 fixed wing aircraft ranging from 50 seat Dash 8 to 144 seat Boeing 737-400/500, employing about 1,300 personnel”.
Aero Contractors of Nigeria was formed in 1959 as a wholly owned by Schreiner Airways B.V of the Netherlands. It became a company with initially 40% Nigerian holding in 1973 and subsequently 60% in 1976.
In January 2004 Schreiner Airways was bought by Canadian Helicopter Corporation(CHC) which acquired 40 per cent holding of Aero contractors while 60 per cent majority share remained within the Ibru family group.
Currently, Aero is wholly owned by the Ibru family and is said to be managed by Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, the former managing director of defunct Oceanic Bank.
The Company started in the early 1960′s as an air charter operator.From this beginning in the 1970′s,Aero has gone-on to provide both rotary and fixed wing services to all the major oil,gas and related support companies working in Nigeria and in West Africa sub-region.

Arik Begins Congo, Kinshasha Routes

 

Arik Air(W3): Lagos, Nigeria - Douala, Cameroon - Kinshasa, DRC

- Effective 5 December 2012

• W3121 LOS 1110 - 1240 DLA 1325 - 1525 FIH 73G | 37
• W3122 FIH 1610 - 1810 DLA 1855 - 2025 LOS 73G | 37

According to the CRS, Arik Air has 5th Freedom rights between Douala and Kinshasa.

Arik Air (W3), has announced the start of twice weekly flights from Lagos to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo effective 5 December 2012.

Kinshasa now becomes Arik Air’s third destination in Central Africa, with the new route set to operate each Wednesday and Sunday via Douala, Cameroon using a Boeing 737-700. Meanwhile First nation Nigerian Airline is to resume domestic operations sometime next year 2013

Cargo Plane Crash In Congo, Brazzaville

A cargo plane has crashed at Brazzaville airport while trying to land in a storm, killing around 30 residents and also the crew, emergency services and witnesses said.
Around 30 local people had been killed as the plane skidded off the runway and crashed into houses and a bar in the Congolese capital before crashing into a ravine, said Georgelin Massemba, head of the emergency services. Earlier Friday, emergency services had spoken of around 20 dead.
The crew, numbering three or four people, are thought to have died in the ensuing fire.
Another 20 or so people had been injured in the crash and taken to nearby hospitals, witnesses said.
The Ilyushin plane, registered with local company Aero-services, was flying in from the western port city of Pointe Noire carrying cars and other goods.
A journalist at the scene said the crash happened during a violent storm.
Two hours after the crash, firefighters were still scouring the wreckage to look for victims. Although the plane was to carry freight, they sometimes also carry people other than the crew.

Aviation Safety is reporting that the aircraft involved was likely an Il-76 (MSN 073410300-EK76300)