Illegal operation: FG directs private jet owners to submit passengers manifest before take-off
Federal Government has directed all private jet owners to submit their passenger manifest before receiving clearance for takeoff from control towers.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced this said it is part of efforts by the government to curb illegal operations by private aircraft operators in the country.
He stated, “Henceforth, the control tower will not clear any aircraft to fly without the pilot filing the manifest of passengers on board. Whether you are a ‘big man’ or not, the tower will not clear you for takeoff unless passengers have presented their identity cards.”
Speaking during an interministerial press briefing in Thursday in Abuja yesterday, Keyamo warned Nigerians against chartering private jets without verifying their licenses, as the government will not be responsible for passengers using unlicensed aircraft.
He further directed all international airlines to patronize local caterers for their outbound flights. He warned that the government would not approve their summer schedules unless they provide proof of contract agreements with local catering companies.
“We are monitoring their compliance levels. Delta and Qatar Airlines have complied, while some others have requested more time to finalize contracts with our local caterers. However, I have made it clear that I will not sign their summer schedule, which is due by April, unless they comply. They must present their contract agreements with Nigerian caterers before their summer schedule is approved,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government has enhanced the signing of Code Sharing Agreements between international airlines and local operators to support and boost their capacity. He highlighted that Emirates Airline and Air Peace have entered into a Code Sharing Agreement, allowing Air Peace to transport Emirates passengers from various parts of the country to Lagos for their connecting flights to Dubai.
Additionally, he hinted that the government is on the verge of negotiating similar code-sharing agreements between local operators and other international airlines.
He noted that Nigeria’s aviation policy differs from other African countries because it is the only country with 100% private sector participation in aviation, making it essential for the government to prioritize local operators.
Keyamo also disclosed that the African Aviation and Aerospace University has received an overwhelming number of applications, surpassing its initial expectations.
On the issue of in-flight catering, he reiterated the government’s stance: “We have made it a policy that international airlines must patronize local caterers for their outbound flights. Nigerian caterers have the capacity to meet the requirements for any type of dish that airlines demand.”
He revealed that Maiduguri Airport has been upgraded to a fully-fledged international airport, now capable of accommodating international flights. He also disclosed plans to fully rehabilitate the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
