Aviation Experts Respond as Enugu Air Makes Its Debut

Experts within the aviation sector have contested claims made by the Regional Manager of South East Airports and the Manager of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Hilary Umunna. He stated that the introduction of Enugu Air, marking the launch of a new airline, was expected to significantly boost passenger numbers in the region as well as improve revenues for both the state government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

Industry professionals began discussing following the arrival of an airplane bearing 'Enugu Air' markings at Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Friday.

Umunna informed reporters that the arrival of the new airline would increase passenger numbers; however, sector specialists contradicted this notion, arguing that Nigeria primarily requires another airport in Lagos rather than yet another airline.

During an interview with reporters over the weekend, Umunna stated that besides enhancing income generation for both the state and FAAN, the newly proposed airline would also generate employment opportunities within the aviation sector and boost tourism.

He stated, "We expect beneficial economic impacts across Enugu State and the entire South-East region, promoting commerce, travel, and entrepreneurial development. A key objective for FAAN is to maintain and broaden collaborations that would position Enugu as a crucial air transportation center."

Umunna, who formerly collaborated with the Cross River State Government for the establishment of Cally Air during his tenure as the manager of Calabar Airport, stated that ALLA Enugu has undertaken various measures to guarantee compliance with many of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s operational and regulatory standards.

According to his statements, some of the requirements encompassed upgrades to infrastructure, better ground handling services, enhanced security measures, and adherence to global safety and operational norms.

He added that FAAN had improved collaboration among all parties involved to ensure seamless functioning of the airline.

He stated, "It gives me great pleasure to greet Enugu Air as they join us at Akanu Ibiam International Airport. The addition of their services strengthens links between regions, promotes commerce, and supports our aim of establishing Enugu as the leading air travel center in the southeastern part."

"AIIA Enugu is dedicated to maintaining a smooth and effective operation for both the airline and its travelers," he noted.

In response to Umunna's stance, Nigerian Commercial Pilot with more than three decades of expertise, Captain John Okakpu—who is licensed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority—urged the operators to "measure twice, cut once." This advice emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough feasibility studies prior to initiating operations for a new airline.

He stated that only Lagos State Airport, which handles more than six million passengers annually across over 100,000 flights, could consider expanding airport facilities, potentially up to two additional ones, without focusing on airlines for now.

He remarked, "Where do the passengers come from among Asaba, Umuri, Owerri, and possibly soon, Ebonyi? The number of people using passenger air travel in those state airports combined is under two million; perhaps closer to one and a half million. Enugu International handles significantly fewer travelers each year compared to both Owerri and falls short of even 500,000. So, considering this data, how does Enugu Air plan to compete with established airlines operating out of their facilities? It’s important to examine things thoroughly before diving into them rather than leaping without looking."

The travelers won't be present if we fail to reach the 20 million target set for 2020 across all 26 of our airports. By 2025, we're still battling to meet this figure; we’re striving for 20 million within a populace of 200 million, even though just one airport, J'B in South Africa, handles more than 20 million air passengers each year. Avoid expanding the number of airlines and airports unless there’s a notable rise in passenger numbers at nearby facilities.

Ogun State Airport should be cautious as it might end up like Ekiti and Osun airports. A few words can suffice for those who understand.

In conversation with our correspondent, former Chief Pilot Captain Mohammed Badamosi criticized the state government for the purportedly poorly planned airline, attributing this issue to the heightened federal funding received by the state.

Badamasi likewise recommended that the operators of the airline reassess the feasibility studies they had undertaken prior to entering this capital-intensive venture.

He stated, "The rise in federal government funding to state administrations is driving this absurd tendency towards ventures fraught with difficulties. There are more worthwhile initiatives they could pursue instead of launching another airline."

I suppose the administration likely hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study assessing the project's potential success, compensating them generously for their efforts. Once these officials step down from power, the future of the initiative ceases to be their concern. Consequently, such projects often end up as unfinished and neglected governmental assets, similar to numerous derelict structures.

We have representatives from the aviation sector involved with the state. So why aren't they contributing to the discussion? Besides having criminal intentions, ignorance and a lack of comprehension regarding the situation at hand contribute significantly to such behavior.

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