Nosa Osula Aituamen
At a recent meeting convened by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) under the theme “Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions,” the Vice President, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON and Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, presented a passionate and candid address that highlighted challenges facing the aviation industry.
As Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), he addressed critical issues ranging from operational disruptions to the increasing vilification of airlines in the public domain.
He noted the recent surge of online narratives alleged targeting airlines and the broader aviation sector, describing them as orchestrated efforts aimed at undermining progress in the industry.
Mr. Onyema praised the improvements brought about under the current administration, emphasizing advancements in operational efficiency, regulatory support, and infrastructure.
He commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the NCAA for their contributions, particularly in streamlining administrative processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Delving into specific challenges, Mr. Onyema shared anecdotes of alleged orchestrated disruptions and unruly passenger behaviour, which he described as a growing concern for the industry.
From passengers demanding flights during adverse weather conditions to deliberate efforts to disrupt airline operations, he called for immediate government intervention.
Mr. Onyema stressed that unchecked passenger misconduct could escalate into safety risks and urged the authorities to investigate and address these incidents.
He warned, “Passengers who instigate disruptions are not just inconveniencing airlines but are creating a dangerous precedent that could lead to accidents”.
The AON VP also called on security agencies to examine social media campaigns and videos targeting airlines, asserting that they often serve ulterior motives.
Acknowledging the role of airlines in ensuring passenger satisfaction, the Air Peace Chairman admitted there were areas for improvement, particularly in refunds and customer service.
He pledged to address these shortcomings while urging passengers to understand the complexities of aviation operations, especially during weather-related disruptions.
Reflecting on the global aviation landscape, Mr. Onyema compared the behavior of Nigerian passengers with those in other countries, advocating for enhanced public education to align expectations with industry realities.
He highlighted the need for a collective effort to foster a more informed and cooperative flying public.
“We are ready to contribute to the education of the Nigerian passenger”.
The AON Vice President stressed the importance of collaboration and mutual respect within the industry, emphasizing that the sky is large enough for all players to thrive without resorting to sabotage.