Airlines in Nigeria have urged the federal government to provide a window of “special funding” for operators of local airlines in the nation’s aviation sector.

Top Brass Aviation Limited CEO Roland Iyay made the call on behalf of the AON during a visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyomo, in Abuja on Monday.

He said the call for providing a window of special funding for operators in aviation was necessitated due to the nature of the aviation business and its growing contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“We are just asking for a special funding window that should be of a single digit, and that is easily accessible. We want FG to create a special funding window for domestic Airlines for capital assets acquisition and consider providing the necessary support of domestic Airlines for competitive funding through world-renowned funding organisations such as EXIM, EDC, and AFREXIM Bank.

“We plead for immediate revision of all ill-conceived stifling policies inimical to industry growth, adoption of an annual simulator Recurrent check for flight Crews and the adoption of the manufacturers’ recommended maintenance service intervals. Just as it is enshrined in the Aircraft Type Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) by the Nigeria Civil Aviation of Nigeria (NCAA),“ he said.

He appealed to the government for immediate review of all industry taxes and charges to determine applicability and quantum in line with the cost recovery model of the aviation Parastatals.

Mr Iyayi reiterated establishing and providing a dedicated support line for domestic Airline Operators to unfettered access to foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria in support of local and international transactions.

He called for the facilitation, liberalisation, procurement and distribution of Jet-A1 nationwide and allowing the AON to procure requisite licenses for product importation and distribution through strategic partnerships.

According to him, the government should ensure immediate prioritization of a modernisation programme for passengers and handling equipment at major Airports to manage passengers and associated baggage efficiently.

He added, “The government should prioritise the immediate installation and commissioning of bird hazard management equipment and FOD programmes at all Airports nationwide to enhance safety, reduce aircraft damage and increase insurance premiums.

“Embracing the PPP model with prospective investors for the establishment, tooling and operation of local MRO facilities and providing special incentives to encourage increased investments in the sector.”

(NAN)