Arik Air Resumes Flight, Resolves Issues with FAAN
Arik Air will resume operation on Sunday after the resolution of its dispute with the Federal Government at a meeting brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim.
A statement signed by the SGF in Abuja said all issues in contention were discussed and resolved at the meeting held on Saturday. It added that a roadmap for smooth working relationship between both parties was also agreed upon.
“We use this opportunity to appeal to both parties to eschew every provocation that may have arisen as a result of this unfortunate misunderstanding.
“Accordingly, all the exchange of accusations and allegations are vitiated and so of no consequence”, Anyim said.
The statement included an apology, tendered on behalf of the Ministry of Aviation and the Management of Arik Air to all travellers for the inconveniences the unfortunate misunderstanding may have caused them, then added that both parties were pleased to announce that Arik Air could resume operations.
Anyim also said that the meeting which lasted for about two hours was also attended by the two Chairmen of the Aviation Committees of the National Assembly and the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah.
Others who were present at the meeting include the chairman of the airline, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, Arthur Eze and the Management of the company.
Managing Director of the airline, Chris Ndulue also said at the airline’s headquarters in Ikeja, after arriving from the meeting in Abuja that normal domestic flights would resume on Sunday.
“Another meeting has been scheduled for two weeks from today where vital issues will be appraised and level of progress discussed.
“There is no cause for problem, so, we enjoin all parties to work together for the progress of the industry,” he said.
Ndulue said that the airline did not, at any time, allege that the Minister of Aviation wanted to have five per cent equity in the carrier, describing the rumour as “frivolous allegation”.
“At no time did the airline categorically state that the minister wanted to have equity in the airline, but the airline was being strangulated by some persons for personal reasons.
“The airline will resume normal operations after the disruption which was avoidable, as the airline is not owing the figures thrown around by aviation agencies,” he said.
He described the meeting as fruitful, adding however that there was no agreement on a payment plan but a commitment to work together.
Ndulue also commented on the declaration by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), that domestic carriers will no longer have access to loans, describing it as interesting and unhealthy for the aviation industry.
- Daily Times
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