Two Nigerian airlines suspend flights
Nigerian airlines, Aero Contractors and Firstnation Airways, have suspended scheduled flight services – just one week after the country entered an economic recession.
“This business decision is a result of the current economic situation in the country, which has forced some airlines to suspend operations or pull out of Nigeria,” Aero Contractors Airlines ceo, Fola Akinkuotu, told Nigerian publication, Premium Times.
Fola said all staff, both those directly and indirectly involved in providing the services, would be put on indefinite leave of absence.
Firstnatinon Airways, meanwhile, says it will resume operations on September 15.
“We are currently undergoing maintenance on our fleet. The airline planned this maintenance well ahead, notified passengers, and flights are currently loaded online, effective September 15,” Firstnation said in a statement.
The current foreign exchange constraint following the country’s economic slump, coupled with over 70% devaluation of Nigeria’s currency, the naira, “partly contributed in no small measure to this development,” Firstnation’s statement read.
“Nonetheless, the airline’s plan remains on track to reinstate service as advised herein,” Firstnation said.
Source: www.etnw.co.za