LAGOS/Nigeria: The board of PPK Aviation International, a prominent aerospace logistics and flight training agency based in Lagos, has implored the newly appointed federal minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to take immediate action in addressing the escalating domestic and international air fares in Nigeria.
The agency issued an official statement recently in Lagos, signed by Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, the Chairman, underscoring their congratulations to Minister Keyamo on his new role.
Expressing unwavering confidence in his stature as both a legal luminary and a seasoned technocrat, they asserted their belief in his capability to effectively lead the nation’s aviation and aerospace development ministry.
The central concern highlighted by PPK Aviation International is the exorbitant cost of airfares, which has left an adverse impact on both tourism and business travel sectors. Notably, the agency is a subsidiary of Aeroflight Ltd, further solidifying its influence within the industry.
In their statement, the agency beseeched Minister Keyamo to leverage his authority and influence to facilitate the resolution of longstanding issues regarding the repatriation of earnings and profits by foreign airlines. Urgency was placed on devising strategies to promptly reduce the burden of both domestic and international air travel expenses. These measures, they contended, were vital to stimulating robust growth within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The agency’s statement underscored the previous administration’s shortcomings, emphasizing that “the former Minister of Aviation failed woefully in the discharge of the ministry’s assigned responsibilities, and also launched a nonexistent Air Nigeria.” It further castigated the prior administration for failing to ensure the repatriation of foreign airlines’ legitimate earnings, resulting in a deliberate upsurge in international air fares, exacerbated by the depreciating value of the national currency.
Anticipating a brighter future, PPK Aviation International expressed hope that Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, would take decisive steps to enhance the Ministry’s public image. By advocating for the adherence to Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) and stringent compliance with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) rules, the agency envisages a favorable environment for foreign airlines to repatriate funds and for negotiations to lower international air fares.
The agency cautioned that without swift intervention to curb the soaring air fares, domestic airlines providing essential services might be driven out of business. This dire consequence could engender a negative spiral, impacting not only the nation’s economy but also leading to job losses within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In conclusion, PPK Aviation International extended their felicitations to Minister Keyamo on his new position and implored him to dive into action immediately. Their clarion call echoes a plea to resuscitate the beleaguered air transportation sector, a linchpin of Nigeria’s economy that now stands at a critical juncture.
