Why is Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) asking Nigeria to buy New Aeroplanes ?

Lagos based private carrier Air Peace received a brand new Embraer aircraft  on 22nd september , and Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Musa Nuhu along with the Chairman of  Air Peace welcomed the development.

Both of them batted for the fleet renewal efforts in Nigeria, and described the acquisition of newer airplanes by the Nigerian carriers as a huge cost saving measure that would help boost the aviation sector.

Air Peace received it's Newest plane , An Embraer 195-E2 , regd. 5N-BYI , MSN : 20050 , fitted with two PW PW1900G Series engines.

They believe, new aircrafts are not only fuel efficient ,they are also maintenance friendly, moreover, the advanced engines are safe for the environment and aviation ecosystem.

NCAA chief not only hailed Air Peace's acquisition of brand new aircraft, he also encouraged other carriers to follow the trend, as it would develop the aviation industry in Nigeria.

This is the Fourth Embraer 195-E2 Aircraft , that Air Peace has received in the year 2021 , and the registrations are 5N-BYF , 5N-BYG , 5N-BYH and 5N-BYI for the brand new series.

Chairman of Air Peace,  Allen Onyema said the aircraft was  bought to further improve safety, save huge cost on aviation fuel and other operational cost.

Onyema said: “From 2018 we made a commitment to acquire brand new aircraft to replace our fleet. I am not saying old aircraft is unsafe but because of the economics of the game. The Embraer will save fuel and reduce operational cost. It’s not about age, it’s about maintenance but a brand new aircraft takes safety to a new level.”

The Air Peace chief also commented that, the Embraer aircraft was thoroughly planned as one of it's advanced technology will enable the aircraft to land and take off on the shortest of runways.

On the other hand , NCAA chief, Capt Nuhu commended Air peace and stressed that  the carrier is not only procuring the new aircrafts  but appropriate aircraft for operations in the region.

He said: “It gladdens my heart that Nigerian airlines are not only getting new aircraft but are getting the right aircraft. The connectivity in Nigeria has improved and it’s getting better. These new aircraft have low maintenance and operational costs and are environmental friendly.

“This is the way to go. I believe with time, Air Peace will change all its fleet to newer ones.

“Pre-covid, 10 to 12 million passengers passed through the country’s airports, which amounts to 10 per cent of the country’s population. Airlines need to connect different parts of the country for trade, thereby contributing to the country’s GDP. The airline industry is growing and those surviving are expanding their fleet.”

Air Peace has a mixed fleet of Boeing B737, Boeing B777, Embrarer 135/145 and Embrarer 190/195 aircrafts for it's range of operations.

Pictures Courtesy : Air Peace