BY Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian airline industry has seen significant growth and progress despite facing various challenges. Capt. Iyal emphasizes the expansion of airlines and airport facilities in the past decade, along with the introduction of modern, cost-effective, and safe aircraft.

When questioned about the current airline fares, Capt. Iyal defends the airlines, pointing out the high costs they incur, including aviation fuel, aircraft acquisition, leasing, and insurance. He suggests that fare stabilization would benefit both passengers and airlines.

Regarding the high insurance rates, Capt. Iyal advocates for government intervention, proposing funding or a guarantee system for the aviation industry. He believes that accessing funds at a lower interest rate, similar to what other sectors receive, would aid airlines in purchasing and leasing aircraft.

While Capt. Iyal acknowledges that convincing airlines to adopt the proposed plan might take time, he believes that discussions with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and other industry groups will eventually lead to positive results.

On the subject of safety, Capt. Iyal expresses confidence in the significant improvement the Nigerian aviation industry has experienced. He credits this to continuous training, seminars, and improved equipment. He commends the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) for their prompt actions in ensuring safety standards. Additionally, he highlights the efforts of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (Nimet) in providing reliable weather reports and safety warnings.

Overall, Capt. Iyal believes that the Nigerian aviation industry has made remarkable progress in terms of safety and facilities, and with government support, it can overcome challenges and continue to thrive.