By Francis Ekeh, Abuja

Nigerias oldest airline, Aero Contractors will soon resume flight operations in the country which it suspended on 20th July 2022

The airline management on Thursday said it has taken delivery of the first set of two Dash-8 (Q-400) aircrafts at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.

News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) quoted Mahmood as saying that the Nigerian registered aircraft, owned by UMZA Air, will be operated by Aero contractors under a joint venture agreement between both parties.

He said that the Dash-8 Aircraft is one of the most fuel efficient and modern aircraft in the market and has a capacity of 74 seats.

He said that the second aircraft is due to be delivered in a couple of days.
Mahmood said: “We are pleased to inform our customers and stakeholders of the delivery of this aircraft under a joint venture agreement with UMZA Air.

“We missed our customers over the last few weeks and we are eager to offer our services to our highly esteemed passengers.

“Once we are ready to commence operation, we shall officially inform the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)”, the statement read

Last month, Aero Contractors suspended operations indefinitely over economic crisis.
The airline, in a statement it issued said the suspension would take effect from Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

The decision came amidst skyrocketing price and scarcity of aviation fuel, Jet A1.

In the statement announcing the suspension, the airline said the temporary halting of operations “does not in any way affect the maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.”
“This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircrafts are currently undergoing Maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.”

“We are working to bring these aircrafts back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.
“The past few months have been very challenging for the Aviation Industry and the airline operators in particular. With the high cost of maintenance, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and forex scarcity resulting in high foreign exchange rates. These are among the major components of airline operations.

“In the meantime, we are working assiduously to return to service as quickly as possible, and do assure our esteemed customers and stakeholders of our determination, that our short absence will not create any major void in the market, as we are coordinating with our business partners to ensure minimum discomfort to ticket holders.
“As members of Spring Alliance (a commercial alliance with member airlines providing mutual support in the area of operations), we are liaising with our partner airlines to minimise the impact on our esteemed customers.

“Our customer service team will be working to help affected esteemed customers reach their destinations.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our esteemed customers and promise to return to service as soon as possible. “We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding at this time.”