Aviation unions plead with Presidency to intervene in Arik Air crisis

Aviation unions plead with Presidency to intervene in Arik Air crisis

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) have jointly addressed an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, seeking urgent intervention regarding the recent grounding of Arik Air’s fleet by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

In their heartfelt plea, the unions highlighted the distressing impact of NAMA’s decision to ground Arik Air’s four aircraft on July 30, 2024. This action, they noted, has caused significant anguish and frustration among passengers and exacerbated the already challenging air travel situation in Nigeria.The unions emphasized the plight of passengers who have made both short and long-term bookings with the airline, particularly those unable to afford alternative flights.

The unions expressed grave concern for the approximately 2,000 Arik Air workers and their 16,000 dependents, who are now facing economic uncertainty due to the grounding. They warned that this action would worsen the socio-economic challenges currently faced by many Nigerians.

They also pointed out the potential losses for third-party vendors and service providers, including airports, aviation agencies, ground handlers, fuel suppliers, and caterers, which would negatively impact the earnings of key aviation bodies such as FAAN, NAMA, NIMET, NSIB, and NCAA.

Drawing parallels with the earlier grounding of Dana Air, the unions stressed the avoidable nature of the current situation and its worrisome implications for the aviation industry. They clarified that while they do not challenge any judicial decisions, they believe that the grounded aircraft should not be subject to any writs of attachment, as they do not belong to Arik Air but are liens of secured creditors.

The unions urged President Tinubu to call on all parties involved, particularly government agencies, to allow Arik Air to resume operations while the issues are being resolved. They emphasized that maintaining the airline’s operations is in the national interest, especially given a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo.

Concluding their appeal, the unions expressed their confidence in President Tinubu’s agenda to bring relief to the nation and hoped for continued collaboration with the administration on matters related to the aviation industry.