FirstNation shifts resumption of operations

The FirstNation Airways has postponed resumption of its flight operations, earlier scheduled for Sept. 15, by a few days.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline had on Aug. 17 suspended operations to enable the aircraft in its fleet undergo engine maintenance.

NAN, however, gathered from the airline’s ticket stand at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos, that it might return to operations on Sept. 17.

A reliable source told NAN that the equipment needed to fix the airplanes was only released by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) a few days ago.

The source said: “The airline had anticipated that all customs formalities would have been done last week Friday before the Sallah holidays.

“It is hoped that the team of engineers would finish work on the engines before Sept. 16 as the airline plans to resume operations immediately after the engines are fixed.’’

Capt. Chimara Imediegwu, the FirstNation Airway’s Director of Flight Operations, had on Sept. 6, told newsmen that a team of engineers were coming to Nigeria to service the planes.

Imediegwu had debunked the claim that the airline was on the verge of folding up, stressing that it voluntarily grounded the aircraft at enormous cost to await the arrival of the manufacturer’s team.

“The FirstNation management planned well ahead and kept the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) informed of the progress on the maintenance of its aircraft.

“We notified passengers and flights are currently loaded online effective form Sept. 15.

“This will ensure that passengers continue to enjoy safe and reliable services that the airline is reputed for,’’ he said.

It will also be recalled that another airline, Arik Air resumed operations on Wednesday after it suspended its flight operations for 24 hours over issues relating to aircraft insurance renewal.