NCAA okays helicopter operations on Abuja route

• Aviation workers’ unions to picket Arik over sacked workers
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday cleared all duly certified helicopter operators to commence operations in and out of Abuja henceforth.

Spokesperson of the regulatory body, Sam Adurogboye, said letters have been dispatched to all concerned to resume operations and enable air connection to Abuja.

The Guardian yesterday reported that several commercial helicopters deployed for operations in and out Abuja remained stuck at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja despite the reversal of the ban.

Helicopter operators and investors continued to lose money, while aircraft lie idle.

Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) penultimate Friday banned helicopter operations in Abuja, citing security concerns following the closure of the NAIA for repairs on the runway.

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, however said yesterday that the ban had been lifted following reports of the economic implications of such order.

Meanwhile, except for last minute change, workers in the aviation sector will today picket Arik Air over alleged failure of the new management to re-instate sacked union leaders and other unresolved welfare-related issues.

The workers under the aegis of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), threatened to shut down operations of the airlines nationwide, commencing from today.

General Secretary of NUATE, Olayinka Abioye, said the decision to picket Arik was informed by the new management’s intolerance to unionism.

Abioye alleged that the new management through a circular recently warned the workers not to join the unions and had refused to address all the pending issues as they affect the staff in the airline.