Global aviation industry records 210 fatalities in 2013 –IATA/ Commercial aviation in 2013 recorded 210 fatalities in the global aviation industry. Also, IATA said Africa has seen significant progress in safety as the continent’s African airlines experienced only one Westernbuilt jet hull loss in 2013. The International Air Transport Association, IATA, released the statistics in Montreal. The number of fatalities involving commercial aviation

Commercial aviation in 2013 recorded 210 fatalities in the global aviation industry. Also, IATA said Africa has seen significant progress in safety as the continent’s African airlines experienced only one Westernbuilt jet hull loss in 2013. The International Air Transport Association, IATA, released the statistics in Montreal. The number of fatalities involving commercial aviation in 20 13 was, IATA said was a far cry from 2012, which recorded 414 fatalities. IATA stated that the 2013 global Western-built jet accident rate (measured in hull losses per million flights of Western-built jets) was 0.41, the equivalent of one accident for every 2.4 million flights. This was a step back from 2012 when the global Western-built jet accident rate stood at 0.21 (2), which was the lowest in aviation history. A looked at over the five-year period (2009-2013), IATA stated 2013 showed a 14.6 per cent improvement on the five-year average of 0.48. The 2013 Western-built jet hull loss rate for members of IATA was 0.30, which outperformed the global average by 26.8 per cent and which showed an improvement over the five-year average of 0.32. “Safety is our highest priority. The aviation industry is united in its commitment to ensure continuous safety improvement. Importantly, that commitment has made flying ever safer. Accidents, however rare, do happen. “We release this data as the world continues to focus on the search effort for MH370. The airline industry, its stakeholders and regulators are in the beginning of the journey to unravel this mystery, understand the cause and find ways to ensure that it never happens again,” said IATA Director- General, Tony Tyler. IATA stated that it would release its 50th annual Safety Report on 3 April including complete data and analysis of the 2013 safety performance. IATA noted that over the five years 2009-2013, the industry has shown improvement in both accident rates and fatalities, although year-to-year comparisons may fluctuate. According to IATA, more than three billion people flew safely on 36.4million flights ,29.5 million by jet, 6.9 million by turboprop.

NAMA reiterates readiness for FAA CAT- One re-assessment

By ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has reiterated its readiness to ensure the successful United States of America, USA, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Category One Audit currently going on in the country. The airspace manager said it has put in place all the necessary logistics for the US FAA Category one re- assessment of the Nigerian aviation industry. Spokesperson for the agency, Mr. Supo Atobatele in a statement on Tuesday stated that NAMA had before now identified every open items that needed to be closed as part of its safety measures in the provision of air navigation services. Atobatele said that the agency would use the ongoing reassessment to ascertain its status as one of the leading air navigation service providers in the world. He emphasised that its Managing Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam assured that the agency’s huge investment in new technologies and technical competence of personnel would “definitely contribute to the expected sustenance of FAA CAT-1 status for the country.” It would be recalled that FAA on Monday commenced the recertification exercise of the entire Nigerian aviation industry.

The four-man delegate had arrived the country over the weekend and commenced work immediately. The team is expected to audit the sole carrier flying to US from Nigeria, Arik Air. The exercise is expected to be concluded on Friday. The Ag. Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka had told journalists earlier in the week that it had engaged the services of advisors from the US to ensure the success of the programme.

Adeyileka affirmed that the advisors were in the country to advise the agency on the items needed to be closed and how it could ensure success of the whole exercise.

Airport Terminals to be completed soon - FAAN MD

In his first official tour, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma expressed optimism that the airports terminals going through remodeling across the country will be completed soon due to adequate budget made available .

“Adequate budgetary provision has been made for the completion of remodelled terminals across the country”-The FAAN MD said. According to a statement signed by the General Manager Corporate Communications of FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, this expression was made during an inspection tour at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos and Kaduna International Airport, Kaduna.

Engr. Dunoma charged the contractors to ensure the completion of work in good time, to enable residence and air transporters enjoy the benefit of transformation as obtainable in other States where airports have been remodelled across the country.

The Managing Director who was accompanied by Mr Jim Opotu, the Airport Manager to the Yakubu Gowon Airport , Jos and Mr Garba Ringim the manager of the Kaduna International Airport,  Kaduna respectively, urged the contractors to work with the expected specification and standards. He further  expressed his unreserved appreciation over the level of commitment and significant improvement in the ongoing construction towards ensuring the completion of the terminals.

Malaysia PM: Missing MH370 Ended in Southern Indian Ocean

Report from

Oliver McGee on the Malaysia missing plane

 

 

Today, we received the extremely sad news that we have all dreaded. After weeks of an unprecedented international search in hopes of a rescue, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak solemnly announced at 10:24 am ET (10:24 pm Malaysian local time) that Malaysia Flight 370 ended its journey on March 8, 2014 in the southern Indian Ocean. Somehow we knew this heartbreaking ending to this most compelling mystery in aviation safety and security history could be inevitable.
This human tragedy and story captivated the attention and hearts of people from all walks of life around the world, all anxiously hoping and praying for the survival of the 239 passengers and crew on board Malaysia Flight 370. With the sad news recently announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Razak, we can now focus our attention on the families and friends of the 239 loved ones lost, who must now come to terms with the sad reality of their loved ones' passing. May the flight MH370 families and friends be comforted in the knowledge that so many people around the world are praying for them at this extremely difficult and sad time. Our blessings and sympathies collectively around the world go out to all who are touched by the tragedy of Malaysia Flight 370.
Below is Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s press announcement today:
March 24, 2014, 10:24 am ET (10:24 pm Malaysian local time)
AJAM Live @ajamlive
“This evening I was briefed by representatives from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). They informed me that Inmarsat, the UK company that provided the satellite data which indicated the northern and southern corridors, has been performing further calculations on the data. Using a type of analysis never before used in an investigation of this sort, they have been able to shed more light on MH370′s path.
“Based on their new analysis, Inmarsat and the AAIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the southern corridor, and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth.
“This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that, according to this new data, flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean.
“We [will] be holding a press conference tomorrow with further details. In the meantime, we wanted to inform you of this new development at the earliest opportunity. We share this information out of a commitment to openness and respect for the families, two principles which have guided this investigation.
“Malaysia Airlines have already spoken to the families of the passengers and crew to inform them of this development. For them, the past few weeks have been heartbreaking; I know this news must be harder still. I urge the media to respect their privacy, and to allow them the space they need at this difficult time.”

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Turkish Airlines reactions on allegations of arms shipments to unknown groups in Nigeria

Turkey's national carrier has today, March 19, 2014, reacted to allegations of arms shipments to unknown groups in Nigeria, which some social media said has been ravaged by violence between the army and Islamist militants. 

An official statement sent to General Manager, Turkish Airlines, Kano, Mr Ahment Can Akbuga and made available to our reporter, stated that the news from social media and press relating the carriage of arms by Turkish Airlines have caused false valuation on the public opinion.

The statement reads:

"The carriage of arms and military supplies by Turkish Airlines are being made on cargo in the framework of the relevant international law and IATA transportation rules, in strict conformity with the official procedures.
" On the carriage of arms, the forwarders and addressees can send their cargo with Turkish Airlines Cargo through the representative they have designated, after accomplishing the necessary official approval procedure from the relevant state authorities. Turkish Airlines Cargo effectuates such shipment again in strict conformity with the law and rules of the forwarders’ and addressees’ countries and by taking necessary security measures as are doing the other air carriers.

 "According to its corporate policy, Turkish Airlines is not effectuating the carriage of arms to/from the countries that United Nations Security Council has imposed an arms ban, lacking authority and/or under conflict."

 However, it was earlier reported on social media that "A leaked telephone conversation between an assistant executive of Turkish Airlines and an advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey has revealed that the Turkish carrier has allegedly been shipping weapons to groups in Nigeria, which is currently battling terrorism and repeated deadly attacks orchestrated by the Boko Haram and other groups in northern Nigeria.

"Thousands have been killed in various attacks in northern Nigeria by the Boko Haram and other groups.

"The new incriminating phone call which emerged on Tuesday, according to a report by the AFP, is the latest blow to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been hit by a corruption probe ensnaring his key allies and a widening phone-tapping scandal.

"In a tape posted on YouTube, Mehmet Karatas, an assistant executive of the airline, allegedly tells Mustafa Varank, an advisor to Erdogan, that he feels guilty over national flag carrier’s arms shipment to Nigeria.

“I do not know whether these (weapons) will kill Muslims or Christians. I feel sinful,” Karatas is allegedly heard saying.

"The leaked call has the potential to harm the airline’s image — which is 49 percent state-owned and is in an aggressive push to become a global player.

"It is the latest in a series of recordings implicating Erdogan and his aides in corruption and other abuses of power ahead of crucial local polls on March 30. The Turkish strongman has dismissed most of the tapes as “vile” fakes put together by rivals."

Turkish airlines insisted that the carriage of arms and military supplies by the carrier are being made on cargo in the framework of the relevant international law and International Air Transport Association transportation rules, in strict conformity with the official procedures.

2014 Securex to focus on Nigeria’s security challenges

BY ZAINAB JUNAID

Companies such as Leading commercials, homeland and cyber security, fire protection, safety suppliers among others will be discussing their latest security initiatives, trends, challenges and emerging technologies at the 2014 Securex West Africa trade show.

Over 42 security outfits have confirmed their participation.

Managing Director, Montgomery West Africa, Tori Abiola disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

The trade exhibition which is in its fourth edition, Tori said will provide room for participants to discuss hands-on measures as security threat loom within African region.

To her, it would be difficult for the country to attract the quality of investments it seeks if security concerns are not addressed.

She further thanked the Nigerian government for the support it has given the fair so far and affirmed that the security exhibition was in partnership with various security companies both in the country and abroad.

Also speaking, a security expert and consultant to Halogen Security, Col. Raphael Ojo Kadiri gave an insight to reasons activities of the terrorists insurgent is on the increase despite all attempts to curb their criminal act in some part of the country.

Ojo Kadiri identified lack of effective intelligence gathering and execution on the part of government as one of the major problem of the system.

In his words, “There are more industrial security personnel in Nigeria than we have in the state security, and violence is at the door step of every Nigerian but to curb the illicit attitude, every Nigerian need security education and orientation,” he said.

He later urged for a closer coordination and synergy among industrial security outfits and the state security as the country battles terrorism

The best form of security is preventive measure. Beside weapons, the country as a whole needs security orientation and education which will be provided at the Securex trade exhibition,” he added.

The Securex West Africa show is the region’s premiere event for ascertaining information about the latest trends in homeland security and the most advanced technologies for integrating capability across multiple agencies and directorates.

The fair will also feature six in-depth seminars focusing on oil and gas, maritime and naval security, corporate security, transport infrastructure security, counter terrorism and cyber security. Attendees will have the opportunity to examine future trends, identify immediate long and short term needs and uncover up and coming technologies for use in critical areas of commercial and homeland security.

Dr. Felix Abali officially takes over AIB as commissioner on Friday, March 14, 2014

BY JUNAID ZAINAB

The newly appointed Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Dr. Felix Abali has officially taken over the control of affairs of the bureau in a brief ceremony that took place at AIB headquarters, Lagos on Friday, March 14, 2014

Speaking at the event, former commissioner of the bureau, Muktar Usman enjoined the management and entire staffs of AIB to extend same support given to him which led to the success of his tenure to the new Chief.

According to him, “I will really appreciate it if the management and entire staffs of AIB could extend same support given to me to my successor, and I’m using this medium to charge and tell all staffs to fully support the new commissioner of this bureau. Though I’ve been moved to NCAA, I’m still part of AIB.”

The former commissioner Usman, who congratulated his successor on his appointment, also enjoined him to be strong and courageous by ensuring unity, equity, love and progress in the Bureau.

In his own remarks, Dr. Felix Abali promises to keep the flag going to ensure continuous success of the Bureau.”

Dr. felix was a seasoned engineer and highly experienced aviator, former staff of Federal Aviation Administartion, America before coming back to Nigeria.