NAF installs airfield landing aids in Kaduna base

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) with its accompanying equipment such as localiser, glide slope and Distance Measuring Equipment in Kaduna airfield ahead of its 60th Anniversary celebration.

This is stated in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the installation was sequel to the 60th Anniversary celebration of the NAF scheduled to hold in Abuja and Kaduna from May 23 to May 25.

He said the system had been backed up with a solar system powered by a 10 KVA  inverter with 28 batteries on both sides, to forestall any power interruption.

According to him, the successful implementation of the ILS unlocks a myriad of possibilities for aircraft operations at the airfield situated within the NAF Base Kaduna, which is expected to witness an increase in flying activities in the weeks to come in preparation for the anniversary.

Gabkwet said that with the new ILS, pilots could now execute precision ILS approaches, enabling safe landings even in adverse weather conditions with limited runway visibility.

He said the installation was also significant for NAF student pilots, adding that it would eliminate the need to seek alternative airfields for practicing ILS approaches and streamline their flying training experiences.

“Moving forward, the completion of the project’s second phase, encompassing the installation of solar landing lights and precision approach indicators, will no doubt augment the airfield’s capabilities.

“Upon fruition, aircraft will be empowered to conduct operations during low visibility conditions and at night, propelling the airfield towards 24-hour operational readiness while also serving as a beacon of excellence in aviation training and safety in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Gabkwet said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was at the NAF Base on Tuesday to inspect the installation and ongoing projects critical to the successful hosting of the anniversary.

He said that some of the ongoing projects included the renovation of the parade ground, construction of 72- flat accommodation for student pilots and repair of aircraft shelters that would serve as exhibition stands during the anniversary.

(NAN)

Passengers, crew unharmed as Dana Air aircraft veers off runway

A Dana Air aircraft with registration number, 5N BKI, flying from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, veered off the runway during a landing operation at the Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline said all the 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

According to Ezenwa, the airline was relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight, disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

He said all relevant authorities have been informed of the incident.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, and our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident.

“Our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he noted.

(NAN)

Ohaneze lauds Air Peace for Lagos-London flight operations

The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has lauded the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema, for the airline’s commencement of direct flight operations from Lagos to London.

The commendation is contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, on Friday in Enugu.

The association said that the decision to praise Onyema was reached on April 16 at a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide presided over by its President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

According to the group, at the meeting, Iwuanyanwu noted extra-ordinary contributions Onyema has made to Nigeria in the recent past which include evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa as a result of Xenophobic attacks in September 2019.

“Others are the evacuation of no fewer than 277 Nigerians, especially students, who were stranded in Sudan following the outbreak of war in Central Sudan, and the Air Peace Investiture Award to 1980 Nigerian Football Legends, among others,” it said.

It expressed delight that  Air Peace could connect passengers from Abuja, Asaba, Benin, Enugu, Owerri, Warri and Port Harcourt to London.

The association said that it was cheering that barely two weeks after Air Peace began Lagos-London direct flights,  foreign carriers had reduced their airfares on the route by over 50 per cent.

“Chief Allen Onyema deserves national applause because he has brought relief and succour to Nigerians.

“Ohaneze Ndigbo congratulates Chief Allen Onyema and urges him to remain undaunted.

“The Lord will continually renew your strength. You shall mount up with wings and soar high as the eagles, and the fleet and routes of the Air Peace shall remain on the increase.

“We urge Air Peace to remain steadfast in its characteristic commitment to upholding the airline’s reputation, delivering quality service to passengers and promoting the image of Nigeria at all times,” it said.

(NAN)