Azman Air will undergo training with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in a bid to re-certify their Boeing 737 aircraft to fly again. This follows grounding orders put in place on March, 15th, after a series of safety incidents involving Azman Air’s 737 variants
According to the Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, the Azman Air management’s response [to the safety audit] has been “impressive” and Nigerians should expect a revamped airline to emerge from the safety troubles, adding that the grounding of operations of the airline was not a punitive measure but to guide it to operate successfully and in compliance with international standards.
“Well, as a regulatory body, we take the issue of safety utmost. That is our number one priority including safe operation of our airlines, or any operator…when we reached a point that we were not happy, we called a Zoom meeting. I could have taken the decision on my own, but I am a human being and I know I have my shortcomings.
“So, I called my entire team. We had a Zoom meeting for about 4 to 5 hours before we came to that decision to suspend their operations. I want to say here clearly that it is not a punitive measure. It is our responsibility and duty to guide and work with the operators and assist them to ensure that they are in compliance with our regulations.”
“We are not here to kill anybody or to ruin any airline, but to guide them to operate safely, efficiently and to provide the necessary services to the travelling public. I just received a very impressive response from them concerning what they have done. We are going to start serious training for their people next week.”
“Where we find gaps, they have already started employing people and they are really working and cooperating. Honestly, I am very happy and feel very relieved at their response to us.”
by Victor Shalton Odhiambo
