The President, Association of Foreign Airlines and Representative in Nigeria( AFARN), Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma has called on the Federal government to embark on policies necessary to enhance and encourage cargo development in the aviation sector.This call was made recently in his Lagos office during a press parley with aviation Journalists, even as he called for the confirmation of Acting Director General of NIgeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo.
Dr Nwokoma while reviewing the activities in the industry in the last twelve months however revealed that, most companies in Nigeria now prefer to transport their cargoes through the sea which are cheaper and on time too, due to technological advancement. He pointed that, the aviation industry recorded about 25 percent decrease in cargo imports in the preceding year and may likely record marginal increase given the state of the economy at the moment.While applauding the managers in the system, the AFARN President is hopeful that the industry could do better in the new year.He based his assertions on the improved ratings of the industry from the previous 49% to about 7O% following the signing of Cape Town Convention(CTC), which is targeted to reduce cost of airlines operations, the resumption of flight operations by Emirates airlines, the returning of FAAN headquarters back to Lagos, facilitating of Air Peace Operations into London, amongst other achievements during the year in perspective.
Conversely, the closure of shop by Dana Air, the high cost of operations and aviation fuel, low cargo traffic, both imports and exports the AFARN boss pointed was not good for the system hence more proactive measures he said was necessary to reverse the trend and to prevent more airlines from going under.Nwokoma also used the opportunity to announce that, the association’s annual safety summit will be hosted during the first quarter in the new year, stating that, accomplished professionals in the industry will be inducted into the AFARN HALL of fame.
