NAAPE speaks on the aviation intervention fund probe

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE)  has claimed that some of the money given to airlines like Air Nigeria from AFRIEXIM were diverted to other businesses while airlines like Aero contractors that were meant to get money for buying new aircrafts only got the interest of existing loan reduced to about 7 per cent.

It stated this in respect to presentations made at the Senate by major stakeholders in the Aviation industry including CBN, BoI, AERO Contractors Union, ARIK, regarding the N300billoon Aviation and Power Intervention fund meant for supporting the two sectors of the economy.

The President of the association, Mr Isaac Balami, in a statement on Thursday said: “Had it been Airlines Like Aero, IRS, Chachangi etc got new Aircraft (lease) from that ‪N300billion intervention funds, the industry will not be in this current situation. But thank God for the support of the Senate in pushing for a new Aviation Intervention fund which we are 100 per cent in support of.

“This time around, we have advised strongly that the CBN should pay the aircraft Manufacturer directly instead of giving money to any local bank or Airline owner. The only money that should go to Airlines is the basic funds for operations, maintenance, aircraft spares etc.

“One important element that we all agreed on was the need for corporate governance. Gone are the days when we run Airlines like personal business, where Airline owners divert money into other non Aviation businesses and forget to save money for salaries, aircraft maintenance… etc.

“Now that we have established the fact that diversions of funds were what grounded Air Nigeria, all the workers of Air Nigeria should be paid their outstanding four- month salary ASAP.

“The Senate has called for the immediate rescue of Aero contractors. All we need in Aero is fund to pay for Aircraft C check, buy Aircraft spares, pay one month outstanding salaries of about 2000 workers, gradual re-fleeting etc and make Passengers happy ones again.

“There is need for the Government to create an enabling environment for our Airlines to survive. The Aviation Minister and Senate committee on Aviation are on the same page with us in this regards.”The body explained.