The management of FirstNation Airways has cleared the air on why it suspended its flight operations.
Addressing aviation journalists in Lagos, the Director, Flight Operations, FirstNation, Captain Chimara Imediegwu said the airline suspended operations due to inadequate equipment in its fleet.
According to him, two of the airline’s aircraft developed some snags, which affected its operations, hence the decision by the airline to voluntarily
ground its operations voluntarily with the knowledge of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We had a snag in one of our aircraft and not a C-Check as claimed in some quarters. We carried out a troubleshooting on the aircraft and we were not satisfied with its performance. So, we decided to ground our operations pending the time when the three aircraft would be in perfect position.
“The aircraft Manufacturers’ engineers would be in the country either by 8th or 9th this month. Immediately they arrive, they would effect repairs on the aircraft and I can assure you that we will return to flight operations by 15th September, 2016.”
Before the suspension of flights, FirstNation has three Airbus320 aircraft in its fleet.
Imediegwu also used the opportunity to lament the challenges confronting the domestic airlines which he attributed to inconsistency in government policies and unfriendly business environment.