Aviator of the day|Kunle Martins

Meet our Aviator of the day: Kunle Martins.

Who is Kunle Martins?

“Kunle martins is an easy going gentleman who is married with kids and believes that you should do unto others as you would like to be done unto you. I am a Nigerian from Ilesha in present State of Osun. I graduated from the then Bendel State University (Ambrose Alli). with a B.A (HONS) in English Language. I started my Professional career as a Cabin Crew with Okada Air in 1993 and thereafter became a Purser/ instructor with Associated Aviation Limited. I was also in charge of Project Development for the Airline.”

You have been the President of Nigeria cabin crew association for quite a long time. How has the journey been?

“Well, I was the president of NACCA for about 6 yrs. (2001-2007). The experience has been a mixed one. There were the high moments like the beauty Peagent for all Airline cabin crew members, and low moments when we had to do memorial services for our dead colleaques in Sosoliso, Belview and Dana crashes.”

How actively involved are Crew Members?

“Unfortunately, most Cabin crew members do not support or have time for their own Association unless and until they have problems with their Airlines. They do not even bother to pay the annual due stipend of 1200 naira. But when they have issues with their employers, they expect the Association to perform miracles and wonders! We have had to fight a lot of battles with Airlines using personal resources. The Cabin crew that died in the Executive Jet aircraft in Obubu some years back greatly tasked our time and resources before we were able to get the then MD, Capt.Akinsete to pay the insurance due to her next of kin. The same was also true of the only surving Crew of EAS Aircraft that crashed in Kaduna, miss Naomi.We had to plead and beg the then MD of EAS, Capt Idris Wada to fly her to Germany for further treatment when the Hospital where she was in Kano said there was nothing more they could do for her. Then and even today, most Cabin attendants do not have time or regard for the Association unless it is a personal problem.”

How do you see the aviation industry in nigeria?.

“The Aviation industry in Nigeria have come a long way but a lot still needs to be done. Nepotism and Corruption need to be minimized if not totally eliminated. The Aviation industry is a very critical one and it should not be toyed with as lives are involved. However, I believe that with this new Government, things will be a lot better.”

What is the future of the association?

“The future of the Association is in hands of the present crop of flying cabin crew members. It is their prerogative to make it great, strong and a voice to be reckoned with again.”

Can you recall major achievement on the role?

“So many I can easily recall but mostly, we fought for the unity of Cabin attendants, parity in death insurance with other professionals, the first ever held Cabin Crew Beauty Pageant in the World, we fought for insurance due to the relatives of our dead colleagues and we also organized memorial services in various churches for them. We also interfaced between them and NCAA where there was need.”

When will the next election be conducted?

“I honestly can not answer that. Again, it is in the hands of the current cabin crew members as i had long handed over the presidency to a care taker committee headed by mr Charles Onuora.”

How can we change the lacklustre attitude of Cabin Crew towards the association?. Dont you think the respective airlines have a role in this?. Am aware that most nigeria airlines prohibits any form of unionism for their crew. So what can Nacca do about this?

“Airlines and companies by their nature do not like their workers to belong to Unions or Associations. But it is the right of every Nigerian guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution to freely associate with any persons or groups if they so desire. But to answer your question directly, the Cabin Crew members must first show willingness to be part of the Association with total commitment by paying their dues and attending meetings.Then, NCAA must protect any member who is victimized on account of being a member of his/her Professional Association by any Airline.As you rightly pointed out,many Cabin Crew members are afraid to be identified with the Association for fear of being victimized by their Airlines. Now, it is important to clarify whether NACCA is a Union or not. NACCA is not a Union and it is not currently affiliated to any Labor Union even though there has been overtures from the Nigerian Labor Union in the past for NACCA to be part of it. NACCA is strictly a professional association just like the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA),or The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). It is therefore the responsibility of NCAA to protect members who decides to freely belong to the Association from being victimized by their employees.”

How do you unwind?

“I like to read a lot but mostly fictional novels. I also like to watch comedy movies. It relaxes and makes me laugh. Sometimes, I also go out with a few trusted friends to any good relaxation spots to have a few drinks and catch up on latest developments in politics and sports especially football.”