Aviator of the day-Captain Ibrahim Yunusa

Right from when I started this blog, i noticed that Captain Ibrahim Yunusa has been one of my ardent followers. Which shows his level of passion for the Aviation industry in Nigeria in particular and the world in general.  It was therefore not surprising that he obliged me when i requested to have this interview with him in June this year. However due to some reasons I have been unable to publish our interview till today.

Lets meet Captain Ibrahim Yunusa. Who is he?

“Captain. Ibrahim Yunusa is a meticulous hard-working person that pursues things to logical conclusion. I believe in success in whatever I pursue. I am from Jigawa State”

Career History

“I started from flying school in the USA in 1981. I have flown for Nigeria Airways, Dasab Airline, IRS, EAS, Space World International Airlines… I have worked with Skypower Express Airways as Director of Operations,  with Med-View Airline as the Head of Operations, Accountable Manager with Meridian Airline, MD/CEO of Sahel Airlines (a new start up airline), etc. I have worked with the NCAA as Aviation Safety Inspector in 2008 where I voluntarily resigned. I Attended many professional and management courses courtesy of Nigeria Airways.”

How do you see the aviation industry in Nigeria today?

“The aviation industry in Nigeria today is in shambles, a lot needs to be done to restore the lost glory. Thank God we have an Aviator as the Minister of Aviation. So all hope is not lost.”

You seem to be very passionate about Nigeria Airways. What is your view on a National Carrier?

“National carrier is the only solution. I believe with a national carrier on ground, the issues of BASA, maintenance, trainings, and continuity will improve. It will also improve the bargaining power of the passengers, nation and also improve the nation’s image in international civil aviation and tourism.

The national carrier is good, but the National Airline is always better since the government will pump in money to sustain it for social services and political reasons. Equal opportunities for the citizens in terms of job offers.”

The private airlines are obviously having challenges staying afloat. Today an airline springs up and 1 year down the line they are down. What do you think is responsible? Is it government’s policies or due to lack of planning?

“Aviation is highly capital intensive, it takes time, money, planning and efforts to succeed. Nigerians get into Aviation with the hope that they will make money in a short time. Also government policies also contribute to the situation due to inconsistencies.

Another thing is most of the airlines are owned or operated by non Aviators. Nigeria is not yet advanced to the point of the government to hands in Airline business.”

There is the school of thought that strongly suggest that government should hands off Airline business. Do you think a wholly government owed national carrier can be sustained?

“Definitely, a wholly government owed national carrier can be sustained.”

From your career history, you are obviously very experienced. How do you think you can use your experience to help the Aviation industry in Nigeria? Will you be willing to take up any position in Nigeria government?

“Yes, as a patriotic citizen I will answer the call of the government to contribute my experience in the development of aviation in Nigeria.”

Some people insinuate that mismanagement killed Nigeria Airways. What is your take on this?

“That is one of the factors; the problem is that most of the management personnel of the defunct Nigeria Airways were appointed by the government, most of them from the civil service, not in the aviation industry. They cause drag to the airline before they learn the aviation procedures. You know aviation is dynamic, not static and works with time”.

What project are you currently working on?

“I have ambition to establish a state of the art Airline in Nigeria.”

How do you unwind?

“I take time off to unwind after hard-working. I enjoy leave, weekends at home to recover from the week’s job.”

Awards

“I have received an award from my emir in January this year.”

Captain Ibrahim Yunusa  has paid his dues in the Aviation industry. His immense contribution has not gone unnoticed as he has been honored and interviewed by reputable Radio stations and newspapers:”I have been interviewed by BBC, DW radios,etc.”

it was my pleasure having this interview with him. Mamajsavaitionblog appreciates his continued support.