Newer aircraft will reduce operating cost, say NCAA, Onyema

Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu and the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema have described the acquisition of newer airplanes by indigenous carriers as a huge cost saving measure.
Besides, saving huge costs on fueling and maintenance they said such airplanes are safe for the environment and aviation ecosystem.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja when Air Peace took delivery of its fourth Embraer 195 -E2
ordered from Brazilian aircraft manufacturing giant Embraer they said the new equipment improves the economics of the airline by reducing operational cost.
NCAA while commending the airline for its acquisition of brand new aircraft urged others to follow suit as it would develop the industry.
The aircraft with registration marks 5N-BYI arrived from the Embraer facility in Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil was welcome with a water canon salute at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Chief Allen who was on ground with members and executives of Airline Operators of Nigeria ( AON) said the aircraft was bought to further improve safety, save huge cost borne on aviation fuel and other operational cost.
Onyema said:” From 2018 we made a commitment to acquire brand new aircraft to replace our fleet. I am not saying old aircraft is unsafe but because of the economics of the game. The Embraer will save fuel and reduce operational cost. It’s not about age, it’s about maintenance but a brand new aircraft takes safety to a new level.
“The aircraft is configured for 148 passengers but we are Air Peace made it 124 to give passengers what they deserve: safety and comfort.”
He said the Embraer E195-E2 was thoroughly thought out because it was bigger than the Boeing 737 but had a technology so advanced it can land and take off on the shortest of runways stressing the Embraer is being flown into airfields including Warri , Asaba and other airports.
Also speaking the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu commended the airline and stressed that Air Peace is not just procuring new aircraft but appropriate aircraft for operations.
He said : “It gladdens my heart that Nigerian airlines are not only getting new aircraft but are getting the right aircraft. The connectivity in Nigeria has improved and it’s getting better. These new aircraft have low maintenance and operational costs and are environmental friendly.
“This is the way to go. I believe with time, Air Peace will change all it’s fleet to newer ones.
“Pre-covid, 10 to 12 million passengers passed through the country’s airports, which amounts to 10 percent of the country’s population. Airlines need to connect different parts of the country for trade, thereby contributing to the country’s GDP. The airline industry is growing and those surviving are expanding their fleet.”