Aero Contractors suspend flight operations

The airline, which was taken over by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) took the decision when its current management could not rescue the airline from going further down. 

According to sources, AMCON debt in the airline has grown to N20 billion from the initial N11 billion in 2011 when AMCOM took it over. 

The airline has over 1,000 staff including engineers and pilots. 

AMCON had appointed Adeniyi Adegbomire SAN as receiver manager earlier this year with the aim of turning the airline around.

Adegbomire said: “The impact of the external environment has been very harsh on our operational performance, hence management decision to suspend scheduled services operations indefinitely effective September 1, 2016, pending when the external opportunities and a robust sustainable and viable plan is in place for Aero Contractors to recommence its scheduled services.

“The implication of the suspension of scheduled services operations extends to all staffs, directly and indirectly, involved in providing services as they are effective to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence during the period of non-services.”

He added: “We are aware of the impact this will have on our staff and our highly esteemed customers, hence we have initiated moves to ensure that we can return to operations within the shortest possible time, offering reliable, safe and secure operations, which the airline is known for.”