This is contained in a statement in Lagos by the Head of Corporate Communications at SAHCO, Mrs Vanessa Uansohia.

Uansohia said that speaking on behalf of the Chairman of SAHCO, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, the Managing Director, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said that the acquisition was the first by an aviation ground handling company in Nigeria.

Aboderin said the equipment was designed to provide safe and dignified assistance to passengers during boarding, disembarkation and emergency evacuations.

According to her, the EVAC+CHAIR, widely used internationally since 1982, is designed to move passengers safely on stairways using a gravity and friction control system that reduces the need for manual lifting by operators.

She added that it was equipped with secure harnesses, rubber track systems and an ergonomic design.

According to her, the chair enables trained personnel to assist passengers who are unable to move independently.

She noted that the acquisition reflected the company’s commitment to inclusive service delivery and world-class standards.

According to her, the investment is part of SAHCO’s strategy to ensure that air travel remains accessible, safe and comfortable for all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities.

“At SAHCO, we believe that air travel should be accessible, safe and comfortable for everyone.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to inclusive service delivery by ensuring that passengers with reduced mobility receive the highest level of care, dignity and professional assistance,” she said.

Aboderin added that the company would continue investing in modern equipment and innovative solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency and customer experience, while maintaining international best practices across its operations.

She noted that the latest acquisition further strengthened SAHCO’s position as a preferred ground handling partner for airlines operating into Nigeria.

The company recalled that in 2025 it became the first ground handling company in Nigeria to acquire the Rapiscan Itemiser 5X, an advanced Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) system recommended by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for detecting explosives and narcotics.

SAHCO said its sustained investments in modern ground support equipment, advanced technology, staff training and internationally recognised safety standards have continued to improve aircraft turnaround times and operational efficiency for airline customers.

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This is contained in a statement by the airline’s spokesperson, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey, on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to the spokesperson, the addition marked another milestone in the airline’s commitment to providing world-class air travel across Nigeria, the west coast of Africa and beyond.

Osifo-Whiskey said that the arrival of the aircraft, the first brand-new Embraer E175 in the airline’s fleet, underscored strategic investment of Air Peace in modern and fuel-efficient fleet.

He said that the aircraft was aimed to support the airline’s expanding domestic, regional and international operations.

According to him, the 88-seat aircraft bearing the Nigerian registration mark, 5N-CGH, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday evening.

He said that the arrival followed a successful ferry flight from Brazil, where it was officially handed over to an Air Peace delegation by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.

“As we continue to expand our network across Nigeria, West Africa, Central Africa, and other international destinations, this aircraft further positions us to respond to growing passenger demand.

Osifo-Whiskey added that operation of the aircraft would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development, regional integration, tourism development and intra-African connectivity.

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Ms Chinelo Obogo, the Head, Corporate Communications of the Airline, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Awka.

She said that the admission of UNA would further strengthen the continental body’s presence in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.

“United Nigeria Airlines will now have access to our full suite of advocacy, joint projects, commercial intelligence, capacity building, and networking resources.

“AFRAA collectively represents over 85 per cent of international traffic by African airlines.

“The aim is to accelerate Single African Air Transport Market, promote intra-African trade and tourism, and enhance operational excellence across member airlines,” Obogo said.

Mr Abderahmane Berthé, the Secretary General of AFRAA, who admitted the Airline, said that the body was excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into the AFRAA fraternity.

Chief Obiora Okonkwo, the Executive Chairman of UNA said that becoming a full member of AFRAA was a defining moment for the company and the Nigerian aviation sector.

“AFRAA membership will be a better platform to advance that vision and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market.

“United Nigeria Airlines joins a network of over 40 member airlines across the continent.

“We look forward to working with AFRAA and its members to build a more integrated and competitive African aviation industry.

“The membership of AFRAA has multiple benefits including collective advocacy, network and partnership facilitation, market intelligence, operational efficiency and joint negotiations,” Okonkwo said.

Our correspondent reports that United Nigeria Airlines commenced its commercial operations in February 2021 and covers about 14 domestic routes within Nigeria as well as Accra, Ghana.

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This is contained in a statement on Monday in Lagos by Mr Henry Agbebire, FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Agbebire said the possible extension followed concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators.

He said the authority’s vehicle upgrade policy aimed to improve service standards at Nigerian airports.

“The policy aligns with international best practices and seeks to elevate service quality,” Agbebire said.

He added that airport taxi users deserved clean, safe, comfortable and professionally maintained vehicles.

The director dismissed claims that FAAN had failed to engage airport cab operators on the policy.

He said the authority maintained regular discussions with licensed transport providers operating within airport premises.

Agbebire explained that FAAN’s regulatory relationship was with registered cab companies, not associations or unions.

“Engagements on operational matters are conducted directly with affected corporate entities,” he said.

He stressed that FAAN remained open to constructive dialogue with transport operators.

The director said discussions on the upgrade policy began in July 2024, giving operators time to comply.

He noted that the original deadline was extended to January 2026 and later June 2026.

According to him, the extensions considered economic realities and provided operators sufficient preparation time.

Agbebire said the policy was not designed to punish operators or deny them business opportunities.

“Operators have been afforded ample opportunity to prepare for compliance,” he stated.

He warned that further extensions beyond the proposed final deadline might not be granted.

The FAAN official acknowledged the role of airport cab operators in passenger movement.

He urged operators to embrace the initiative and support improved transport services.

Agbebire said FAAN remained committed to passenger-focused policies across the aviation sector.

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The airline said the move would improve connectivity across key Nigerian routes and meet growing passenger demand during the period.

The is contained in a statement by the airline’s spokesperson, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Osifo-Whiskey said the schedule enhancement, effective June 22, reflected Air Peace’s commitment to serving travellers better.

He said it would provide customers with greater flexibility, convenient departure times and seamless domestic travel options.

Under the revised schedule, passengers will benefit from increased frequencies on several high-demand routes, he added.

The spokesperson disclosed that Lagos-Abuja flights would increase to seven daily services under the new arrangement.

He added that Lagos-Owerri would rise to four daily flights, while Lagos-Asaba would increase to three.

Lagos-Benin services would operate twice daily, while Lagos-Warri flights would also increase to two daily.

He said Lagos-Enugu would run twice daily, while Abuja-Owerri would operate up to two daily flights.

According to him, Abuja-Asaba services will also increase to two daily flights under the summer schedule.

Osifo-Whiskey said the expanded operations would be delivered using Air Peace’s modern aircraft fleet.

He said the fleet would provide improved comfort, reliability, efficiency and increased capacity across the network.

“As travel demand continues to rise during summer, we are strategically increasing capacity and frequencies.

“These additional flights will provide greater flexibility, improved travel options and convenient schedules.

“Our objective remains to connect people, businesses and communities while delivering a superior travel experience,” he said.

He said the expansion would strengthen links between Nigeria’s commercial and regional centres, adding that the move would support economic growth, trade, tourism and national integration.

Osifo-Whiskey also revealed Air Peace’s plans to begin regional flights to four African destinations from Aug. 1.

According to him, the new routes include Douala in Cameroon, Libreville in Gabon, Bamako in Mali and Conakry in Guinea.

The spokesperson described the expansion as a milestone in its strategy to improve African connectivity.

He said the new services would promote trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange across Africa.

The Lagos-Douala-Libreville-Douala-Lagos route will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The Lagos-Bamako-Conakry-Bamako-Lagos route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Osifo-Whiskey said the services would strengthen Lagos as a strategic aviation hub in West and Central Africa.

He added that passengers would enjoy onward connections to several Nigerian destinations through Lagos.

These destinations include Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Owerri, Kano, Asaba, Gombe and Ibadan.

“The launch of these regional services underscores our commitment to safe, reliable and affordable air travel.

“By expanding across West and Central Africa, we are facilitating commerce, tourism and integration.

“Lagos continues to evolve as a key hub, enabling seamless connections across Africa,” he said.

The spokesperson said the routes align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He added that the expansion supports the Single African Air Transport Market initiative.

He said the move would improve air connectivity and reduce travel barriers across Africa.

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Keyamo said this in an interview at the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

He said Nigeria had signed a Letter of Intent with the Bank under its Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme aimed at modernising African airlines and strengthening regional connectivity.

According to him, the programme seeks to provide affordable long-term financing for African carriers to renew fleets and improve competitiveness.

“This is one of the most ambitious aviation programmes in Africa.

“It seeks to modernise fleets, invest in aviation infrastructure and provide financing platforms for African airlines,” he said.

Keyamo said Nigeria was among the first countries to key into the initiative because of its strategic position as Africa’s largest aviation market.

He said that the Federal Government recently secured approval to establish a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company to mobilise capital for local airlines.

The minister said the Special Purpose Vehicle would help domestic carriers modernise fleets and compete at regional and international levels.

“Africa must have a single sky. Even the African Continental Free Trade Area cannot fully succeed without stronger air connectivity across the continent,” he said.

Keyamo also said Nigeria had committed 500 million dollars toward the modernisation of the Lagos airport without external borrowing.

According to him, the Lagos airport accounts for about 67 per cent of passenger traffic into Nigeria annually.

He said modernising airports across Africa would attract global investments and position the continent as a major global aviation hub.

Also speaking, Mr Mike Salawou,the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the AfDB, said African airlines faced high financing costs and regulatory barriers.

Salawou said the Bank’s aviation programme was designed to support reforms, improve access to affordable capital and strengthen technical capacity within the sector.

“We are already in implementation stage.

“Nigeria is leading on reforms and helping to drive aviation transformation in West and Central Africa,” he said.

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The assurance is contained in a statement signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Agbebire stated that enhanced health surveillance measures were being implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Port Health Services to ensure early detection and response to any potential health threat.

He said passenger monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified, particularly for travellers arriving from areas considered high-risk.

He noted that passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola and suspected cases would be promptly isolated and subjected to further medical assessment in accordance with national and international health protocols.

He added that FAAN had strengthened coordination among relevant stakeholders, increased staff sensitisation efforts and reinforced emergency response mechanisms to ensure rapid action, if required.

While stressing that “Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case”, he said “FAAN remains vigilant in its efforts to protect public health and maintain safe airport operations across the country.

“The authority wants to advise passengers to remain calm, cooperate with screening procedures and report any symptoms to health officials promptly.”

The authority added that its operations had continued to align with its mandate of ensuring safe and secure airport services across the country.

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Kayamo, disclosed on Friday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, he said the presidential directive was formally conveyed through the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

Keyamo said the decisive move aimed at alleviating operational pressures within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

‘’The relief covers accumulated debts including parking charges payable to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), navigational charges owed to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as well as other regulatory obligations.

‘’This intervention comes as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to cushion the impact of the ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis, which has significantly increased operating costs for domestic carriers.

“The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to stabilising the aviation industry, safeguarding airline operations, and ensuring the continued viability of domestic air transport services across the country, ‘’ he said.

In a related development, Keyamo said Nigeria aviation sector has earned a 91.45 per cent safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He said the record-breaking score followed the recent audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The minister said the exercise took place at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja.

According to him, the landmark score, announced during a debriefing session by the ICAO audit team, represents the highest rating ever attained by Nigeria since it began participating in ICAO’s safety oversight audits.

‘’This achievement places Nigeria well above both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, reinforcing the country’s standing as a leader in aviation safety compliance.

‘’The improved rating is expected to significantly enhance investor confidence, strengthen Nigeria’s international aviation credibility, and position the country as a preferred destination for global aviation partnerships and investments.

‘’The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, is responsible for coordinating global standards in air navigation and ensuring the safe and orderly development of international air transport,’’ he said.

According to him, ICAO evaluates member states’ ability to effectively implement safety oversight systems through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

The minister stated that Nigeria, as a committed member state, had consistently worked to align with the international standards.

‘’Since the inception of the USOAP in 1999, Nigeria has undergone four comprehensive safety audits, with performance measured through Effective Implementation (EI) scores that reflect the robustness of its aviation safety framework,’’ he added.

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Keyamo said this in Abuja during a meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), airline operators and other aviation stakeholders.

Our correspondent reports that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had earlier planned to suspend flight operations and increase airfares due to the high cost of Jet A1 fuel.

According to the minister, the percentage of the discount for domestic airlines will be determined by President Bola Tinubu.

He said the president had directed airlines to urgently submit formal requests regarding the proposed debt relief.

Keyamo added that the president had also approved the establishment of a committee to review multiple taxes, levies and charges imposed on domestic flight tickets.

He said the committee was aimed at reducing the cost burden on both operators and passengers.

The minister said the federal government intervened swiftly to prevent disruption to air travel following the operators’ warning.

“A generous discount on debts owed to agencies such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is under consideration,” he said.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, said a meeting would be held with oil marketers on Thursday to address pricing concerns.

Lokpobiri was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Patience Oyekunle.

Speaking on behalf of AON, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, requested a total waiver of debts owed by airlines.

Onyema also urged the federal government to strengthen the Bank of Industry (BOI) to enable airlines access loans at lower interest rates.

He described the reported 300 per cent increase in aviation fuel price as abnormal and called for caution by oil marketers.

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Chibuikem Uloka, the Public Relations Officer of United Nigeria, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said that it was the sixth bird strike involving the company carriers in 2026.

Uloka said the incident occurred on landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Port Harcourt International Airport operating Flight UN0515 on April 15.

He said the nose section of the aircraft was affected.

“We regret to inform our valued passengers and the general public of yet another bird strike aircraft involving one of our Airbus A320-200,” he said.

The company said it had immediately withdrawn the aircraft from operations to undergo thorough technical inspections and any required maintenance before returning to service.

It said this was in line with its strict and uncompromising safety standards.

”This marks the sixth bird strike involving our aircraft so far in 2026, an occurrence we find deeply concerning and unacceptable due to its implications for aviation safety and operational stability.

“This brings the total number of grounded aircraft to two in less than 24 hours.

“As a result, some flights across our network may experience disruptions or may not operate as scheduled,” it said.

United Nigeria regretted any inconvenience the decision may cause urging passengers understanding as safety remained top priority.

The company said it was working diligently to minimise disruptions and provision of support to all affected travelers.

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