The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), through its Vice President Dr. Allen Onyema, stated that while the signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Direction is a positive step, it won’t address all issues in Nigeria’s air transport sector. Onyema emphasized the need for improved airport infrastructure and the construction of new terminals to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the industry.
However, he noted that the CTC Practice Direction allows domestic operators to acquire more aircraft under favorable conditions, potentially increasing capacity and reducing airfares. He also highlighted the need for better transit facilities to boost profitability and interconnectivity for airlines like Air Peace, which currently serves ten African countries.
Onyema explained that the new practice direction would allow airlines to lease more aircraft, significantly reducing the cost of acquiring planes and increasing interconnectivity, which could help lower ticket prices and expand operations.