29th November, 2013
The body representing the interests of Nigerian airlines, the Airlines’ Operators of Nigeria, AON, has split and another association would soon be launched, P.M.NEWS can authoritatively reveal.
AON broke up on Thursday following a disputed election boycotted by major Nigerian airlines.
The name of the parallel association would be decided in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna on Saturday during an emergency meeting called by Nigeria’s major airlines, a source with inside knowledge, said.
The airlines that will be part of the new association include Nigeria’s biggest airline, Arik Air, the country’s second largest airline, Aero Contractors, as well as Max Air, Kabo Air, Chanchagi, Medview, Afrijet, Skypower Air, Express Air, Bristow Helicopters, King Air and 17 private operators.
On Thursday, AON elected the Chief Executive Officer of Jed Air, Captain Nogie Meggison, as its chairman for the next two years, while Mr. Yvan Drewinsky, the Chief Operating Officer of suspended Dana Air was elected Vice-President.
The disputed election was conducted by an independent organisation, Banwo and Ighodalo during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the body held in Lagos, southwestern Nigeria.
It was the first election conducted by AON in the last 14 years after the last executive was dissolved on June 28, and a committee was appointed to take charge of affairs until Thursday’s election.
However, major Nigerian airlines have dissociated themselves from AON and decided to dump it.
When contacted, Mohammed Tukur, former AON Assistant Secretary General confirmed that there would be an emergency meeting on Saturday but gave no further details.
—Simon Ateba