Domestic airlines, represented by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), made several requests during their meeting with Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
They urged the Federal Government to grant AON the necessary license to import and distribute aviation fuel, commonly known as JetA1.
Additionally, they called for the establishment of a dedicated support line for domestic airlines to access foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria, enabling them to fulfill their obligations to passengers.
During this courtesy visit in Abuja, AON President Abdulmunaf Yunusa stated that the purpose was to inform the minister about the industry’s challenges, propose solutions, and congratulate him on his recent appointment.
AON emphasized the critical need for a consistent and widespread supply of aviation fuel and advocated for the liberalization of its procurement and distribution.
They stressed that airline operators, such as AON, should be allowed to source and distribute aviation fuel in the market.
AON also highlighted the ongoing forex challenge faced by operators and called for a dedicated support line to access foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria.
I response, Minister Keyamo acknowledged the forex issue and pledged to work with the Central Bank to explore ways to provide forex to operators at a low-interest rate of 1.5 to two percent, as requested.
He emphasized the importance of airline safety for the success of the aviation industry.
