On Monday, all wet-leased aircraft operated by United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) were placed under suspension by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This suspension follows the landing of passengers on a UNA aircraft on Sunday in Asaba International Airport instead of at their intended destination, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
However, NCAA sources that all of the airline’s wet-leased aircraft have been grounded.
In a wet lease, an airline (the lessor) leases an aircraft, full crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to another airline or other kind of business operating as an air travel broker (the lessee); the lessor gets paid based on the number of hours the aircraft is operated.
The source does state that United Airlines employees are anticipated to pick up the letter.
The source went on to say that until the investigation into the Sunday incident, which involved one of the airline’s wet-leased aircraft, was concluded, all of the wet-leased aircraft used in airline operations would stay stopped.
“All of the wet lease aircraft operated by United Nigeria Airlines have been suspended by the NCAA.” We didn’t buy their explanation, which was that the bad weather in Abuja was the reason for the detour to Asaba. Thus, we must make the bold decision to suspend any aircraft in their fleet that is being leased for a wet term.
“The aircraft will not be allowed to fly until an investigation is completed. This cannot be let to occur. The airline could have done more to educate its international crew members about Nigeria, as they are not native to the country. As a result, we are delaying their start until after the investigation.
However, according to a press release from the NCAA, which was signed by the organization’s director general, Captain Musa Nuhu, the authority has started looking into the matter.
“NCAA has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding United Nigeria flight NUA 0506 to Asaba and the confusion it has created in the public domain,” stated the statement provided.
Nevertheless, in the interim while the inquiry continues, preliminary actions have been made. The Authority wants the traveling public to know that it will do everything in its power, as it has in the past, to guarantee the aviation industry’s continuous safety.