Older aircraft and air safety
The controversy has started to rage again over old and new aircraft. Recent publications posit that Nigeria operates the oldest fleet in Africa. But many aviation experts insist that despite the gains associated with new aircraft, it is maintenance and not age that determines the safety of an aircraft. This is buttressed by the three major accidents that have taken place this year. They involved new aircraft. Following on the lead of experts, Ifeoma Okeke writes that the emphasis should be on maintenance rather than age of the aircraft.
No doubt, new aircraft present numerous advantages including fuel efficiency, lower maintenance cost and up to date technologies, yet safety is not necessarily a function of aircraft age.
For instance, the crash of a three-month old Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft belonging to Lion Air (of Indonesia) in the Indonesian island of Java, which claimed 188 lives has led some experts to suggest its young age could also be a factor.
The lost aircraft was delivered to Lion Air on August 15 and had just 800 hours of flight time. Gerry Soejatman, an aviation analyst, told the BBC that “very old aircraft are at risk of accidents, but very young aircraft also carry a high risk”.
He added: “If it is very new there are sometimes snags that only reveal themselves after they are used routinely. These usually get sorted within the first three months.”
Gleave said: “We do not know what caused the crash but after only 800 hours you should not be having any maintenance issues, and even if both engines failed, the plane should be able to glide for a considerable distance – this does not look like it was the case. It appears that the aircraft hit the water hard, rather than in a controlled manner.”
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulation requires that a comprehensive maintenance is conducted on aircraft within a period of 12 to 16 months or else the aircraft will be grounded. Failure to meet up with this requirement has seen many airlines close shop.
The NCAA has continued to reiterate that it is better to fly safe aircraft, not necessarily newer aircraft than have many airplanes which are not safe in Nigerian skies.
World oldest aircraft
Against reports that Nigerian airlines parade the oldest aircraft, recently the UK’s based The Telegraph reported 10 world’s oldest aircraft and none came from Nigeria. The list is as follows:
1. PK-OCG, 25/05/1970, Airfast Indonesia (737)
2. ZS-IJJ, 28/09/1972, Interair South African (737)
3. 5Y-CGV, 03/11/1975, Transafrican Air (737)
4. EP-SHB, 22/12/1977, Saha Airlines (747)
5. YV502T, 12/04/1978, Venezolana (737)
6. EP-CQA, 29/09/1978, Caspian Airlines (747)
7. XA-UHZ, 07/08/1979, EasySky Airlines (737)
8. C-GAIG, 28/09/1979, Air Inuit (737)
9. 4L-NAL, 21/03/1980, Georgian Star International (737)
10. EP-IBS, 16/04/1980, Iran Air (A300)
Condition of African airlines with newer aircraft
South Africa Airways and Air Zimbabwe, which have been highlighted as airlines with the newest aircraft in Africa are funded by their governments and are barely making profits.
Zimbabwe has invited bids for the loss-making carrier which is reported to have debts of over $300 million. The state-owned airline went into administration in October as a precursor to being sold off by the government. Administrators, Grant Thornton advertised the invitation to tender in local newspapers, with registration of interest closing on November 23rd.
South African Airways on the other hand has lost money for six consecutive years. However, the airline has continued to struggle to survive because the government wants it to.
Privately owned airlines, no matter how small which have continued to source capital all by themselves have stuck to their business plans and are doing just fine.
Domestic airlines respond
Some airline operators in Nigerian are alleging that the publication stating that Nigerian airlines have the oldest aircraft is meant to demonise Nigerian airlines by those who are clamouring for a national carrier and noted that when Nigerian Airways existed, it never sustained itself; government subsidised its existence.
But now the Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika is talking about private sector driven airlines, but indications are that not many foreign investors would be willing to invest in the airline because of the poor record of the Nigerian government when it comes to honouring agreements.
A domestic operator who craved anonymity, said “What these people should know is that those who invested money in airline business are creating jobs and are contributing to the economic development of Nigeria. Air Peace alone has created over 3,000 jobs within the company and it has created 15,000 indirect jobs. There are figures and facts to back these up. The airline is contributing in the sustenance of this economy.
“Those who are talking about old aircraft forgot that a major carrier in Europe came to Air Peace to buy two of its Donnier jets for its subsidiary and the two aircraft are flying today in Europe. AirPeace is being maintained by top maintenance organisations in the world.
“AirPeace has spent not less than $ 2.5 million dollars on its C-checks and this can be verified. The airline’s good safety record is known all over the world and it is (International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit) IOSA certified. This is the international yardstick to measure your safety standard. After two years AirPeace was again audited by IATA and retained its certification. Don’t you think the airline should be commended?”
Funding challenge
While domestic airlines will love to have newer aircraft on their fleet, it is important to note that finance constitutes a major challenge.
Obi Mbanuzuo, accountable manager of Dana Air told BusinessDay that domestic airlines use older airplanes because of financing. “Due to the inability of banks and lending houses to provide long term loans which are required to acquire newer aircraft, airlines go for cheaper used versions which they can finance themselves without the help of banks. For example, a brand new B737-800 costs up to $90 million and western airlines pay this over a period of between 10 and 15 years with the help of leasing and finance houses. Conversely, a used B737-300 costs about 4 million dollars.”
Expert’s opinion
Igwe Francis, the Public Relations Officer, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers said that what matters is that aircraft are maintained to a minimum approval standard, and not necessarily the age of the aircraft.
A few years ago, government stipulated that aircraft above 22 years of age cannot be brought into the country. The move, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is to ensure that Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for old aircraft.
Domestic airlines rise to the challenge
While domestic airlines are not just glorying on their zero accident record in over three years, they are also stepping up in the replacement of newer aircraft on their fleets.
Recently, AirPeace signed an agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of ten brand new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, making history as the first airline in West Africa to add the equipment to its fleet. The airline also signed a multi-year aircraft spare parts deal with plane maker, Embraer.
The deal would cover more than 250 components for the six Embraer 145 jets it recently added to its fast-growing fleet in line with its drive to connect unserved and underserved domestic and regional routes under its subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.
In July this year, Medview Airline also acquired a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft to revive its international operations. The wide-body aircraft was the second of such in Nigeria, after Air Peace acquired one in January this year.
BusinessDay’s checks also show that Dana has started executing plans to acquire a newer aircraft.
Conclusion
While acquisition of newer aircraft is encouraged, old aircraft continue to be serviceable and safe, so far as they are adequately maintained. It only behoves government to create an enabling environment for airlines to operate, to make the venture sustainable and profitable.
IFEOMA OKEKE