Nigeria’s second largest commercial carrier, Aero Contractors Airlines, has announced the suspension of its scheduled services beginning from Thursday September 1, 2016.
A statement from the airline on Wednesday said that “The implication of the suspension of scheduled services operations extends to all staffs directly and indirectly involved in providing services as they are effectively to proceed on indefinite leave of absence during the period of non-services.
It added, “We are aware of the impact this will have on our staff and our highly esteemed customers, hence we have initiated moves to ensure that we are able to return back to operations within the shortest possible time, offering reliable, safe and secure operations, which the airline is known for.”
On Monday, August 22, The PUNCH newspaper reported that the airline was set to lay off some of its workers due to its worsening financial crisis.
The report also noted that the company was negotiating with aviation unions on how to cut down on the number of its workers.
Aero Contractors attributed the decision to suspend its services to the current economic situation in the country, which has forced some other airlines to suspend operations or pull out of Nigeria.
Management of the airline said the past six months had been characterised by numerous internal and external challenges which have made it difficult for the airline to continue its scheduled services.
It stated that during the period in review, Aero witnessed epileptic operations and services to the external public which in some cases had been frustrating and embarrassing to all parties including staff, customers and indeed all stakeholders.
The airline said, “The impact of the external environment has been very harsh on our operational performance, hence management decision to suspend scheduled services operations indefinitely effective September 1, 2016, pending when the external opportunities and a robust sustainable and viable plan is in place for Aero Contractors to recommence its scheduled services.