Emirates upgrades aircraft on Abuja route

Emirates Airlines has upgraded its operating aircraft on the Abuja route to a Boeing 777-300ER from the 777-300 classic.

The upgrade took effect at the weekend.

The airline according to its Regional Manager West Africa, Afzal Parambil took the step as part of its commitment to the Nigerian market.

He said “The upgrade of our Abuja service to a Boeing 777-300ER demonstrates our commitment to the Nigeria market and is another step to ensure we offer world class products and services to our customers.

“Since its launch in 2014 Emirates boosted international tourism and trade in Abuja from a raft of destinations in the Far East, West Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America.”

“Emirates constantly strive to provide its passengers with the very best service and the introduction of a Boeing B777-300ER reflects that commitment.

“Our 777-300ER will offer Emirates’ renowned cabin comforts and facilities, including our award-winning ice entertainment system.”

‘Our plans for air navigation equipment upgrade’

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Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu has unveiled plans by the agency upgrade air navigation equipment at airports across the country.

According to Akinkuotu, the agency took the steps as part of its strategic plan to replace obsolete air navigation equipment at airports and other locations.

Speaking in an interview last week in Lagos, he said the agency has addressed complaints in the performance of communication navigation and surveillance as well as air traffic management facilities.

Akinkuotu said the agency in the last one year addressed radio communication challenges between pilots and air traffic controllers.

Specifically, he said very high frequency radios have been installed in 17 airports for approach and aerodrome control.

He said the agency also installed High power standalone VHF radios in Lagos and Abuja area control centers.

Akinkuotu said: “The Lagos end has been commissioned and is in operation, while installation in Kano has just been completed and will soon be put to use.

“Not satisfied yet, a contract called extended range VHF radio system has been signed to modernize the main radio communication network to increase the number of remote sites from the current eight to fourteen.”

He said the agency is carrying out progressive installation of navigational equipment in more than 12 airport locations.

Akinkuotu said: These include distant measuring equipment and instrument landing system and category instrument landing system for Lagos and Abuja Airports will soon be installed.

“NAMA is collaboration with the Edo State Government is presently installing an instrument landing system in Benin Airport.”

He also spoke of plans for the installation of Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) surveillance system for the Gulf of Guinea (Niger Delta Area ) for surveillance and control of low level flights, which will commence in a few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has declared that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), project is working optimally.

NAMA also said that spare parts for the facility are regularly sourced from the manufacturer, Thales of France whenever required.

Speaking in an interview, its Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu NAMA has regularly received spare parts from Thales of France since the project came on stream in 2010.

He said the agency would continue to provide state-of-the-art air navigation services without compromising safety of lives and equipment.