Apart from being Nigeria’s oldest commercial airliner, Aero Contractors, has also been at the forefront of expansion in the country.
The airline has over the years been expanding its operations by re-opening its old routes and introducing new ones with the acquisition of a new fleet. The airline, which has repositioned its scheduled and fixed wing operations, after its huge comeback in 2019 has succeeded in increasing its fleet of aircraft till date.Sometime in 2016, Aero Contractors had some financial instability since the past 5 years that AMCON took over. This led to about 1,400 workers going on indefinite leave. Setbacks are not new in business.
The airline, sometime in 2019 came back into business, with a total overhaul. It also spotted a new-look cabin crew as it introduced uniform accessories to re-connect with its customers.The airliner has been committed to promoting and elevating its brand for a better service and seamless service delivery to its passengers.Since it made a major comeback, then in 2019 the airliner has proven to be back in business. It meticulously overhauled its old ethics for new one, even to the littlest change of uniform accessories such as the tie and scarf, just to enhance the beauty of its uniform. From its initial eight flights a day, that was servicing only Abuja and Port Harcourt, Aero contractors have increased to more than 30 flights daily.
This has affected the number of passengers, which has increased from 8,000 a month then; to 33,000 passengers per month.Its flights now include Kano, while more frequencies have been introduced to its Abuja flights. Aero, since its comeback has been operating Abuja-Asaba, Warri, Uyo. Not long after, Aero Contractors commenced flight operations to Yola , capital of Adamawa state, with a reduced airfare. It has been operating a Lagos-Yola, Abuja-Yola, Yola-Abuja and Yola-Lagos route on its flight. An initiative that has opened more routes for its passengers. Sokoto bound passengers going to Yola can join the Yola flight and those from Asaba can join the Yola flight.The airline, till date boasts of a Boeing 737-500, one of the few in Nigeria’s airspace.The story was told of how its aircraft touched down at the Yola International Airport at exactly 6:00 pm to a ceremonial water salute by the airport firefighters and excited passengers who lauded the efficiency of the nation’s oldest carrier, known for its goodwill and safety record.
Though the airline has been badly hit by the economic recession facing our dear nation, no doubt its management is resolute to stay in the market with its comeback and efficient service delivery to passengers.With its Aviation Training Organisation license, no doubt Aero Contractors are in the market to get it right; this gives credence to its readiness to build its business on a solid foundation, and grow it into excellence.
Olamide Adeniji is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspaper
