11th May, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Dana Air on Saturday announced that it has disengaged some of its staff members due to the ongoing audit of its operations by the regulatory authorities of the sector, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.
The spokesperson for Dana Airlines, Kingsley Ezenwa, announced the disengagement of the staff in a statement Saturday morning.
He said the staff would be disengaged pending the conclusion of the audit by authorities to ensure that the airline’s operations comply with all necessary standards and regulations.
“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit,” Mr Ezenwa said.
“This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.
“The Management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty. It recognises the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation promptly.”
Dana Air reaffirmed “its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution” of the audit process.
The airline said remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout the process and while these challenges are being addressed.
The company added that it has commenced talks with lessors and are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.
“Dana Air therefore urges for calm and understanding from our very dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders,” the airline said.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended Dana Airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on April 24, 2024.
In a letter to Dana Airline, signed by its Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, NCAA said that the suspension was in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.
NCAA also said the suspension was sequel to the runway excursion involving a Dana aircraft MD-82, with registration number 5N BKI on Tuesday, the Authority had imposed a suspension on Dana Airline’s AOC with effect from April 24 at 23:59.
Najomo, however, said that the authority was awaiting the preliminary report of the investigation launched by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an inhouse compliance assessment of this occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving Dana Air aircraft.
“This is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers.
“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in sharing the concerns of the Authority has thrown his weight behind the need for swift measures to be taken to address pertinent safety and economic issues that may underpin some of these occurrences.
“As precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your AOC with effect from April 24 at 23.59 p.m. to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit,” he said
In the letter addressed to the management of Dana Airlines, Najomo said the safety audit will entail a re-inspection of the organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
While the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.