- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian local air operator, United Nigeria Airline, has reassured the public of continued operation despite ongoing nationwide strike action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
NPO Reported that NiMet had yesterday embarked on the industrial action in agitation over poor staff’s welfare and low wages.
The strike action affected airline operations as several foreign airlines suspended their flights.
However, the agency lamented refusal of local airlines to emulate their foreign counterparts by suspending their flight operations.
In reaction, the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, ordered the immediate suspension of all flight operations of the airline.
Onyema had in a call with his management team directed the cancellation of the flights for safety reasons.
In contrast to Air Peace’s action, the United Nigerian Airline, held that its airline remains in full operation.
While acknowledging the role of NiMet in the aviation industry, the airline, in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, held that its operation remains seamless with the aid of alternative weather data sources.
These, according to Uloka, include real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology systems, pilot weather reports, and coordination with air traffic control services.
The airline further disclosed that its flight planning and dispatch teams are fully operational to sure that all safety protocols are strictly observed.
The statement read in part; “United Nigeria Airlines wishes to reassure our valued passengers and the general flying public that our flight operations remain safe, reliable, and fully compliant with regulatory standards, despite the ongoing industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“While NiMet provides essential meteorological support to the aviation sector, our operations continue seamlessly through the deployment of alternative and internationally recognized weather data sources.
“These include real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology Systems, pilot weather reports, and Coordination with air traffic control services.
“Our flight planning and dispatch teams are fully equipped and working round-the-clock to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly observed, and passenger comfort remains uninterrupted.
“We recognize the importance of NiMet’s role in aviation safety and join the wider industry in calling for a swift and constructive resolution to the strike action, to minimize any potential disruption to flight operations nationwide.
“At United Nigeria Airlines, the safety, comfort, and confidence of our passengers remain our top priority. We appreciate your continued trust in our services.”