Plane makes emergency landing after pilot dies of heart attack - Photos

A tragedy was averted after a plane packed with tourists was forced to make an emergency landing after a pilot suffered a suspected heart attack in the cockpit before dying.

The pilot who was a 49-year-old was flying the Russian state airline Aeroflot Airbus 320 on a domestic flight from Moscow at 33,000 ft when he became ill.

The jet bound for the popular Black Sea resort of Anapa made an emergency landing at Platov International Airport in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday where medical help was given to the pilot.

But he was pronounced dead.

A female passenger said: “A female flight attendant ran through the plane asking if there was a doctor because one of the crew members was feeling unwell.

Why Arik Air Is Not Fit To Be A National Carrier, FG Breaks Silence

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has said the Federal Government does not have a plan to convert Arik Air into a national carrier because it’s not suitable for such purpose.

The minister said this on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, while fielding questions from reporters at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru had urged the Federal Government to use the airline to begin its quest to own a national career.

But Sirika said Arik Air is not in line with the thinking of the Ministry of Aviation, saying it does not meet the standard of the kind of airline the ministry wants.

He said, “The carrier that I intend to bring is such a carrier that will support the national economy, with $450 million GDP for 200million people, very equipped to compete favourably,” he said.

“The international airlines that have dominated Africa, 80% of those airlines are non-African. In view of the AU Agenda 2063, the Single African Aviation Market, we thought that there will be an airline that will take up that challenge; that will take advantage of it and be able to provide services to our people.

“Nigeria, being the first country to kick-start the declaration in 1999, to establish a one common market in Africa; at the time, we wanted to take advantage of the Nigeria Airways which was the strongest airline on the continent, and we thought that we could take advantage of that and it would pay Nigeria very well. Tables turned, decisions were reversed and now, Nigeria was unlucky to have an airline that can participate in that manner.

“So, the answer to your question is that Arik, as presently constituted, is not in line with the thinking of the ministry. It will not be able to give us that airline that we need. However, Arik as an entity, since it is private-sector driven, can either buy shares in the new ventures or invest in any manner in the business as presently approved.
“We are not saying once we have a national carrier, every other airline goes down. No. It is our duty to continue to support businesses.”

Recall that in July 2018, the Federal Government unveiled the national carrier’s name and logo at the Farnborough International Airshow in London.

Checkout The New Lagos Airport Terminal That Will Be Commissioned In April 2020 - Photos

The Federal Government on Wednesday in Abuja pledged to ensure the delivery of a new international airport in Lagos before Easter celebration next year.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, stated this in an interview with journalists at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the State House.

The minister also said the necessity to construct a new airport in Lagos had become compelling, bearing in mind that when the airport was first commissioned in 1980, it was meant to serve only 200,000 people.

However, he said the number of passengers using the airport has risen from 200,000 in 1980 to 8 million people today with a number of infrastructures there already collapsed.

He also explained that the plan for the overhaul of the Lagos airport is in two phases, noting that after the delivery of the new airport, the old one will be redesigned and reconstructed in acknowledgement of the growing population of Lagos as well as the attraction that Lagos continues to generate.

See more of the photos below...

NCAA bans MacBook Pro Retina 15 on all flights

In a bid to protect the airwaves and the passengers, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has banned a certain model of the popular MacBook Pro by Apple from all flights in Nigeria.

According to a circular signed by Captain Abdullahi Maikano Sidi, the Director of Operations and Training at NCAA, the MacBook Pro Retina 15 MID 2015 is banned on all flights, effective immediately.

The decision to ban this MacBook Pro model comes due to its recall by Apple as a result of battery problems. NCAA stated that travelling with this device “presents a risk to Aviation Safety due to overheating.”

Further investigations revealed that the battery contained in this particular laptop model had the potential of posing a serious fire safety risk in an aeroplane.

The NCAA directs that the MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) is not to be allowed on flights as a carry-on or checked-in luggage due to the potential threats involved.

See China's First Airplane Developed By Private Firm, Sets For Commercial Sales

China's first aircraft independently developed by a private company, the Guanyi GA20, flew at a height of 3,000 meters for the first time during its 50th test flight on Wednesday, and secured intent orders for 100 aircraft.

The GA20 is a four-seater, general-purpose, single propeller-driven aircraft developed by Guanyi General Aviation, a private company in Shanghai. It is produced at an industrial base in the Nanchang High-tech Zone, Jiangxi province.

On Wednesday, pilot Christian Briand boarded the plane at 12:00 pm and flew it into the sky at 12:03 pm at the Hengdian General Airport in Zhejiang province. The 39-minute flight aimed to test flight envelope extension and load factor.

The test showed that the GA20 has the shortest takeoff distance of 400 meters and a landing distance of 350 meters, with a maximum mileage of 1,200 kilometers and a maximum speed of 265 kilometers per hour.

The GA20 can climb up 5 meters per second, and at the height of 2,600 meters, its fuel consumption is 32 liters per hour. Its general performance is better than all the global competitors.

Zhu Songhua, the chairman of Guanyi, said the plane reached a height of 3,000 meters safely showed its excellent performance and it will open up a path for China's independently developed general aircraft to go global.

Wutong Aviation Sci-Tech Co, a leading private aircraft service company in China, signed the underwriting agreement with Guanyi on Wednesday order of intent for 100 planes.

Zhao Haiyang, general manager of Wutong Aviation, said the GA20 has first-class performance and advanced self-owned core technologies in the world, and thus the company is confident of its sales in the global market.

Guanyi began to develop the GA20 for multiple purposes such as aviation training, private aviation, and tourism in 2014. The plane made its debut in Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi, on May 21, 2018.

With an overall length of 8.1 meters and a wingspan of 9.4 meters, the plane is powered by a Lycoming O-320 engine and equipped with a Garmin aviation system.

On Sept 19, the plane made a 26-minute maiden flight at an airport in Nanchang, and ascended to a height of about 300 meters, made a number of routine tests, before landing smoothly.

This is the 50th test flight for the GA20, and the first time it has reached the 3,000 meter mark, a milestone in the maturity testing of the aircraft.

The GA20 has a maximum range of 1,200 kilometers and can reach 265 kilometers an hour.

The good performance of the GA20 raises confidence in high tech and intelligent products made in China, said Zhu Songhua, the chairman of the Shanghai-based Guanyi General Aviation. He added that he hopes planes made in China demonstrate to the world China's strengths in core technology.

An order for 100 planes was made to Guanyi General Aviation by China's private flight platform, Wutong Airlines, on the day of the latest test flight.

On March 11, GA20 completed its first public test flight at Hengdian General Airport in Zhejiang.

Guanyi will complete 200-300 test flights in accordance with Civil Aviation Administration of China requirements and plans to start the plane's industrialization process, after obtaining certification, around 2020.

British Airways Moves Into The New Abuja International Terminal - Photos

In line with its drive to provide premium services to its passengers, British Airways has announced the relocation of its terminal to the new Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The change took effect on 30th April 2019.

The move comes after the opening of the new Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a result of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) goal to create an ultra-modern facility which would ensure efficient processing of passengers and improve the experience for travellers flying through Abuja. Both airlines and passengers will experience a vast difference in both space and processing technology for passengers. British Airways new terminal relocation is in line with global efforts to ensure seamless, safe, and convenient travel for passengers.

Speaking on the move, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, Mr Kola Olayinka said, “British Airways is pleased about the new Abuja International Terminal, we embrace any opportunity to improve our services to passengers. Our newly upgraded lounge and the terminal will ensure a seamless travel experience for our passengers. We’re excited to share these new developments with our Abuja passengers.”

Buttressing these sentiments, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunoma, says the newly inaugurated international terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was designed to give maximum comfort to air travellers.

 

Water Salute Tradition: These Are What You Need To Know

Ever been in an airport before and you see the firefighter truck spraying water on a plane? The first time I witnessed such, I thought the plane caught fire! Poor me, little did I know that the plane is being given what the aviation gurus call a Water Salute! 

In Nigeria, we have had cases where the firefighters department give Water Salute to new aircraft across the airports in Nigeria

The water salute is a touching airport tradition to honor military veterans, foreign dignitaries and new airline service. Salutes typically involve two firefighting rigs spraying arcs of water over an arriving or departing flight. It is a sign of respect, honour, and gratitude. Each water cannon salute, which lasts about two minutes, can use as much as 3,000 gallons of water, so it does involve airport fire department resources.

A water salute consists of placing an even number of ARFF vehicles, namely crash tenders with powerful water cannons, on each side of a taxiway, pumping water to create a high arch. It can also be performed by three vehicles forming a triangle, with their water cannons’ stream meeting at the centre.

At an airport, typically an even number of vehicles will line up perpendicularly on the sides of the taxiway or apron, and the plumes of water will form a series of arches. Symbolically, the procession looks similar to a bridal party walking under a wedding arch or the saber arch at a military wedding.

Water salutes have been used to mark the retirement of a senior pilot or air traffic controller, the first or last flight of an airline to an airport, the first or last flight of a type of aircraft, or other notable events. When the Concorde flew its last flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport, blue, white and red coloured plumes were used. United States President Donald Trump received a water salute on his first departure from LaGuardia Airport after winning the presidential election in 2016.

Water salutes are also used for ships and other watercraft, with water being delivered by fireboats. This is often done for the first or last visit or retirement of a senior captain, the first or last cruise of a ship, the visit of a warship, or other ceremonial occasions.

Here are the main reasons for giving water salute:

- For a new airline company operating out of the airport for the first time;
- For a new airplane operating commercially for the first time;
- If the Captain of the airplane or an ATC member is retiring;
- If the airline is closing down the route and its the last flight of that airline from that particular airport.

The Salute

- An even number of fire engines line up along the runway to perform the salute.
- Another way of performing the salute by forming a triangle with the water beams coinciding at the center.
- An airport should have a sufficient number of fire engines available so that they can respond to emergencies that may take place in any other part of the airport.

It is interesting to note that water salute is not unique to airplanes alone and it is also given for ships as well.

No one knows exactly when and where did water salutes in airports start. It is well known, though, that back to the days of the ocean liners it was common for fireboats and tugs to spray them with their water cannons when they were leaving or entering a port.

Watch the video below...

Meet A Nigerian Who Owns About 5 Airports In United Kingdom

There is a spirit called the spirit of excellence which is associated with every Nigerians irrespective of where we find ourselves anywhere in the world. Despite all the challenges we faced as a nation, we have remained tenacious, resilient and break the norms. Adebayo Ogunlesi may not ring a bell in Nigeria like that of Dangote, Adenuga etc but in the UK, he is an icon, a trailblazer in the aviation industry, he is seen someone who broke the jinx and brought the world's second largest airport, The Gatwick Airport and also he bought 4 more all in the UK. Ogunlesi is a man who doesn't believe in making noise or a media freak, he is someone who lets his work speaks for him.

As Nigeria is planning to have its national carrier in December, Nigeria Air, what about we having someone like Adebayo Ogunlesi to help remodel our airport as he was able to transform the Gatwick Airport into a world-class business and tourist airport especially Muritala Muhammed Internation Airport in Lagos.

Here are some facts about him...

Adebayo "Bayo" O. Ogunlesi (born December 20, 1953) is a Nigerian-born lawyer and investment banker. Ogunlesi is currently Chairman and Managing Partner at the private equity firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). Ogunlesi was the former head of Global Investment Banking at Credit Suisse First Boston before being promoted to Chief Client Officer and Executive Vice Chairman.

Ogunlesi is from Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State in Nigeria. He is the son of Theophilus O. Ogunlesi, the first Nigerian professor of medicine at the University of Ibadan. His family is of Yoruba origin.

Ogunlesi went to King's College, Lagos, a secondary school in Lagos, Nigeria. He received a B.A. with first class honors in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University in England. In 1979, he received a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School, which he pursued at the same time. During his time at Harvard, he was on the Harvard Law Review.

From 1980 to 1981, Ogunlesi served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. Ogunlesi was an attorney in the corporate practice group of the New York City law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, where he had been a summer associate while studying for his M.B.A.

In 1983, Ogunlesi joined the investment bank First Boston as an advisor on a Nigerian gas project.[2] At First Boston, he worked in the Project Finance Group, advising clients on transactions and financings and has worked on transactions in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. From 1997 to 2002, he was the Head of the Global Energy Group of the by then renamed Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB). In 2002, Ogunlesi was appointed Global Head of CSFB's Investment Banking Division. Also in 2002, he served as a member of Credit Suisse’s Executive Board and Management Committee. From 2004 to 2006, Ogunlesi was Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of CSFB.

In July 2006, Ogunlesi started the private equity firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a joint venture whose initial investors included Credit Suisse and General Electric. He currently serves as Chairman and Managing Partner.

In 2006, GIP bought London City Airport. In 2009, GIP acquired the majority in London Gatwick Airport in a deal worth £1.455 billion. The Nigerian press has given him the nickname, "The Man Who Bought Gatwick Airport." GIP also owns Edinburgh Airport, which they bought in 2012. He has a close ties with US president, Donald Trump.

Here is a documentary profiling the Nigerian Man who defied all odds...