DANA Air wants NCAA to commence audit of its aircraft

Tony Usidamen, the Head, Corporate Communications, DANA Airlines, on Thursday appealed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to immediately commence an audit of the airlines aircraft, in the interest of its workers.
Usidamen made the appeal in a statement made available to aviation correspondents at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.
He said that the airlines had suspended its flight operations since October 6, 2013 in compliance with the directive by NCAA.
Usidamen added that this was to allow the authority audit the airlines operations, adding that up till now this had yet to be done.
Usidamen said in the statement: “Subsequently, as a result of the suspension, the airline directed its Nigerian and expatriate workers to proceed on compulsory leave without pay, with a promise to recall staff as soon as the audit process is completed.
“It is now three weeks since the NCAA directive and, though the airline is open and ready for the planned audit.
“It is worrisome that the NCAA is yet to commence the audit and no clear direction or timeline has been given to the airline for completion of the audit.”
The statement said that the ongoing suspension had caused untold hardships for the hitherto gainfully-employed staff of the airline.
The statement added: “With NCAA’s inaction regarding the audit, there appears to be no relief in sight to the sufferings of the airline’s staff and their numerous dependants.
“NCAA’s action or inaction is not without consequences for the average Nigerian travellers, with the few airlines left taking advantage of the dearth of operators to hike fares and offer poor services to helpless customers.
“It is for these reasons that we, the over 540 directly-employed Nigerian staff of DANA Air, are appealing to the NCAA to save us and the airline by carrying out its statutory role, devoid of sentiments and political interference.”
Usidamen said that the airline cared for the safety and comfort of its passengers and crew members, pledging that it would continue to offer better services.
“We pledge to continue to offer our full cooperation to the NCAA and all other relevant agencies in ensuring safer skies,” the statement added.