…As Arik, Dana Others Shut Down Operations
Yemisi Izuora
Aero Contractors has offered its aircraft both fixed-wing and helicopters to the federal government for airlift of relief materials; medical equipment; and also personnel; in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
This was disclosed by the CEO of the company; Captain Ado Sanusi, who said that it was the contribution of the airline in support of the government’s fight against the virus; as well as treatment of those already infected.
Sanusi said that the aircraft would henceforth be at the disposal of the Presidential Task Force; for the Control of Coronavirus in Nigeria; headed by the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
The Aero CEO urged well-meaning individuals; corporate organisations; and others to support the government to overcome this pandemic, which is upsetting the world.
Meanwhile, Arik Air has announced a temporarily suspension of all scheduled commercial flight operations effective 23:00hrs on Friday, March 27, 2020.
The management of the airline took this decision in order to mitigate the risk of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to its valued customers and staff, and hopes to resume services as soon as feasible.
The airline said customers who have confirmed tickets have been advised that they could still use their tickets when the airline resumes flight operations. Such tickets could also be modified at no extra charge.
The Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu stressed: “The safety and well-being of our valued customers is paramount at this period of health emergency. We implore everyone to keep safe and abide by all directives issued by governmental authorities.”
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this suspension may have caused our customers.”
Captain Ilegbodu added that Arik Air would be available to support government emergency, humanitarian and charter flight requests during the period of suspension of air transport operation.
Similarly, in response to the recent developments on Covid-19, and the need to support the efforts of the government to stem the further spread of the Covid-19 in our dear country, we have decided to suspend our flight operations for the next 14 days effective midnight 25th March 2020.
Recently, there has been a huge decline in the passenger figures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and considering the need to avoid piling unnecessary costs at this difficult time, we had to take this huge decision in the interest of the industry, staff , customers and our nation.
The airline tendered apology and regret to its customers on affected flights and reassured guests that it will be available on all channels to ensure seamless updates and communication.
Also, Airlink, the South African-based domestic and regional airline, is suspending all operations after midnight this Thursday, 26 March 2020 in support of South Africa’s lock-down to slow and contain the spread of the COVID-19 “Coronavirus”.
“In the face of this global public health emergency, the safety and well-being of our customers, crew, employees their families and communities is our priority. It is our responsibility and civic duty to support and comply with the new and stringent measures restricting everyone’s movement, which were announced on Monday night by President Ramaphosa,” said Airlink Managing Director and Chief Executive, Rodger Foster.
“We intend to gradually reinstate a new optimised schedule of services once the lock-down has been lifted. Whilst the restrictions are currently intended to last for 21 days, we will take our cue from the Government and the relevant health authorities. Our target date for recommencing operations will be 20 April 2020 and we will continue to keep our Customers, Travel Agents and Operators informed should unforeseen circumstances necessitate a change to this date” added Mr Foster.
Airlink had already planned to operate independently using its own flight code “4Z” from 11 June 2020, this will now be brought forward to 20 April 2020 as we resume our schedule.
The last date for the acceptance for travel on Airlink SA8 flights for passengers holding SAA “083” tickets will be this Thursday 26 March 2020. Thereafter passengers will need to purchase a new ticket on Airlink – 4Z (749).
Holders of tickets for travel on SA8 after 26 March 2020 with a ticket number commencing with the digits “083” should contact SAA for a refund as SAA holds the funds paid in advance for these bookings on behalf of Customers. SAA refunds may be contacted on +27 11 978 1786 or email onlinerefunds@flysaa.com
Airlink has requested SAA to temporarily suspend the interline agreement which was implemented to facilitate the re-accommodation of current SAA bookings issued in conjunction with Airlink’s SA8 flights which were to have been re-accommodated onto Airlink’s 4Z flights.
Airlink Customer Care team will be available in the lockdown period during office hours to assist passengers with queries about 4Z bookings on customercare@flyairlink.com
“On behalf of Airlink, I want to thank our customers, suppliers and service providers for their patience, understanding, support and cooperation during these unprecedented times, in this unfortunate apocalyptic situation that is totally beyond our control” said Mr Foster.