Globally, single-aisle aircraft average 9.1-9.7 block hours daily, 275-292 monthly, and 3,300-3,500 annually. In Nigeria, airlines manage only 5.5-6.6 block hours daily, 165-199 monthly, and 1,980-2,376 annually.

BY ANTHONY OMOH

Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air Mr. George Uriesi has revealed that Nigerian airlines operate 1,080 hours less annually than the global industry standard. He disclosed this while delivering a paper titled Maximizing Runway Utilization: A Nigerian Airline Perspective at the 26th League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Annual Conference.

Uriesi stated that limited operational hours at Nigerian airports restrict airlines to daylight operations. “This systematically reduces aircraft utilization, threatening airline survival,” he said. He urged airlines to improve operational capabilities, plan route networks better, and enhance collaborations to maximize runway utilization.

Comparing data from Airbus, Uriesi highlighted that Nigerian airlines operate 1,080 hours less annually than the benchmark. Globally, single-aisle aircraft average 9.1-9.7 block hours daily, 275-292 monthly, and 3,300-3,500 annually. In Nigeria, airlines manage only 5.5-6.6 block hours daily, 165-199 monthly, and 1,980-2,376 annually.

“Nigerian airlines are in a conundrum due to the current situation,” Uriesi explained. He attributed this underutilization to multiple challenges, including limited runway access, infrastructure deficiencies, and poor organizational capabilities.

Uriesi emphasized the need for airfield infrastructure upgrades and installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). “We must keep airports open longer to meet airline needs,” he said. He also called for extended operating hours to align with global standards.

“Airlines must prioritize operational reliability and strategic collaborations,” Uriesi added. He stressed that better planning and partnerships are crucial for survival. He also urged the government to address infrastructure gaps and create an enabling environment for aviation growth.

The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss solutions to Nigeria’s aviation challenges. Uriesi’s presentation underscored the urgency of addressing underutilization to ensure airline sustainability.

“The current situation is unsustainable,” Uriesi warned. He called for immediate action to close the gap between Nigerian airlines and global standards.