First Nation Airways to begin flight operations this month, acquires two Airbus
The management of First Nation Airways has said that plans are underway by it to re-launch flight services this month, just as it disclosed that two Airbus A319 aircraft have been acquired for that purpose.
Firstnation had suspended flight operations June 2012 after the Dana Air crash. The airline then said it was suspending operations for a month to conduct checks on its aircraft, but for over a year, it has not been able to return to operations for several reasons
However, the airline said that it is recommencing flight operations with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt routes and promised to offer premium passenger experience.
An online statement signed by the spokesman of the airline, Mr. Luke Terver-Uzer gave the registration number of the aircraft as 5N-FND and 5N-FNE, saying that the acquisition was part of its nine aircraft programme.
Terver-Uzer stated that the delivery of the two aircraft was historic as they are the very first sets of A319 to be used by Nigerian carriers.
He maintained that the aircraft brand has the same optimised cabin cross section as the A320, which is the widest single aisle fuselage on the market and set the standard for passenger cabin comfort.
He said, 'The A319 continue to prove its versatility to enable airline around the world like British Airways, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France, South African Airways, American Airways, Delta Airlines, Virgin American Airways etc benefits from range option and versatility.
'The aircraft are installed with AFIRS 220 iridium satellite global communication equipment one of the very few aircraft with this state of the art Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) equipment operating in West Africa.
He explained that the SATNAV provides crew reliable voice and simultaneously connect to aircraft systems analysing performance in-flight., which allows the airline to track aircraft system performance inflight from ground.
He emphasised that this system was one of the most advanced SATNAV system that support the airline flight operations quality assurance oversight, adding that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is actively encouraging airlines to upgrade their fleet with this equipment.
Firstnation Airbus A319's cabin layout is in two class of twelve business class legroom pitch of 42 inches and the rear cabin in comfort class with legroom pitch of 32 inches. The aircraft offer the widest seat pitch for regional operation within West Africa today.
The Airbus A319 registration 5N-FND is named 'FAITH' while 5N-FNE is 'ENDURANCE'. The airline has reinforced its management with appointment of Engineer John Brady an Irish as Chief Engineer in addition with the appointment of Engineer Rolando Gatchalianas as Quality Manager.