Airlines involved in contaminated fuel cooperating –NCAA

<p>The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has disclosed that the airlines involved in the recent contaminated aviation fuel were cooperating with the investigation.</p>, <p>The PUNCH reports that the NCAA suspended all the Boeing B737 aircraft in the fleet of Max Air because of contaminated fuel found in them.</p>, <p>The Director of Public Affairs at NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, told The PUNCH in Abuja that there had not been to identify the fuel stations involved in the contaminated fuel.</p>, <p>He claimed that the process of identifying the fuel stations involved in the contaminated fuel was delayed due to the loss suffered by the owner of Max Air, Dahiru Mangal, during that time.</p>, <p>However, he said that the airlines involved were cooperating with the agency and taking the required steps.</p>, <p>He noted, “The fuel stations have not been identified. The investigation was slowed down because the owner of Max Air became bereaved, as his wife died. Just to put it clear and as such, we have to put our action on hold. However, things are picking up gradually. The airlines are responding to steps they need to take. The outcome will help us to decide on the appropriate actions going forward. Bear with us.”</p>, <p>According to Group Capt. John Ojikutu, the former Commandant of the Lagos Airport, airlines seem to prioritisze maximising profits over the safety of passengers.</p>, <p>He asserted that intervention from the regulatory safety authority was necessary to address the issues effectively.</p>, <p>Ojikutu emphasised that aviation fuel marketers should be subject to the same level of regulation as clearing and ground-handling service providers.</p>, <p>He added that there were over 20 fuel marketers operating at airports.</p>, <p>He questioned the agency that approved their operations if it was the NCAA or the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.</p>, <p>He said, “Reduce the number to not more than three among the major marketers only if you want safe air operations. Begin with the fuel suppliers to