Nigerian airlines grounded 'minutes' until debt payment arranged

THE Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has grounded Arik Air and Aero Contractors of Associated Airlines for a "few minutes" until they made arrangements to settle debts of some NGN2.5 billion (US$10 million).

A meeting with Aviation Minister Fidelia Njeze and the airlines resolved the immediate debt issue, according to This Day of Lagos.

The newspaper also reported the airlines agreed to pay and the authority, which waived grounding order that restored service.

"We were only grounded for few minutes after which we settled for reconciliation and started flying immediately," said an Arik Air spokesman.

Many carriers have reneged on payments despite carriers profits, and a letter to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) ordering payment at the risk of grounding.
(Source:www.schednet.com)