Nigeria's ValueJet targets A320s for launch

Nigeria faces aviation fuel shortage crisis

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) association has warned of significant disruptions to flight schedules at all airports across the country, given a worsening jet fuel crisis.

On July 22, the AON issued a statement warning of cancellations and flight delays across all airports, citing "an acute scarcity of aviation fuel otherwise known as Jet-A1".

"For this reason, there will be major disruptions in scheduled flight operations, including cancellations and unnecessary delays across all airports in the country. This is a foreseen but unintended consequence of the aviation fuel scarcity in the country. We, therefore, plead for the understanding of the travelling public to bear with our members as efforts are currently being made to address the development and restore normal flight operations," AON spokesperson and chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo said.

In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation on July 25, Okonkwo downplayed the situation, saying the scarcity of Jet A1 fuel was "unusual and temporary". "It's not that there is such a big concern, but [the announcement was made] for the...

Nigeria's ValueJet takes first CRJ900s

ValueJet (FVJ, Lagos) took delivery of its first aircraft - two CRJ900s - on May 20, 2022, as it inches towards launch as Nigeria's newest low-cost carrier.

5N-BXS (msn 15113) and 5N-BXT (msn 15117), 15.5-year-old ex-Air Nostrum sisterships, were ferried from maintenance at Valencia Manises via Tamanrasset to Lagos. They remained parked at Lagos, awaiting proving flights and certification of ValueJet

"This is one of the many defining steps in ValueJet’s anticipated milestones. Performance, safety, and comfort informed the choice of our aircraft selection. With a track record of safety, ValueJet will deploy these aircraft for regional flight services once we have completed all mandatory processes and secured AOC approvals," Managing Director Omololu Majekodunmi said.

The airline expects delivery of its third unit of the type - 5N-BXR (msn 15080), ex-Lufthansa CityLine stock - "in the nearest future".

ValueJet originally targeted A320s for launch but later changed its plans to the smaller Bombardier Aerospace regional jets.

Nigeria's ValueJet to add CRJ900 in pax, freighter configs

Multiple Nigerian start-ups vie to launch ops in 2020