Overland Takes Delivery Of ATR Aircraft

Overland Airways, has taken delivery of the first of its six ATR 72 aircarft.

The aircraft with registration 5N-BPE arrived Nigeria on October 27, 2012 from Toulouse, France.

The Overland ATR 72 airccraft with a significantly reduced noise level is configured to carry 70 passengers in its business flyer seats and offers easy access to every seat.

The Chief Executive officer of Overland Airways Limited, Captain Edward Boyo said, “the addition of the ATR 72 to our fleet enables Overland Airways to provide a high level of on-board comfort to our customers. It increases our seat capacity while ensuring that we can extend our services to new locations in Nigeria. We are proud to be the first airline in Nigeria to operate this modern aircraft type.

“The delivery of ATR 72 marks another milestone for overland Airways as we celebrate our 10 years of offering excellent air service in Nigeria. It shows our commitment to continuously upgrade our fleet in line with the expectations of discerning customers and satisfy our growing market. This new addition to our ATR family of aircraft will further our leadership and presence in the Nigerian airline industry”, he said.

According to him, there is a plan to provide air transport services to every state in Nigeria through continuous development and delivery of aviation products and services to meet the needs of air travelers in the country.

He described Overland Airways as a responsive airline that was committed to the revival and sustenance of hitherto perceived unviable routes in the country, so as to boost air transport in Nigeria.

Meanwhile the Managing Director of Mish Aviation, Ibrahim Mshelia has stressed the need for manpower development in the aviation sector.

According to him, 63 per cent of captains flying today would be retired in the next five years, so massive training of core aviation manpower is needed in the country.

He lauded the federal government for upgrading the infrastructure at the nation’s airports and enjoined the state governments to train at least 20 students from their respective states so as to fill in the gap.