We ‘ve not committed any offence, BA insists

Posted by admin Headlines Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

By Kenneth Ehigiator
LAGOS — The muscle-flexing between Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and British Airways continued yesterday, as the airline claimed not to have committed any offence, even as the regulatory agency insisted it must protect the interest of Nigerians against price fixing.

This came on the heels of the five-man administrative panel set up by the regulatory agency to look into the legality and fairness of the $235 million fine slammed on the two British carriers, BA and Virgin Atlantic Airways, as compensation for Nigerians, arising from price fixing.

British Airways also said it had not received further correspondence from the NCAA, claiming there was nothing to even negotiate.

“The NCAA is determined to vigorously defend the rights of Nigerian consumers and ensure an industry that encourages and rewards fair, open and acceptable business practices and ethics, while discouraging and penalizing any conduct that violates the law, disregards Nigerians and Nigeria, discriminates against and exploits or takes undue advantage of our people,” NCAA Director-General, Dr. Harold Demuren, said weekend in the statement announcing set up of the administrative panel.

A source close to the Aviation Ministry had told Vanguard, Sunday, that the airline was currently negotiating with the regulatory agency over the fine, but BA dismissed any talk of negotiation, insisting it committed no offence.

Country Commercial Manager Nigeria, British Airways, Mr. Kola Olayinka, said in a reaction: “We are waiting for further communications from NCAA. BA maintains it has not committed any offence as a company and we will continue to vigorously defend our position as laid down under the laws. You cannot negotiate on something you did not do. As we speak, we have no new official communications from the NCAA.”

Arik frequencies

into Heathrow rise

Meanwhile, Nigeria has scored the first point in the face-off with British Airways as Arik Air frequencies into London Heathrow has been raised from five weekly to seven on Abuja-London operations.

Recall that the muscling of the Nigerian carrier from Heathrow, based on alleged instigation by BA, led to the face-off between the federal government and the British carrier which, in turn, compelled the intervention of the British government.

The increase of Arik’s frequencies brings to 14 the number of frequencies enjoyed by Nigeria in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with the British government, as the airline also operates seven frequencies on Lagos-London route.

However, Nigeria still has a balance of seven frequencies to exploit in the BASA to achieve reciprocity, as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways currently operate 21 frequencies on the routes.

The BASA between both countries is founded on the principle of reciprocity, which currently put Nigeria at a disadvantage.

A source close to the Arik Air told Vanguard that the airline’s re-entry into London Heathrow from Abuja, after initial suspension of operations on October 29, 2011, as a result of the row, was borne out of the need to take good advantage of the summer season and its high traffic volume.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the airline would want to also consolidate on its Abuja-London operation as it had done on Lagos-London.

Asked if the British won’t create fresh obstacles in its operations in future, the source said simply: “We don’t anticipate that but if does happen, we’ll run back to the Aviation Minister.”

I think the minister has done well so far in protecting Nigeria airlines, especially Arik.”wp_posts