There is allegation that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is cannibalising Arik Air aircraft and using the parts taken from the aircraft to fix Aero’s airplanes, another airline that was taken over by corporation.
An industry source which spoke on the condition of anonymity alleged that a Bombardier Dash 8, Q400 engine that was taken away from Arik aircraft with registration 5N-BKV was given to Aero to fix in the same aircraft type, which had fault in Kaduna not long ago.
The source added that it was the second engine of the aircraft that was removed in a lease agreement in which Aero would be paying Arik $25,000 about (N7.8m) a month until the engine was returned to Arik. But in swift reaction, the Media Consultant to AMCON at Arik Air, Mr Simon Tumba stated that there was nothing like cannibalisation of Arik air aircraft as been insinuated in some quarters.
Tumba informed that what happened was that Aero leased an engine from Arik Air, adding that it was a mutual agreement between the two airlines.Tumba added that the lease is not for free as it done at a fee.According to him,
“There is nothing like cannibalisation of Arik Air aircraft to fix Aero. What happened was that Aero leased an engine from Arik Air . It was an agreement between the two airlines and it comes with a fee.,” adding that “the use of the word cannibalisation is in the imagination of those speculating the false news.”
The airline source also alleged that apart from the cannibalising of Arik Air aircraft engine, other parts were removed from the aircraft to repair the Aero aircraft.The source reminded AMCON that the fact that it has taken over the arline’s management does not mean the airline belongs to AMCON, adding that the corporation should be very cautious when taking such safety critical decision, as its action could jeorpardise safety.
“The agreement term that Aero agrees to pay $25,000 a month for the engine is exploitative and against the interest of Arik because in other parts of the world when this lease arrangement is done the airline pays for the engine per hour and should also pay for maintenance reserve for the engine, which were not done in the so-called lease between Arik and Aero,” it noted.
It added that the aircraft from which the part has been cannibalised may have been destroyed because it was not only that part that was taken from the aircraft.
“You cannibalise Arik aircraft and give the parts to Aero. It is not only that engine that was taken away but other parts were taken away. The engine taken away is engine number two. Since AMCON took over Aero five years ago its debts has increased and its fleet depleted. They talked about corporate governance but under that corporate governance Aero has not improved; rather its existence is being threatened” the source declared.
The source continued, “When AMCON took over Arik, the airline had 15 serviceable aircraft but AMCON claimed they were 10. Now, from that 10, Arik has four aircraft. The new management owes all fuel markers N450 million. So AMCON has started cannibalizing Arik Air aircraft who knows the next thing it wants to do. Their flights have decreased and there are still delays. From all these it has become obvious that AMCON cannot manage the airline.”
