Agboarumi Addresses Nigerian Airlines' High Mortality Rate

Basil Agboarumi, the Lead Consultant/CEO of The Onward Public Relations and former Managing Director/CEO of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) Plc, has identified critical factors leading to the high mortality rate of Nigerian airlines. He attributed this issue to high operational costs and insufficient government support for airline operators.

Over the last four decades, more than 100 Nigerian airlines have ceased operations, with an average lifespan of just five years between 2000 and 2020. Notable airlines that have closed include ADC Airlines, Afrijet, Albarka Air, Bellview, Chanchangi, Sosoliso, and Virgin Nigeria.

Agboarumi highlighted that fuel costs account for 35-40% of airline revenue, with a Lagos-Abuja return flight requiring approximately eight million naira in fuel alone. He also mentioned the significant costs associated with maintenance checks and the impact of currency exchange rates on operational expenses.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria has maintained a strong aviation safety record, with only two fatal accidents in the past decade.