TheCable

Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest airline, says it has taken delivery of the first set of two Dash-8 (Q-400) aircraft.

The airline announced this in a statement on Thursday.

The Dash 8 aircraft is said to be one of the most fuel-efficient and modern aircraft in the market and has a capacity of 74 seats.

Last month, Aero Contractors suspended operations due to the “impact of the challenging operating environment” on its daily operations.

The airline also said that most of its aircraft were undergoing maintenance.

According to the statement, the new aircraft, owned by UMZA Air, will be operated by Aero Contractors under a joint venture agreement between both parties.

The airline said the aircraft arrived at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.

It added it would take delivery of the second aircraft in a couple of days.

Speaking on the development, Abdullahi Mahmood, managing director of Aero Contractors, assured customers that the airline would soon resume operations.

“We are pleased to inform our customers and stakeholders of the delivery of this aircraft under a joint venture agreement with UMZA Air,” the airline boss said.

“We missed our customers over the last few weeks and we are eager to offer our services to our highly esteemed passengers.

“Once we are ready to commence operation, we shall officially inform the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“We shall announce our resumption of services with a new schedule soon once we are ready.”