Dana Air lays off workers amid operational audit

The management of Dana Airline has temporarily disengaged some of its staff members pending the conclusion of the ongoing operational audit being conducted by the Nigeria’s regulatory authorities.

Penpushing reports that the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa, made this known in a statement Saturday explaining that the audit, currently underway, is a collaborative effort between Dana Air and the authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary standards and regulations.

“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit. This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures’, Ezenwa said.

“The Management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty. It recognises the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation promptly’, he added

Penpushing further reports that Ezenwa in the statement said that Dana Air reaffirmed its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution of the audit process.

The statement added that the airline remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout the process and while these challenges are being addressed, it has commenced talks with lessors and are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.

Penpushing also reports that the management of the airline which is currently being suspended by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), however, urged for calm and understanding from the dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) its is recalled last month suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines with immediate effect, and this order was contained in a letter issued and endorsed by the Acting Director General of the regulatory body, Chris Najomo, in Abuja.

Penpushing reports that the letter explained that the action was based on elevated safety concerns posed by the airline, while it is equally recalled that the airline suspension came less than 48 hours after an aircraft (MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI) belonging to Dana Air experienced a runway incursion upon landing at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Abuja.

The airline management in response to the incident came out to explain that all the 83 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were evacuated safely, while it also on record that as at the time of filing this report, the management is yet to refund air fare of passengers who had earlier paid before the suspension order came

‘We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or fear as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism,” the airline emphasized

Penpushing further reports that the management added that the country’s investigation Bureau and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been properly briefed about the incident, just as record has it that it was the second time within two years that the regulatory body would suspend the airline’s AOC over safety violations.

The airline’s operation was in 2022 halted after the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority came out negative, and on Saturday, the airline said its management is working diligently to address any concerns and is preparing a restart plan that will ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.

Penpushing also reports that management in the statement assured and expressed confidence that that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

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