The Ministry of Aviation has debunked some newspaper report that Boeing
Corporation of the US, a foremost and major aircraft manufacturer in the world, may have rebuffed overtures from the Nigerian government to assist it in carrying out an airworthiness/re-certification of aircraft in the fleet of domestic airlines in the country.
A statement by Mr Joe Obi, Special Assistant, Media, to the Honourable Minister of Aviation said ‘’ In fact, Boeing, on the invitation of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, not only agreed to partner with the Ministry on safety and other related issues, but has indeed submitted a Proposal to the ministry to conduct an “airworthiness assessment” of all it’s Nigerian Registered aircraft in the fleet of domestic airlines in the country.
These discussions started since June/July 2012 after the Dana crash and Boeing’s proposal in this regard is currently receiving attention from the ministry of Aviation. Correspondences between Ken Sain , Managing Director of Boeing Professional Services (BPS), Chamson Andjorin, Director for Africa and Middle East (Aviation Safety ) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation bear testimony to this.’’
Mr Obi further clarify that what the Honourable Minister requested, and which Boeing has acceded to doing whenever their ‘’ proposal is approved is an “airworthiness assessment” of all the Nigerian Registered aircraft manufactured by Boeing, and not “re-certification” ‘’
He also said with regard to the Dana crash and airworthiness assessment of the MD83s in Dana’s fleet. , Boeing, being a subject of investigation excused themselves from the airworthiness assessment to avoid any conflict of interest charge. ‘’ Boeing however recommended a Third party, ALM to conduct an airworthiness assessment of the MD83s in Dana’s fleet. The assessment by ALM has been conducted and reports submitted to the relevant authorities.’’
’’But following the battery issues with one of Dana’s aircraft recently, the Honourable Minister still requested Boeing to provide some details on the state of the Dana fleet. Again, Boeing reiterated that since they are a party to the investigation of the crash, they do not want to appear compromised. But the aircraft manufacturer did volunteer to provide a “Technical Opinion” on the report by ALM.’’
’’To finally put a lie to insinuations that Boeing “may have rebuffed FG’s” overtures, we make haste to state that Boeing still plans to conduct the airworthiness assessment of its Nigerian Registered aircraft once it’s proposal, which is currently receiving attention is approved and the modalities for the exercise finalised and agreed by both parties. At no time, therefore did Boeing rebuff the FG’s overtures. In fact, the aircraft manufacturer is desirous of consummating a business relationship with the Nigerian authorities as soon as possible.’’