The Federal Government has now compelled all Nigerian registered airlines to join the clearing house of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The development came even as the Ministry of Aviation, in conjunction with various agencies, has started pursuing the redemption of huge debts owed the agencies by airlines just as there would be no room for accumulation of debts with the introduction of electronic system of payment.
Government, through the Minister of Aviation, Stella Adaeze Oduah, gave this directive at the press conference held to commemorate the 100 days of President Goodluck Jonathan in office.
This directive, she explained, was aimed at sanitising the air transport business and ensure transparency in all their financial transactions coupled with ensuring seamless interlining of travelers with world renowned carriers.
While charting a new vision for the industry, the minister dropped the hint that the ministry had developed initiatives to enhance growth in the industry by mandating all airlines to join IATA platform in the revenue collection process and enable inter-airline ticket endorsement.
Airline members of IATA enjoy the support of an internationally renowned organisation that serves one of the most dynamic industries in the world.
From 57 founding members in 1945, IATA now represents some 238 airlines in over 115 countries from around the globe.
Carrying 93% of the world’s international scheduled traffic, IATA members include the world’s leading passenger and cargo airlines.
IATA provides a powerful, unified and experienced voice which supports and promotes the interests of its members in a number of ways including: International recognition and lobbying and cost reduction.
The minister also used the occasion to declare that in her determination to assist the airlines in the area of high operational cost, the ministry had intervened by setting up a committee to look into the scarcity of aviation fuel and how it could be procured at affordable price so as to lower the cost of operations and the air fares being charged.
On the issue of concessions entered into by the government agencies with some companies, the minister said the ministry was set to review all of them in favour of the people and government of Nigeria.
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