(L-R) Media Relationship Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Sam Ogbogoro;
Head-Corporate Communications, Mr. Tony Usidamen; and Head-Commercial, Mr.
Obialor Mbanuzuo at a press briefing to update on the airline’s
progress since the tragic June 3, 2012 crash and to unveil plans for the one
year anniversary
Head-Corporate Communications, Mr. Tony Usidamen; and Head-Commercial, Mr.
Obialor Mbanuzuo at a press briefing to update on the airline’s
progress since the tragic June 3, 2012 crash and to unveil plans for the one
year anniversary
In
exactly 7 days it will be one year since the tragic Dana Air accident of
Sunday, June 3, 2012, and a number of activities are being planned in memorial.
Also, as a responsible organization, we feel the need to update the media and
the general public on all the steps taken by the airline and relevant agencies
since then.
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION & REPORT
- Investigation into the cause of the accident was launched by the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) with technical support from the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately after, and a preliminary report was released by the AIB on July 12, 2012. Investigations are, however, on-going, and Dana Air will continue to offer its full cooperation and assistance to the investigating authorities as may be required.
INSURANCE & COMPENSATION
- The insurers of Dana Air have made unprecedented progress in payment of compensation. As of Friday, May 24, 2013, 95 of the 125 families who completed claim forms had received interim compensation of 30,000USD following legal verification of documentation and next-of-kin status while 11 have received full compensation of 100,000USD; about 21 more, whose grant of probate has just come through, will receive full payment shortly, upon execution of release. Delay in completion of the payment process is due incomplete documentation, multiple claim cases, challenge in securing grant of probate/letter of guardianship (in the case of minors) and legal suits (62 persons have legal representation overseas). Our insurers are, however, sparing no efforts in processing all claims in accordance with the applicable law.
- Progress is also being made in compensation of ground victims and negotiations are on-going with affected residents to settle all genuine claims within the shortest possible time.
AIRLINE RECERTIFICATION & CURRENT OPERATIONS
·
After
satisfactorily completing a process of recertification by the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority (NCAA), a new Air Operator Certificate was issued to the
airline on December 5, 2012 and scheduled operations commenced on January 4,
2013.
·
At
present, Dana Air operates 12 daily flights on the Lagos-Abuja-Lagos route, 4
on the Lagos-Port Harcourt-Lagos route and 2 on the Abuja-Port Harcourt-Abuja
route. Plans are underway to re-launch operations to more Nigerian cities
shortly.
·
In
line with its expansion plan, the airline is set to boost its current fleet of
Boeing MD83 aircraft with the acquisition of Boeing 737s by the third quarter
of 2013.
MEMORIAL ACTIVITIES
·
Friday,
May 31, 2013 - Special Jumat Service at the Lagos Central Mosque, Alausa,
Ikeja by 1.00pm
·
Sunday,
June 2, 2013 – Special Memorial Mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church,
Ikeja by 11am
·
Monday,
June 3, 2013 – Memorial Procession to take-off from MMA2 Lagos at 8am and
terminate at the NCAA Headquarters 8am
At
Dana Air, the safety and comfort of our guests and crew has always been our major
priority and we will continue to go the extra mile to provide an unparalled
level of service to air travelers in Nigeria.
