Med-view Air suspends Dubai operations over leasing contract default
• Restores Lagos-london services Delta govt pays N27m stipends to 5, 555 widows
MED-VIEW Airlines Plc has suspended its Dubai operations.
This followed the temporary withdrawal of the operating aircraft and the lessor’s failure to provide an alternative.
Theguardian learnt that the aircraft, which was leased from Europe, fell short of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) standard.
Its subsequent return had created a vacuum in the international operations of the flag carrier.
Meanwhile, the airline has announced the resumption of its Lagos-london operations.
This is coming after an alleged discrimination and sabotage by the ground handlers and authorities of the London Gatwick Airport in the UK.
Some of Med-view passengers from Dubai and London were at the weekend, stranded in Lagos due to the cancellation of their flights.
The Managing Director/chief Executive Officer of the airline, Muneer Bankole, confirmed the problem, which, he said, had since been resolved.
He said the problem was due to the challenges posed by the operating aircraft and the sabotage at the London airport.
Bankole explained that its European partner, EuroAtlantic, which the said aircraft was leased from, had been unable to meet the airline’s requirement in providing the necessary capacity.
He hinted that resumption of Dubai operations would commence when its own aircraft, a Boeing 767-300ER christened “Abeke” returns from its complete refurbishment in the UK.
THE Delta State government yesterday paid over N27million to selected 5, 555 widows in the state.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the disbursements in Asaba.
He said the gesture was a fulfillment of his campaign promise of empowering the people
Beneficiaries of the programme, a minimum of 20 each from 270 wards, were drawn from the 25 local council areas in the state.
They are also expected to freely participate in the state government’s Contributory Health Care Health Scheme.
The governor told the women to access the free health scheme at the nearest health centres and hospitals, and urged them to report anybody who charges them money for treatment.
“The welfare scheme which is designed for widows in the state is meant to pay them a monthly stipend of 5,000 naira. The state government would also pay their monthly premiums in the contributory healthcare scheme,” he said.