Med-View defends sale of aircraft
The management of Med-View Airline yesterday said the pending suit by Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Al Thunayan, the chairman of the airline, does not affect its operations, sale or leasing of any aircraft by the carrier.
The Managing Director, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, told journalists in Lagos that Al Thunayan instituted a suit bothering on non-payment of dividends to him at the
Federal High Court, Lagos.
Al Thunayan, a Saudi national, had instituted a suit after Med-View advertised for sale of its only two aircraft, saying he was not aware of the planned sale.
Bankole however explained that the Board of Directors of the airline at a meeting held on June 15, 2020, resolved to sell two of the company’s aircraft – Boeing B737-400 with the registration number: 5N-MAA and B737400 with the registration number: 5N-MAB in order to reduce the company’s credit facility with First Bank, its banker.
He noted that the decision was also aimed at re-strategising its operations by acquiring two lower capacity aircraft.
He explained that this was necessary following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which impacted the industry negatively.
He added: “The resolution was made pursuant to the request of our banker, First Bank, for the company to liquidate or reduce its indebtedness to the bank.
“The bank also promised to continue its unwavering support to acquire the two aircraft even with their approval of the sale of 5N-MAA and 5N-MAB.”
According to him, the directors of the airline were all notified of the meeting, including the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), stressing that this was in-line with regulations guiding quoted companies.
Bankole explained that by the virtue of the existing Deed of Aircraft Mortgage and De- Registration Power of Attorney between MedView Airline Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the latter was the sole mortgagee that could exercise all relevant legal rights over the said aircraft.
He noted that in the exercise of its legal rights therefore, the bank considered and approved the sale of the two aircraft with the sale’s proceeds applied towards part liquidation of Med-View’s exposure to the financial institution.
“This clarification becomes necessary therefore to inform would be interested purchasers of the two aircraft. First Bank in exercise of its lien power as the sole mortgagee therefore has the competence and capacity to approve the sale of the 5N-MAA and 5N-MAB aircraft.
“Interested persons and organisations should therefore submit/conclude their offers for consideration and acceptance accordingly,” he said.