As part of its preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has completed screening of airlines and cargo companies that applied for the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims and their luggage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the spiritual exercise.
The 32-member screening committee, chaired by NAHCON Commissioner in charge of Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Prince Anofi Elegushi, completed the screening exercise on Thursday, December 5.
Its members comprised NAHCON Board members; some staff of the Commission; Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and representatives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
The committee, which was inaugurated by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on November 26, commenced the weeklong screening exercise, which was held at the Hajj House headquarters of the commission in Abuja, on November 27.
It was tasked with the responsibility of, among others, selecting reliable and efficient airlines and cargo companies that meet international safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
It was gathered that the exercise involved a comprehensive evaluation of prospective airlines and cargo companies with a view to ensuring that they meet NAHCON’s stringent requirements, including verification of licenses, operational permits as well as certifications from NCAA, International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The screening committee also evaluated safety records of the airlines and cargo companies, as well as their adherence to international aviation safety standards, and reviewed their onboard services for pilgrims, including seating arrangements, meal options, and medical assistance.
It also examined the airliners and cargo companies’ past performance in Hajj operations, focusing on punctuality, customer service, and compliance with guidelines.
It was further learned that the committee took all the necessary measures in reviewing and evaluating all the necessary documents required and submitted by the airlines and cargo companies that applied to be selected for next year’s Hajj operations.
Thirteen applicants, including three foreign-based airliners: Max Air Limited; Flynas (Saudi designated); Air Peace Limited; Flyadeal (Saudi designated); Gyro Air Limited; Trebet Aviation; Umrah Air Limited (Ethiopian Airline); Value Jet; Umza Aviation Services Limited; Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited; Kiswah Logistics Services Limited; Sokodeke and CargoZeal Technologies, were screened by the committee.
With the completion of the screening exercise, NAHCON will now forward recommendations of technical partners based on outcome of the screening to the Presidency, which is expected to communicate the approved airlines and cargo companies to the Hajj body.
NAHCON is then expected to announce successful airlines and cargo companies to be engaged for the 2025 Hajj operations, after which contracts will be signed with them to facilitate timely preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.
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