Azman Air Takes to the Skies Again with Domestic Flights in Nigeria
After a pause that stretched nearly eight months, Azman Air, based in Kano, Nigeria, is back in the air, marking a significant comeback in the domestic aviation sector. The airline successfully recommenced its scheduled domestic operations with a B737-300 aircraft, signaling a positive shift in its operational capabilities and a step forward in reconnecting Nigerian cities.
The airline made an announcement via social media platforms, setting April 4 as the date for the resumption of operations. However, actual flight data confirmed that the inaugural flight post-hiatus, utilizing the aircraft registered as 5N-YSM, embarked from Kano to Lagos on April 5. This flight symbolized the airline’s readiness to re-engage with its customer base and fulfill the transportation needs within Nigeria.
This resumption follows the renewal of Azman Air’s air operator’s certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), a critical regulatory endorsement that was announced on February 29. The aircraft 5N-YSM, pivotal to the airline’s restart, returned to Kano on January 9 after a comprehensive C-check maintenance at Istanbul Airport, underscoring the airline’s commitment to safety and reliability.
Azman Air had previously halted all its operations, including domestic flights and Hajj charter services to Saudi Arabia, in August 2023. The cessation was attributed to extensive maintenance requirements that unexpectedly extended, impacting the airline’s operational schedule. During this period, the majority of the airline’s staff were placed on unpaid leave, with only a minimal team retained to oversee the maintenance of the stored fleet.
The ch-aviation PRO airlines module provides insights into Azman Air’s fleet composition, highlighting a diverse array of aircraft including two B737-300s (with one owned outright and the other leased), four B737-500s (comprising both owned and leased units), and a singular, company-owned A340-600. This fleet underpins Azman Air’s capability to serve its domestic market effectively and signifies potential for future route expansion and service enhancements.
Azman Air’s return to domestic flight operations is a noteworthy development within Nigeria’s aviation landscape, illustrating the airline’s resilience and strategic planning to overcome operational challenges. It also reflects positively on the broader Nigerian aviation industry’s growth prospects, offering passengers increased options for domestic travel. As Azman Air takes flight once more, the focus will undoubtedly be on its performance, service quality, and how it plans to navigate the competitive skies ahead.