Barely 24 hours after the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), imposed handling suspension on Max Air over unpaid debts, the association has lifted the ban.
Recalled that AGHAN had suspended ground handling services to Max Air over an alleged debt estimated at nearly N1 billion, a decision that has effectively halted the airline’s domestic operations across Nigeria.
AGHAN however said that the lifting of the ban was necessary following the ongoing negotiations between the airline and its members.
A statement jointly signed on Friday by Olaniyi Adigun, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of AGHAN, and Bashir Ahmed, respectively, said that the airline was now cooperating with its members and had paid in “substantial amounts of money” out of the debts owed them.
The statement, however, said that the association would not back down in ensuring its handling members were paid their charges by debtor airlines, stressing that the operating economy was equally tough on its members.
AGHAN regretted that debt burden had continued to rise despite repeated efforts by handlers to recover payments from airlines.
“We have to lift the handling suspension on Max Air after it commenced negotiations with our members and paid a substantial amount of money out of its debts.
“We agree that the operating environment is tough for all operators, but we are not equally exempted from the challenge. Our members buy equipment and upgrade their facilities regularly. They also seek foreign exchange for what they do. Yet, the debts are piling up.
““The aviation industry is a chain and not about the airlines alone. Others too play major roles in the ecosystem and they need to survive,” the joint statement read in part.
Also, the association noted that ground handling companies were necessary to aviation safety and seamless airport operations, warning that prolonged financial pressure on handlers could affect service delivery, safety and staff welfare.
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