Azman shuts down operation, sends staff on ‘compulsory leave’

 

Azman Air Services Limited has taken the step to implement compulsory unpaid leave for all its staff members, citing ongoing C-checks on its aircraft and the substantial cost of operations as the primary reasons behind this decision.

Nurudden Aliyu, the spokesperson for the airline, confirmed the development to TheCable newspaper. He clarified that the temporary suspension of operations was driven by a confluence of factors, chiefly the necessity for C-checks on their Boeing 737 aircraft designated for domestic flights.

The C-check procedure involves an extensive examination, overhaul, repair, replacement of parts, and preventive maintenance for an aircraft. This comprehensive assessment is meticulously executed in accordance with airframe manufacturer guidelines and planning documentation.

Aliyu offered insight into the situation, revealing that two of the airline's planes had already been dispatched to a maintenance facility in Turkey. However, a backlog at the maintenance hangar had caused delays in the process. He further elaborated that the other two aircraft used for operations were also due for maintenance, and the plan was to have them undergo C-checks as well. One of the planes had reached the 90% completion mark, leading the airline to anticipate that two of its aircraft would be operational once again by October.

Given the financial implications associated with these maintenance activities and the resultant operational limitations, the management made the difficult decision to place the company's operations on hold temporarily. This move was prompted by the substantial financial strain brought on by the maintenance and operational challenges.

Internally, the airline issued a memorandum titled 'Placement of Leave Without Pay' to its employees, signaling the implementation of unpaid leave. The memo, signed by Magaji Misau, the airline's Human Resources Manager, outlined the circumstances leading to this decision. It pointed to the suspension of domestic operations due to aircraft being committed to C-checks, with extended completion timelines provided by the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

The memo conveyed the management's directive, stating that all employees would be placed on unpaid leave from August 1, 2023, onwards. This measure underscores the company's efforts to navigate the financial and operational challenges it currently faces while maintaining transparency with its workforce.

As Azman Air endeavors to manage its aircraft maintenance and operational expenses, the implementation of unpaid leave represents a strategic response to a complex and multifaceted situation. The airline's actions exemplify the delicate balance that often characterizes business decisions aimed at sustaining long-term viability in the aviation industry.