Passengers to pay for fuel surcharge on Aero flights

Just read this article about Aero's decision to make passengers pay for the fuel surcharge.  Read on for more details


Aero Contractors, one of the oldest carriers in the country on domestic and regional air transport business, on Tuesday announced the introduction of a fuel surcharge of N500, and cash handling charge of N300 on every ticket purchased with effect from May 19, and June 1, respectively.

According to the airline, the fuel surcharge is aimed at cushioning the effect of the increase in the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria, which is one of the highest in the world.

“The N300 cash handling fee will be charged at all Aero’s sales desks on all transactions similar to the regular Commission On Turnover [COT] at the banks,” the airline stated.

Airline operators and industry analysts on several occasions have called on the government to intervene in the price of aviation fuel, popularly called Jet-A1, sold in the country, as they argued that the price of the commodity is on the high side compared to what is obtainable in other parts of the world.

Fuel costs defy logic

Aero, however, disclosed that passengers can avoid these charges by booking and paying for their tickets online at the company’s web site, using their debit cards or book-on-hold online and pay within 24 hours at any of the airline’s designated banks.

“Aviation fuel is one of the highest cost components of airline operations all over the world, sometimes accounting for up to 40 per cent of cost of operation,” said Robert Prophet, head of commercials for Aero. “Fuel cost in Nigeria has defied logic and we had to take this measure to cushion the cost of our operations.”

Mr. Prophet assured that the airline will appraise the surcharge should there be any changes in world fuel price.

“However, fuel costs are being closely monitored, we promise to review the surcharge immediately the cost of fuel goes down or when the Federal government is able to assist airline operators on this matter,” he said. “The extra charge of N300 can be avoided when customers pay online or use the book-on-hold facility at Aero’s website.”


more from here http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5569158-146/passengers_to_pay_for_fuel_surcharge.csp