The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended the Federal Government for recognising the importance of aviation as one of the key drivers for economic recovery.
The Chairman of AON, Capt. Nogie Meggison, made the commendation in a statement issued on Monday, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The statement lauded the government for identifying with the pains of the Nigerian travelling public by extending its support for commercial airlines in the country.
It said the government demonstrated this by recently reaffirming the ZeroDuty and VAT payment on the importation of commercial airplanes and its spare parts, as a way of alleviating the cost burden and ensuring safe flight operations.
The statement noted that the unprecedented move was a welcome development and a strong testament of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s commitment to its promise of revamping the aviation sector.
“AON will like to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for giving a listening ear to our persistent calls for the removal of Duty and VAT on the importation of commercial aircraft and its parts, as is done in other parts of the world.
“This is a welcome development and we commend the government for showing maturity and understanding of the critical role that aviation plays in driving the Nigerian economy, thereby supporting Nigerian airlines, promoting safety and sustaining jobs,” it said.
The statement, however, clarified that the gesture was extended specifically to commercial aircraft operators and not private jet operators, who are required to pay for luxury taxes. (NAN)