Finchglow Holdings warns of airline debt risks and announces new pilot academy

Bankole Bernard, Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, has raised concerns regarding the financial stability of Nigerian airlines. He warned that mounting debts and disputes between carriers and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over the withholding of Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charges (CSC) could compromise aviation safety. Bernard urged the regulator to mandate financial audits of airlines to ensure operational integrity.

In a separate development, Finchglow Holdings announced plans to establish a pilot training academy at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ogun State. The facility is intended to address the shortage of skilled aviation manpower in West Africa by offering programs in piloting and aeronautical engineering. Bernard noted that the Ogun State location offers more favorable airspace and lower traffic density compared to the congested airspace around Lagos.