(Ecofin Agency) - Aero Contractors has offered the government of Nigeria its fleet as logistical means to help in the fight against the covid-19 pandemic which has already infected 51 persons and killed one in the country. The decision was announced by the Lagos-based carrier on March 25.

“We at Aero Contractors have decided to offer our fleet to the federal government- all the aircraft in the fixed-wing and rotary- to deploy at its disposal in the fight against COVID-19. This is what we have decided to do to support the government,” CEO Ado Sanusi said.

“I am impressed by what the Task Force (set to control the virus spreading in the country) is doing so far and I believe that our little contributions will help them. They can use the aircraft to airlift relief materials, medical equipment and personnel,” he added.

Also, the air carrier will suspend commercial operations today March 26 at midnight for two weeks, in line with the Lagos state government's decision to ban any gatherings of more than 20 people.

As a reminder, Aero Contractors is the oldest airline operating in Nigeria. It was originally 100% owned by the Ibru family. However, following its inability to repay its bank loans, the state-owned Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took a 60% stake in the airline at the end of 2012, before taking full control in 2016. The company’s fleet includes one Boeing 737-400, three Boeing 737-500s, two Dash8s and helicopters.

Romuald Ngueyap