The government of South Africa, through the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), has appointed a Nigerian, Mr. Nick Fadugba, into an interim board to reposition the South African Airways (SAA).
Fadugba joined others including; Mr. Geoff Qhena, Mr. Peter Tshisevhe, Ms. June Crawford, Ms. Bembe Zwane and Professor Edna van Harte into the board as the airline repositions ahead of 2021.
- COVID-19: FCT Minister raises alarm, says second wave deadlier
- HIV/AIDS: US treats 6,000 infected Nigerians weekly
The constitution of the interim six-member South African Airways (SAA) board will see to the restructuring of the airline for profitability and professionalism.
In a statement by DPE, the SAA said Geoff Qhena will chair the board with a mission to restore proper governance and oversight of the airline during the implementation of a business rescue plan.
The appointments, the statement said, is also to enhance the independence and balance of the board, whilst continuing the process of transformation and renewal.
“Nick Fadugba, is an aviation professional with many years in consulting and promoting aviation development on the African continent, including leading the African Airlines Association (AfRAA).
He has served as the Chairperson of African Business Aviation Association and has been involved in discussions on a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM),” said DPE.
Fadugba established African Aviation Services (AAS) in 1990 with the pan-African vision of promoting aviation development throughout Africa.
He believed that aviation could be a vital catalyst for Africa’s economic and social transformation.
Since 1988, he has provided a wide range of consultancy and advisory services to international aviation, finance and leasing organisations and to African Governments.
He has also been instrumental in fostering business relations between Africa and the international aviation community in critical areas such as Aviation Finance, Aircraft Leasing, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Safety and Aviation Training.
Fadugba has unique experience in aviation finance and aircraft leasing negotiation, arbitration and dispute resolution, according to the statement.
Other areas of specialty include; developing airline business plans; fleet planning; aircraft leasing and finance advisory services; airline route network development; market information research and analysis; reconciliation of aircraft leasing/finance accounts and debt recovery; negotiating acquisition of airport slots and air traffic rights; and establishing London Heathrow Airport operations for foreign airlines.
He was elected Chairman of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) in May, 2018.
