Nigeria imposes new 15 year age limit on aircraft

The Federal Government of Nigeria has imposed a 15 year age limit for aircraft operating in Nigeria, previously the age limit was 22 years. The decision comes in the wake of the fatal Dana Air crash. Operators will now be required to pay significantly higher lease rates for aircraft. At the moment the minimum rate for 15-year old aircraft is around $220,000 per month, compared to $120,000 for 18 year old planes. The policy, which has been described as unrealistic by many in the country, could lead to the banning of 38 aircraft or 60% of scheduled commercial airlines’ planes.