In an unprecedented move, Azman Air Services Limited has announced a mandatory unpaid leave for all of its employees across the nation. The decision was conveyed through an internal memorandum dated August 3rd, 2023, bearing the title “PLACEMENT OF LEAVE WITHOUT PAY.” The memo, signed by the company’s Admin and HR Manager, Magaji Mohammed Misau, outlined the new directive, which exempts certain key personnel such as the company’s AGM, station managers, and select aircraft engineers.

The memo explained the rationale behind the decision, citing the temporary suspension of the airline’s domestic operations due to ongoing aircraft maintenance for C-Checks, which has been extended beyond the initial timeline. As a result of this unforeseen situation, the company’s management was compelled to take the difficult step of implementing a leave without pay arrangement for all staff members, effective from August 1, 2023.

The announcement has left many employees disheartened, with many employees expressing their displasure on the condition of anonymity. The employee expressed deep frustration over the outstanding issues of unpaid salaries, which have exacerbated the challenges faced by the workforce.

It is noteworthy that Azman Air’s domestic services had been suspended by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) previously. The regulatory body confirmed its decision to halt Azman Air’s operations, citing the airline’s failure to provide the necessary documents for the renewal of its Air Transport Licence (ATL) in September 2022. This suspension had already impacted the airline’s operations prior to the current development of the mandatory unpaid leave for its employees.

  Azman Air, NCAA