Ray Megwa: Making Air Travel Pure Pleasure
Ray Megwa, executive director and chief executive officer, Oriental Airlines Limited, is a success - driven man, committed to provide the best airline services to his customers. He enjoys the challenge of working in the airline industry which throws up different problems every day and at different times for the aviation manager to solve to remain in business.
Oriental Airlines, under the leadership of Megwa, believes in dynamic marketing. Oriental Airline does not compromise on safety standards. Rolls Royce maintains Oriental Airlines engine while World Aviation Support in England is their technical partners on maintenance. The airline does 'C' check and maintenance of its aircraft all year round. They Obtain their supplies from Aero Star Supplies.
Megwa reveals that a regular 'C' check costs about US $400,000 but if there is a major corrosion problem, it costs about US $500,000. He suggests that given the special position of the aviation industry, government should allow them to buy foreign exchange at the official rate of N22 to the dollar. The funds should be paid directly to suppliers and maintenance companies abroad to ensure that it is utilized for the purpose t was allocated.
Understandably, Oriental Airline is about the only airline that goes to Owerri. The company has taken interest in keeping the Owerri airport busy since its chairman, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, sees it as a service to his people.
The airline has applied to the aviation ministry for permission to operate international routes especially those that Nigeria Airways does not fly. Megwa considers it a good development that 70 percent of the pilots flying in Nigeria are Nigerians. He considers Nigerian pilots as among the very best in the world. Oriental Airline pilots undergo training and retraining abroad every six months.
He believes that the future of aviation industry in the country is very bright as Nigeria has enormous potentials for growth. Megwa advises that young people should not cheat especially when they want to succeed in life. He rather suggests honesty, hardwork and dedication.
He expects to leave behind a virile aviation industry. Megwa has a master of science degree from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom and a doctorate from the University of California, Ramona, US. He first worked in Hardel and Enic, the parent company of Oriental Airlines.
Newswatch June 29, 1998
" Newswatch 1998