The Nation Newspaper

Category: Aviation

  • British Airways opens lounge for passengers at MMIA

    British Airways opens lounge for passengers at MMIA

    British Airways has opened a renovated luxurious lounge at Lagos Airport for passengers connecting its passengers to global destinations.

    The new facility is a fallout of significant investment, where the British airline created zones throughout the 360 square metres of space to cater to different passengers’ needs.

    The opening of the facility came on the heels of a six-month refurbishment.

     The space for the facility, the carrier said, has been cleverly designed to give customers more room to enjoy an upgraded food and beverage experience.

    Speaking on the benefits of the facility, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku described it as a good infrastructure to improve customer experience.

     She said: “I would say that coming in here today and experiencing this new lounge with British Airways in partnership with STS clearly demonstrates the development that British Airways is bringing to Nigeria. More importantly in line with our guidelines for customer experience being a priority.  I walked around the lounge and I asked very simple questions of which I got very remarkable answers. A lot of the work that was done in the lounge today was done in collaboration with Nigerian entrepreneurs. You heard about the collaboration with the gallery, a lot of the woodwork, the furniture are all by Nigerian entrepreneurs so they definitely make me proud. I also looked at the cuisine that they are serving as well as the experience.” 

    “There are very few things that are important to us, each area has a charging section, there are rest areas, and wheelchair accessibility, as well as making sure that passengers with disabilities are catered for.  I do notice that they also have a rest area as well as showers. I will definitely say that this experience is comparable to all global locations where British Airways has a first-class lounge. I’m extremely proud of them and I’m hoping that we see more collaboration and better expansion as we go along.”

    The airline said the facility will also allow passengers to relax, dine or work in a premium space, while also proudly exhibiting local art from Akoje Gallery.

    Read Also: Lagos bound British Airways passengers escape death at Heathrow

    British Airways said passengers will be transported into a new contemporary lounge as soon as they pass through the grand entrance with floor-to-ceiling glass. 

    It said: “For those who want to dine ahead of the evening flight to London, there is a self-serve dining area with a wide selection of freshly made dishes.  The food and drink menu offers a range of Nigerian classics and British-inspired dishes which will change regularly.

    “Customers can also pull up a chair at a newly built bar where a bartender will serve drinks including cocktails, wine, and soft drinks.

    “To commemorate British Airways’ strong association with Nigeria, art from local artists will be displayed across the lounge.  The airline has launched a partnership with Akoje Gallery – founded by Maro Itoje and Khalil Akar – to curate an innovative new in-lounge exhibition featuring and celebrating guest artists.  The first showcase of works is themed ‘New Beginnings’ to celebrate the lounge opening. 

    “The newly imagined lounge space features a quiet room with day beds, while the main area features relaxing comfy sofas and clusters of tables and chairs.  Customers needing to work can take advantage of new printing facilities.”

    Speaking about the facility, British Airways Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said: “We’re focused on investing in the entire customer journey, not just on board.  For many of our customers, lounges are an important part of their experience, and the re-design of our Lagos lounge is a key part of our transformation strategy across our lounges around the world.

    “We’re delighted to open our doors to this stunning lounge in Lagos and we’re confident customers will enjoy spending time in this cleverly created space.”

    The lounge is open to customers traveling in Club World (business) and first, as well as Silver and Gold Executive Club Members.

    Also speaking, an official of The Akoje Gallery, Khalil Akar, added: “We are honoured to partner with British Airways and give local Nigerian artists the chance to showcase their talents in the brand-new Lagos Lounge. We hope British Airways passengers enjoy the immersion in Nigerian culture and the artists’ contribution to their local art community.”

    In his comment, British Airways Head of Sales for Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, Juan Pedro said: “I’m delighted to be here today to open this new lounge. Lagos is an incredibly important city for us, we want to elevate the customer service even more. This lounge is a brand new open space with seating for 110 customers, we have a new food offering, we have a hot buffet, and a quiet room that allows our customers who want to just relax or take a nap before their flight to do so.

    “We have shower facilities and we have something bespoke, our customers will be able to enjoy champagne and a selection of champagne selections. British Airways is upgrading a big part of that is focusing on customer experience. Lagos is an incredible city for us so we must look at the facilities that we have over here and see how we can make it better.

    “In particular with lounges, it’s something that we are looking at very seriously, we just refreshed all our lounges in Heathrow and we opened an incredible new lounge. Next year we will be launching some new lounges in both Miami and Dubai. It’s part of the transformation program that we are trying to achieve by elevating the customer experience.

    “We are looking at everything that we can offer our customers here in Nigeria. I’m glad that we can offer two flights every day into Nigeria. One from Lagos and Abuja.

    “Customer service is very good and to get benefits from London and the United States. Like I said we are currently reviewing our facilities and seeing how we can make them even better. “

  • VistaJet renews commitment to Nigeria, West Africa’s economic development

    VistaJet renews commitment to Nigeria, West Africa’s economic development

    VistaJet has restated its commitment to the economy of West Africa by deploying its Bombardier Challenger 605 to Nigeria and other African countries to provide chatter services to business owners.

    The aviation firm said it was dedicating three of its aircrafts in the region.

    VistaJet President of Europe and Africa, Philippe Scalabrini said this in Abuja during a static tour of Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    He said: “VistaJet provides great value to clients in West Africa and is the perfect flying solution for West African corporates and businesses as a hassle-free and timesaving tool to connect world decision-makers domestically and across continents, boosting economies and driving global investments.

    “Now, with three dedicated aircraft in the region, VistaJet aims to accelerate its trajectory as a key partner for the region’s economic development. The business aviation sector will play a crucial role in this growth, as in other regional economic transformations.

    Read Also: Why we’re expanding our services in Nigeria, by Vistajet

    “VistaJet is pleased to be able to support Africa’s economic development.”

    He noted that in the last one year alone, its “customer traffic has increased by 28 per cent in the African continent and 58 per cent in the west African region.”

    “So, what we are introducing here today is what we started about three years ago. We are introducing a fleet of Challenger 605 from Bombardier. This is dedicated to the region here. It is very exciting for us because over the years we have seen the potential,” he stated.

    With mid- to large-cabin, ultra-long-range Bombardier Global and Challenger business jets in its fleet, Scalabrini said Nigeria was an important aviation market to explore.

    “Nigeria is a very big aviation market and so we are providing an alternative to aircraft acquisition, a solution where someone can buy 100 hours for instance,” Scalabrini stated.

  • Keyamo seeks stable power supply at airport

    Keyamo seeks stable power supply at airport

    Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has urged the Kano State government to facilitate the installation of a dedicated power line at the Kano International Airport to address persistent outages, particularly those affecting the air-conditioning system.

    Keyamo said this when he visited Governor Abba Yusuf before inspecting facilities at the airport ahead of conveying pilgrims to Saudi Arabai for this year’s pilgrimage.

    The minister outlined three critical requests to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the airport.

    He called for the state’s support in acquiring two additional generators to supplement public electricity supply at the airport to ensure uninterrupted operations for pilgrims and other travellers alike.

    He also called the governor’s attention to properties belonging to Skypower, especially those under dispute.

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    Keyamo sought the state government’s intervention to resolve the matter amicably.

    The minister expressed gratitude to the state government for its hospitality and support, reiterating the ministry’s dedication to enhance aviation infrastructure across Nigeria.

    During the inspection tour to assess the readiness of the airport to cater for intending pilgrims, Keyamo underscored the collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.

    Governor Yusuf, who was represented by his deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, assured the minister of the state government’s commitment to addressing the requests.

    The minister was accompanied on the tour by Gwarzo; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku; amongst others.

  • ‘How domestic carriers can operate sustainably’

    ‘How domestic carriers can operate sustainably’

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors Airlines, Capt Ado Sanusi has prescribed pills for the survival of indigenous carriers, urging the Federal Government to facilitate access to aircraft to operators by providing sovereign cover for airlines before aircraft lessors.

    Such cover, Sanusi said, would be a guarantee that the Nigerian carrier would live up to the prescribed conditions in the payment of lease rentals and other obligations to the aircraft lessors.

    Sanusi told The Nation that the Federal Government could also come to the rescue of indigenous carriers by ensuring it strikes deals that will ensure a formidable partnership between aircraft lessors and manufacturers for a flexible financial option to make the acquisition of airplanes convenient and stress free.

    Besides, Sanusi said the Federal Government could go a step further by ensuring that challenges confronting indigenous carriers border on multiple taxation by aviation agencies.

    Sanusi said without looking at the escalating cost of operations, indigenous carriers will continue to navigate strong tail wind to make their business sustainable.

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    He spoke of plans by the Aero Contractors Airlines management to secure more operating aircraft from the current fleet to rev the revenue profile of the airline in order to meet its various obligations.

    Sanusi said to drive the profitability of the carrier, it needs to boost its fleet size, enjoy policies of the government such as the Ease Of Doing Business to facilitate the return of more aircraft into service, remove obstacles created by Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies bent on frustrating the efforts of the government.

    Sanusi said: “There are low hanging fruits the Federal Government could harvest for the growth of the sector.The most important being creating easier access to getting aircraft from lessors. One of the best ways of getting this is to ask the Federal Government to get sovereign cover for the aircraft. This will involve a guarantee that the operators will not default on their lease rentals on the equipment. And if they do, there is assurance that they could repossess their property.

    “As much as intervention is good for indigenous carriers, such efforts in the past has  not been better managed. But, the Federal Government could put some measures in place to assist local carriers, to navigate the very turbulent operating environment.”

    Sanusi said the fluctuations in the exchange, rising cost of aviation fuel, otherwise known as Jet A1, has compounded the problems of local carriers.

    Describing local carriers as entities hanging on the brink, the Aero Contractors Airlines boss said the acquisition of more operating aircraft would enhance its revenue projection and boost its credit portfolio management with its creditors.

    Sanusi also alluded to its credit portfolio management in the resolution of issues bordering on the payment of outstanding benefits to some staff separated from the company in the last seven years.

    Offering clarifications on the development, Sanusi said Aero Contractors Airlines is working round the clock to find closure on the payment of benefits to some staff members put on redundancy about seven years ago.

    Sanusi said as much as the airline, in line with its investor – Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) – is poised to clear outstanding benefits with some staff of the carrier, the prevailing economic situation has slowed down the process.

    Sanusi said: “The carrier said it is working diligently to address the issue noting that it acknowledges with concern the reports attributed to the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) officials, protesting the failure of the company to pay off some of its workers pulled out since seven years.”

    Sanusi said the carrier is miffed about the role played by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) on the resolution of the outstanding payment for some members of staff separated seven years ago through a redundancy programme.

    According to Sanusi, the carrier has successfully disbursed redundancy payment to at least 95 per cent of the affected staff.

    He said: “A few clarifications need to be made to put things in context and clarify issues. The company has successfully disbursed redundancy payments to at least 95 per cent of affected staff.

    “Admittedly, we still have outstanding financial commitment to a few affected staff. However, plans are under way to defray these and we have been engaging with affected staff to carry them along in all the company has been doing and going through.

    “For the avoidance of doubt out of a total number of 237 staff affected by the redundancy, 225 have been paid off representing 94.94 per cent of those affected.

    “Nonetheless, we still have a total of 12 outstanding staff that are yet to be paid. This represents about 5.06 per cent of the original population. Of this number 3 are ATSSSAN members and 9 belong to NAAPE. Efforts are being made in the near future to pay the outstanding to the staff.

    “Aero Management empathizes with the discomfort and strain this experience has put on the affected individuals as well as the whole company. We ask for more understanding as we work towards resolving all outstanding issues.

    “We believe it is important to situate the whole experience within the operational context that Aero Contractors in particular and the industry in general has had to operate over the period in question.”

    Citing harsh operating environment within the aviation industry, Aero Contractors Airlines, Sanusi  said it has  been  overwhelmingly challenging, with the company enduring significant challenges including two instances of cessation of operations for extended periods.

    “The first was in August 31, 2016 to late December 2016 and the second was in July 20th, 2022 to December 4th, 2022. After about a five  months shut down we have assiduously worked on defraying outstanding payments and commitments, not only to affected personnel but to ensure the viability of operations and to continue as a going concern.

    “This is in spite of additional challenges posed by escalating cost of operations, particularly the substantial cost of the fuel component of our operational costs which has severely constrained our finances and affected allocations to various expense headings, including terminal benefits owed to former employees.

    “Be that as it may, as the figures show, management has been relentless in ensuring a vast majority of affected persons are settled. We assure you that Aero Contractors remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to all stakeholders. We continue to actively work to resolve all outstanding issues and ensure that affected individuals receive their rightful entitlements.

    “Since the return of the company in December 2022 to operations, we have ensured a call back of all employees and reintegrated them to be in a position to contribute to building the organisation they love back to the stature for which it has always been known. It is an onerous task that we (former and current staff)owe to the company and the heritage we have laboured for over the years. We shall succeed. We appreciate your understanding. Our commitment to operating with integrity and accountability remains unwavering, and Aero Contractors remains steadfast in its dedication to the well-being of its employees, past and present,” he said.

  • Dearth of air traffic controllers triggers global concerns

    Dearth of air traffic controllers triggers global concerns

    Shortage of air traffic controllers is giving Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs), airlines and other players in the global air travel space serious concern.

    With thousands of personnel in the profession due for retirement, their replacement does not readily come through because of the intense training, certification and licensing required to operate in the mix.

    Besides air traffic controllers, other professionals also face severe shortage, forcing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to mandate countries to work out replacement plans.

    ICAO  anticipates growth for commercial air travel in the years running to 2030.

    According to ICAO, more than two million jobs were projected for pilots, maintenance personnel and air traffic controllers as a result of the development.

    According to a study published by the ICAO- Global and Regional 20-year Forecasts – Pilots, Maintenance Personnel and Air Traffic Controllers, the body  estimates the number of commercially-operated aircraft would have jumped from 61,833  to 151,565 in 20 years.

    It projects  that  the number of departures would move  from about 26 million to almost 52 million.

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    The ICAO study compares the average number of professionals worldwide that will need to be trained yearly with the training capacity of the facilities. It  shows a shortfall of training capacity equivalent to 160,000 pilots, 360,000 maintenance personnel, and 40,000 air traffic controllers.

    “If no action to increase training capacity is initiated early, shortages in qualified aviation personnel are likely. Thanks to this latest ICAO study, the extent and locations of such shortages ca be better identified and effectively addressed by member-states, industry and other concerned stakeholders,” said the global body.

    As part of its mission to maintain the safety of the global air transport, ICAO is providing leadership in the development of solutions aimed at ensuring that sufficient competent personnel are available. A Next-Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) symposium convened last year by ICAO outlined  strategies for the recruitment, education, training and retention of aviation professionals.

    But, Nigeria is not complying with some provisions for recruiting personnel for its aeronautical agency.

    Investigations by The Nation show that the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is grappling to resolve complaints on  training of personnel, application of modern technology, effective communication between the control tower and pilots as well as procurement of modern spares and other issues.

    Investigations further show that the  Nigerian College of Aviation (NCAT), Zaria lacks capacity to train  40 Air Traffic Control  personnel yearly.

    A source hinted that though NAMA recently recruited over 203 air traffic control cadets to address the  shortage of technical personnel  in the agency,  NCAT would require about five years to effectively train the new  staffers to meet the specifications to practice.

    Recently, the  Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)  decried the  lopsided recruitments in the aviation agencies.

    NATCA, which is the parent body of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), said  while there is a dearth of requisite technical manpower and inadequate human capital development in NAMA,  it insisted that the type of manpower being recruited into the agency is completely at variance with the real needs of the agency.

    The President of NATCA, Mr. Abayomi Agoro challenged the management of NAMA to do a holistic evaluation of the staff strength of the agency on a departmental or directorate basis in line with the core mandate of the agency as well as the standard template accepted by the Civil Air Navigation Service Organisation (CANSO) and industry best practice.

    In 2022  Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)  unveiled plans to recruit additional 100 Air Traffic Controller Officers (ATCOs) to tackle the shortage of controllers in the country.

    The agency  said as at 2022,  no fewer than 40 ATCO cadets were  undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in a bid to fill the expected vacuum in the next six years.

    NAMA  management had envisaged a gap in the number of ATCOs and had put in place a plan to recruit at least sufficient personnel between 2022 and 2028.

    The  training of some air traffic control  cadets, NAMA said, was apart from the additional personnel planned for the agency by 2028.

     NAMA management had absorbed additional six ATCOS trained by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) into the agency to address the expected shortage.

    A source in the agency said:  “Management is aware of the current and impending shortage of air traffic controllers due to retirement, death and unrelenting increase in the number of airports around the country.

    “Management is also aware of the pressure that the shortage has been exerting on the system.”

  • ‘Nigeria should tap $250b air cargo industry for forex’

    ‘Nigeria should tap $250b air cargo industry for forex’

    Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr. Seinde Fadeni has called on the Federal Government to convene a summit  where players in the air cargo and perishable export value chain could come together to examine the huge revenue potential in the sector.

    Experts say the air cargo and perishable export industry is estimated to fetch over $250 billion for Nigeria, but the country is not optimising the available revenue opportunities.

    Fadeni, who stated this in Lagos at the weekend, also called on the Federal Government to support ground handling companies and other players in the air cargo space by reducing obstacles militating against the growth of the business.

    He said Nigeria could earn huge foreign exchange through the export of food items and other perishable cargo, with the assistance of the government through policy interventions and infrastructure, thereby creating avenues for jobs and prosperity for Nigerians.

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    Speaking during the inauguration of an Export Processing/Packaging Centre at the Cargo Section of the Lagos International Airport, Fadeni said the pilot facility by the ground handling company is enough testimony that it is ready to drive air cargo activities for airlines, farmers, exporters and other players in the logistics space.

    While emphasising the need for the Federal Gvernment to make the business environment less challenging, Fadeni called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to re-open the renovated entrance into the Cargo Wing of the Lagos Airport, urging that other challenges facing players in the sector should be expeditiously addressed.

    Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi  Kuku said  the cargo processing and packaging facility by NAHCO will not only boost Nigeria’s export numbers , thereby impacting positively on the country’s balance of payment, position, but  will ultimately strengthen the Naira.

    The FAAN boss the Federal Government has been thinking in NAHCO’s direction, by creating a framework to deepen participation in the air cargo space through the Creation of Directorate to exploit the full potential of the business.

    The Cargo Directorate, Mrs Kuku said has been designed to ameliorate the problems in the sector and birth innovative ideas.

    She said: “Nigeria currently stands at a crucial juncture, as export business offers immense opportunities for economic growth and development. That is why I am most excited for this facility opening for business. With the equipment, expertise and offices here, most of the challenges of exporting perishable goods will be highly mitigated. Issues around the shelf- life of the crops, temperature control, packaging, handling and regulatory compliance will be a thing of the past.

    : In a world where revenue growth is key, I want to assure NAHCO that we will continue to support them in this and other ventures. It is my hope that exporters and other stakeholders will take full advantage of this facility to boost Nigeria’s export numbers.”

    On his part, the Group Managing Director, NAHCO, Mr. Indranil Gupta stated that the new facility is a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products on the global stage, create jobs at home and push the boundaries of what Nigeria could sell abroad.

    The GMD added that by streamlining its export processes, adhering to stringent packaging standards, and ensuring the quality of our products, NAHCO not only bolster the reputation of Nigerian goods but also contribute significantly to how Nigeria’s products are viewed outside our shores.

    This, he said, is very important.

    Speaking further, Gupta stated that additionally, the Export Processing and Packaging Centre will foster skills development and empower Nigerian youths as it expands operations.

    The centre, he said, is not all about business for NAHCO but also about its commitment to the socio-economic empowerment of our people.

    “As we commission this Centre, we are embarking on a journey that not only strengthens our foothold in the global market but also contributes to the economic development of Nigeria. This facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to quality, efficiency, global standards and customer satisfaction,” he said.

    He informed that the EPPC has office spaces for regulatory bodies and various government agencies and that NAHCO PLC remains dedicated to maintaining collaborative relationships with cargo agents, who are valued clients of the facility.

    He expressed his gratitude to the government, regulatory bodies, and all stakeholders who have supported us throughout this journey, adding that their unwavering support has  been instrumental in making this vision a reality, and that NAHCO  looks forward to continued collaboration for the greater good.

  • Air Peace connects Cotonou, Abidjan

    Air Peace connects Cotonou, Abidjan

    Air Peace has concluded plans to begin  flight connectivity from its hub in Lagos into  Cotonou in Benin Republic and Abidjan in Ivory Coast.

    The flight operations by the flag carrier,  will be effective  from January 22, 2024.

    The  new service , according to the carrier  brings to 10 its regional destinations in less than a decade of commencing scheduled flight operations.

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    In a statement released  by  the  airline’s Spokesperson, Stanley Olisa,  in Lagos, yesterday , he   described the new routes as  further confirmation of the carrier’s  unyielding drive to connect the whole of Africa and facilitate economic prosperity on the continent.

    According to Olisa, in addition to these new routes opening soon, Air Peace is also introducing new connections including:   Abidjan-Dakar, Cotonou-Dakar and Abidjan-Cotonou.

  • Operators to increase infrastructure for air cargo growth

    Operators to increase infrastructure for air cargo growth

    Operators in the aviation industry are doubling their investment in aerodrome facilities to bolster the growth and development of the value chain.

    A ground handling company has invested over a N1billion in the Lagos International Airport Cargo Wing to construct a one-stop infrastructure that will facilitate the  packaging, storage and certification of agro-related produce for air freighting to the global market.

    Investigations by The Nation indicate that the cargo, ramp and passenger handling firm intends to  replicate the investment in four others airports, namely, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu to draw more participants into the agro-produce value chain to earn more revenue.

    A source familiar with the strategy said efforts were ongoing to recalibrate export processing centres at some aerodromes built by some supra-national entities – state governments – to increase export volumes out of the country.

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    Besides, business strategists, it was learnt, were  reaching out to producers of agro-products, which include mangoes, and dairy products, to secure markets for them within Africa and the across the globe.

    Experts said a ground handling firm has gone a step further to  train farmers and other players to enable their produce meet international standards.

    In an interview, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr Indranil Gupta, said if the right cargo processing centres and facilities were built, Nigeria could emerge as major player in the export of agricultural produce in Africa.

    He said the potential to drive the expansive agro-produce market in Africa was vital.

    All that is need to consolidate such market is for players in the air cargo space to target investment in infrastructure to actualise the objective, he added.

    He said Nigeria could expand its volume of air cargo export by encouraging more people to go into farming with the objective of taking their produce by the international market.

    Gupta said: ”Air cargo business has huge potential in Nigeria as a huge earner of foreign exchange. All that we need to do is to reach out farmers, entrepreneurs and state governments to invest more in facilities that are required for the storage, processing and packaging of produce to get into the international market.

    “Besides, we need to continue to expand the conversations on the need to get it right in terms of the approved standards and facilities to improve the volumes.There is a huge opportunity here to grow the business.

    “Even state governments that are constructing new airports must engage players in air cargo on how the right facilities to boost cargo business should be provided. If we move on this path, the growth of air cargo is sure.”

    On the huge opportunity on intra- African cargo business, Gupta said if players in the value chain continued to reach out to more farmers, they could flood the continent’s market.

    He said: ”That is one of the reasons we continue to encourage exports, by facilitating training for the producers in packaging and certification, reach out to state governments, individual farmers to educate them on the market requirements to grow the business.”

    Gupta said the cargo, ramp and passenger handling value chain has become highly competitive that airlines are at liberty to move, not minding their growth trajectory.

    He said any move by foreign carriers to change their handler has not distorted the market share of NAHCO.

    On the projection for growth for the value chain, Gupta said: ”Nigeria could be the food basket for Africa, if we take the message to farmers and other producers in the value chain by preparing target produce for different markets.

    “We can continue to focus on how to grow export, and reduce dependence on imports. It is more beneficial to focus on how to grow export by putting place the necessary facilities to grow the business.”

    On the export processing centres, Gupta said: ”It is a one-stop shop to drive the growth of air cargo. The whole idea is to ensure that we use target infrastructure to bolster the growth of air cargo business

     “In the northern part of Nigeria , we are encouraging more farmers in the dairy value chain to increase their production capacity to increase their export potential. By doing this, we will reduce importation and earn more revenue through foreign exchange by developing our internal capacity.

    “We will continue to encourage more Nigerians into agricultural produce, interface more state governments to drive the growth of air cargo.”

  • IATA mulls contactless travels

    IATA mulls contactless travels

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has rolled out the next generation travel documentation and verification system which supports contactless travels with the possibilities of enhancing passenger experience.

    IATA’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Products and Services, Frederic Leger, announced the new measures called: Timatic AutoCheck.

    He said the measure would take advantage of travelers’ willingness to use online processes and share information in advance.

    The new measure, he said, would also enable airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems and travel agents to activate a customer-friendly online solution through which they can check that they comply with all immigration requirements before setting off to the airport.

    But the new documentation is yet to take off in Nigeria.

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    Speaking on details of the documentation, Leger  said: “Timatic AutoCheck can easily be integrated into airline reservation and departure control systems (DCS) as well as distribution systems used by travel agencies and online booking platforms and features product enhancements, such as Simplified Regulatory Content, Interactive Data Driven Approach, Practical Recommendations and Enhanced Automation.

    “Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating regulations, travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

    “In addition, this innovation also enables airlines, ground handlers and travel agents to enhance customer satisfaction, integrate travel documentation verification into the contactless travel experience and streamline their operations.”

    To achieve this, the IATA chief said the documentation had undergone a complete redesign, setting a new benchmark in travel compliance solutions.

    The documentation offers a streamlined and interactive experience, enabling travelers, airlines and travel professionals to easily access accurate and clearly worded immigration information.

    The entire document checking process, Leger said, had been automated with tailored instructions for each passenger.

    He added: “With passenger traffic set to double by 2040, the optimisation and enhancement of airport processes will need to continue. Verifying passengers’ travel documentation is one of the more time-consuming tasks which will benefit from further automation.

    “Moreover, the new features of Timatic AutoCheck will also play an essential role in supporting the industry in the move towards contactless travel.”

    According to IATA’s most recent Global Passenger Survey (GPS), “complex visa requirements deter travelers who want a convenient, digital online visa process. Moreover, many are willing to share their travel document information for faster airport immigration procedures”.

    The survey carried out by IATA revealed that 36 per cent of travelers said they have been discouraged from traveling to a particular destination because of the immigration requirements.

     It revealed that process complexity was highlighted as the main deterrent by 49 per cent of travelers, 19 per cent citing costs and eight percent privacy concerns.

    The survey reads: “Where visas are required, 66 per cent of travelers want to obtain a visa online prior to travel, 20 per cent prefer to go to the consulate or embassy and 14 per cent at the airport.

    “Eighty-seven per cent of travelers indicated they would share their immigration information to speed up the airport arrival process, representing an increase from the 83 per cent reported in 2022.

    “Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating regulations, travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

    “In addition, this innovation also enables airlines, ground handlers and travel agents to enhance customer satisfaction, integrate travel documentation verification into the contactless travel experience and streamline their operations.”

  • Operator pledges to enhance air travel with cutting edge technology

    Operator pledges to enhance air travel with cutting edge technology

    Bellagio Airlines, a new entrant in the aviation ecosystem, has expressed its readiness to bridge the existing gaps in the provision of air travel services by embracing cutting-edge technology, and utilizing ancillary channels to enhance shuttles within Nigeria.

    Speaking during a courtesy call on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja Dr. Oludare Akande, Chairman of Bellagio Airlines, highlighted the airline’s goal of pursuing excellence plans to maintain high levels of reliability, reduction in flights delays and cancellations, improvement on safety promise to deliver unparalleled customer experience.

    Dr. Akande was accompanied by Mr. Ima Niboro, the airline’s Executive Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Communications.

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    During the meeting, Dr. Akande commended Olorogun Keyamo for his visionary initiatives and decisions, describing the current state of affairs in the aviation sector as a “new dawn.”

    He expressed optimism about the future of the industry, and hailed the transformative leadership of Chief Keyamo.

    He said Bellagio Airlines looks forward to making a lasting impact on the aviation landscape, delivering enhanced travel experiences and contributing to the growth and progress of Nigerian aviation.

    The minister, who welcomed the Bellagio team warmly, encouraged the airline to bring forth new ideas and initiatives that will contribute to the transformation of the aviation sector in Nigeria.

    He acknowledged the role of passion as one of the key drivers of investment and innovation, and praised Bellagio Airlines and other leading stakeholders for their commitment to developing the aviation sector.