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Tag: Bi-Courtney

  • Bi-Courtney reaffirms commitment to passengers’ security

    Bi-Courtney reaffirms commitment to passengers’ security

    Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers and their belongings.

     Its Acting Chief Operating Officer, Remi Jibodu, said this at a transport summit  in Lagos.

    Mr Jibodu emphasised the terminal’s innovations in security infrastructure, adding that airports must have very strong security infrastructure.

     “At MMA2, the safety and security of our passengers and their belongings are paramount. We understand that a secure environment is fundamental to the trust and confidence our users place in us.”

    Read Also: Oyedele unveils 50 tax reliefs, benefits for Nigerians

    Remi Jibodu, who also doubles as Head, Aeronautics and Cargo Services.said  there were instances where passengers requested CCTV playback to trace misplaced or forgotten items, and a pleased Jibodu stated that all items were successfully tracked and found.

    “We have a robust surveillance system, a dedicated security team, and a close working relationship with law enforcement agencies. Our security systems are highly effective.

    . “Our goal is to provide passengers with a safe and secure travel environment, and we are continuously enhancing our systems to uphold this commitment,” he affirmed

    The summit, chaired by Fola Tinubu, Chief Executive Officer of Primero Transport Services Limited, providing opportunity for experts to examine the  multimodal transport framework and how to  deliberately build a sustainable transport future through innovation, private sector participation, and strong institutional collaboration.

  • Bi-Courtney mulls facility expansion at MMA2 to develop hub for airlines

    Bi-Courtney mulls facility expansion at MMA2 to develop hub for airlines

    Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), managers of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), said it has concluded plans to expand infrastructure at the gateway for regional flight operations to grow its revenue.

    Besides projected enhancement in revenue, the terminal operator said the expansion will provide a single hub for domestic airlines, boost their revenue through transit flights, drive economic growth, create more jobs, and enhance connectivity.

    BASL’s acting chief operating officer, Remi Jibodu, disclosed this at a briefing yesterday in Lagos to mark the seventeenth anniversary of flight operations from the facility.

    According to Jibodu, the facility currently accommodating 10 domestic carriers continues to invest in operational infrastructure, and innovation to drive growth.

    He said: “Looking ahead, we are poised to embark on an exciting journey toward continued growth and innovation. Our plans include further expansion of our terminal facilities, implementation of improved technology to enhance security, sustainable initiatives to expand our cargo ecosystem, and the commencement of regional operations from our terminal.

    “We are convinced doing this will provide a single hub for domestic airlines, boost their revenue through transit flights, drive economic growth create more jobs, and enhance connectivity. This expansion will open new revenue opportunities, benefiting all stakeholders involved. The economic ripple effects will be felt far and wide, from increased foot traffic in our terminal to enhanced commercial opportunities.”

    He said the past 17 years have offered the company the opportunity to demonstrate the success of public-private partnerships and contribute its role in deepening excellence, innovation, and efficiency in the Nigerian aviation industry.

    He added: “Through steadfast dedication and tireless efforts, we have achieved numerous milestones that have propelled us to the forefront of the global aviation landscape.

    “This innovative approach has not only enhanced the operational efficiency of our airport but has also fostered collaboration with private entities, enabling us to deliver world-class services to our passengers and stakeholders.”

    He said the company continues to deepen partnerships with stakeholders including airlines, stakeholders, concessionaires, and many others who utilize its facility.

    He said: “This has strengthened our commitment to continuous improvement and significant development of our infrastructure. The introduction of our state-of-the-art multi-story car park has revolutionized the parking experience for passengers, providing convenience and ease of access. Additionally, the implementation of e-gates at our central screening point has streamlined passenger facilitation, ensuring a seamless journey through our airport and enhancing our security architecture.

    Read Also: Bi-Courtney reviews tariff for car park, lounge services at MMA2

    “Furthermore, our unwavering focus on reliability and sustainability is exemplified by the establishment of uninterrupted power supply systems. This critical infrastructure ensures that our operations remain resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, safeguarding the travel experience for all our passengers.

    “Recently, as an airport, we developed a flight disruption guideline after noticing a growing trend of passenger unrest at the slightest provocation.

    “This often leads to property damage and abuse of staff and users of the airport. This unrest has been tremendously reduced to the barest minimum.

    “Over the past seventeen years, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. Our commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous accolades and awards that adorn our walls.”

  • Bi-Courtney alleges N250b loss on 36-year concession

    Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) has called on stakeholders in the aviation industry to prevail on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to close the gap in its abysmal management of airport infrastructure.

    In a statement issued by the firm’s spokesperson, Eniola Ade-Solanke,BiCourtney alleged that FAAN, through its actions, has consistently breached its obligations in the concession agreement and has caused her huge loss of over N250 billion.

    This is coming as the private terminal  operator debunked reports that MMA2’s 12-year term was about to expire and government planning to take over the facility.

    The statement said Bi-Courtney remains a key employer of labour in the aviation industry and committed to providing an environment for strong corporate health without fear, pressure or prejudice.

    “MMA2’s concession has had to contend with seemingly intractable controversies shortly after the expiration of Obasanjo’s  tenure. While the BASL argues that by the concession agreement, all domestic flights emanating from Lagos airport, including the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) where Arik Air operates from would be handled by the company, the authorities resisted the move,” the statement read.

    For over a decade, the BASL and FAAN have engaged in a running battle over the concession. Several court cases, up to 30, were filed and the crises have dragged on. Bi- Courtney also went ahead to invest in regional operations, but up till now, the terminal was never allowed to operate regional flights, even though some of the airlines operating from the terminal fly to Ghana and other West African countries.”

    Setting the records straight, Ade-Solanke disclosed that it entered into a concession agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the Build, Operate and Transfer of the MMA2 for 36 years, describing the terminal as the most well designed and run terminal in the country operating on very limited revenue.

    She stated that the clear provision of the concession agreement between Bi-Courtney and the government upholds the operation of the MMA2 terminal for an undisputed period of 36 years.

    She disclosed that since inception, FAAN has not complied with the agreement to handover the GAT which is a property of Bi-Courtney.

    Her words, : “The erroneous claims against the Chairman of Bi-Courtney in making frantic efforts in the Presidency to frustrate a takeover of the terminal is not unconnected with purported attempts to stir up a false sense of alarm and acrimony against the concession.”

  • MMA2 not indebted to FAAN, says Bi-Courtney

    •Firm: we remain open for operations

    THE management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja, Lagos, has denied owing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) about N1, 943,323,516.50.

    BASL, in a statement yesterday, restated its commitment to ensure seamless flight operations and services at the terminal, following a statement by the FAAN, through Notice To Airmen (NOTAM), that with effect from yesterday, aviation security personnel would be withdrawn from the terminal.

    FAAN had threatened to withdraw its personnel from MMA2 due to alleged indebtedness to the tune of N1, 943,323,516.50.

    In a letter dated October 30, 2018, FAAN demanded Bi-Courtney to pay for the provision of the aviation security, rescue and fire-fighting services, among other charges or it would withdraw its personnel from MMA2.

    But, in a letter addressed to FAAN, BASL demanded for payments of outstanding liabilities arising from court judgments over non-implementation of the concession agreement by Federal authorities.

    The letter reads: “We have consistently brought it to your notice that we have a judgment credit of N132, 540,580,304.00 since March 03, 2009. This credit arose directly from the non-implementation of the concession agreement by the appropriate authorities. The courts have consistently ordered that any liability we have to FAAN or any Federal Government agency should be deducted from this amount.

    “Despite the receipt of BASL’s response, FAAN have flagrantly disregarded several court orders, including the most recent with reference suit number – FHC/ABJ/CS/1422/18/ issued on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, pertaining to this matter, duly served to FAAN, ordering that “the status quo be maintained and that nothing that may disrupt and / or hinder the operation of the airport should be done pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

    In the statement, BASL stated that ample safety and security measures have been put in place to ensure that the withdrawal of FAAN personnel did not in any way disrupt smooth flight operations and other business activities at the terminal.

    It reiterated that there were adequately trained and NCAA-certified personnel to man the various parts and sensitive points at the terminal.

    Read also: FAAN halts flights to Gombe, Kebbi airports over N808m debts

    BASL management said since inception, it has trained its own aviation security personnel to work along with FAAN security at the terminal.

    The statement said: “Since 2016, BASL have been performing the same service that FAAN performs in their absence.  Staff are trained in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP) in respect of X-ray Image Interpretation and physical security screening.

    “It should be noted that the withdrawal of FAAN personnel in no way jeopardises security levels – in fact, it is known that the NCAA have conducted numerous audits on FAAN personnel at the terminal revealing that many of the staff are absent and that the required number are not on duty or do not have the requisite training.

    “BASL assures all air operators and the travelling public that the regulatory requirements for security and safety will be strictly adhered to and complied with in full.

    “BASL is prepared and continues to consistently ensure safety, security and smooth operations at MMA2, without entertaining compromise on aviation best practices.”

  • Bi-Courtney warns airport unions against lawlessness

    BI-COURTNEY Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has described as acts of lawlessness the threats by two of the unions in the aviation sector to disrupt operations at the terminal.

    The threat by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) followed the termination of services of some workers.

    A statement by the company in Lagos yesterday said: “The attention of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has been drawn to the activities of two of the unions in the aviation industry namely, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who have threatened to disrupt operations of our terminal.

    “We are taken aback by their threat to further display acts of lawlessness against our organisation.

    “It would be recalled that when the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) was handed over to our company in accordance with the Concession Agreement executed between our company, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), these two unions physically prevented us from exercising our constitutional and legal right of ownership of the terminal.

    “Subsequent to this handover, the courts have confirmed that the terminal belongs to our company.

    “It is interesting to note that the two unions, NUATE and ATSSSAN, actually challenged our ownership of the terminal in court in Appeal No. CA/A/141/M/09. The case was decided in our favour in the Court of Appeal on October 16, 2010. Their case was dismissed for lacking any merit whatsoever.

    It added: “Sequel to this, the courts have awarded damages of N132,000,000,000 favour of our company for the liability we suffered up to 2009. As at now, the damage is in excess of N200,000,000,000. The same unions, in continuation of their desire to sabotage the operation of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are now threatening to disrupt our operations.

    “We will do everything within the laws of Nigeria to enforce our right to peaceful existence and to operate our business without any interference from meddlesome interlopers.

    “Contrary to their allegation that our members of staff had their service terminated because they threatened to join a union, these members of staff who were relieved of their appointment are staff who had either attained retirement age or who were found not to be diligent in their duties. We reserve the right to continue to improve the quality of our staff.”

     

  • Bi-Courtney assures Arik of hitch-free operations

    Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has assured the management of Arik Air of seamless passenger facilitation, as the airline begins its scheduled flight operations from the terminal to Port Harcourt International Airport on Saturday.

    A statement by the spokesman for BASL, Steve Omolale, said with its spacious ticketing and departure hall, as well as modern facilities, such as automated check-in counters, smooth escalators/elevators, waiting ambulance, health facilities, lounges, restaurants and shops, “MMA2 remains a safe, secure and efficient passenger-friendly terminal to provide exceptional services to Arik’s guests to Port Harcourt and the best destination for other flying passengers and shoppers. We want to assure passengers who will be flying Arik Air from this Saturday of seamless facilitation as we welcome all of them to our terminal.”

    The statement quoted the Chief Executive Officer of BASL, Captain Jari Williams, as expressing delight at the move by Arik, saying MMA2 would continue to offer passengers using the terminal hitch-free facilitation and the ambience that would make their flying experience worth the while.

  • Bi-Courtney challenges NCAA to restore approval for regional flights from MMA 2

    Bi-Courtney challenges NCAA to restore approval for regional flights from MMA 2

    BI-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to restore its approval for beginning of regional flights from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

    The firm said its call to the regulator was premised on the huge investment it has committed into upgrading facilities at the terminal for the planned operations.

    Speaking yesterday after a tour of facilities at the terminal, its Chief Operating Officer, Captain Jari Williams, said BASL was getting worried why NCAA had twice given approval for regional flights to begin from MMA2, only to withdraw it at the last minute.

    Williams said the terminal is fully mobilised for regional flights operations as it has upgraded facilities to ensure that domestic flights do not mix with regional operations.

    He faulted claims in some quarters that a terminal such as MMA2 is not supposed to operate regional flights from the same facility where domestic operations take place, saying that is the fashion in other parts of the world.

    Williams said the right facilitation equipment has been procured to make the operations seamless as they were only waiting for NCAA’s approval.

    He said BASL management has engaged security agencies, including Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), Nigerian Customs Services (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS) and others, on its readiness for the flights.

    He assured that the terminal managers will comply with the executive order issued by Federal Government to facilitate the ease of doing business for arriving foreigners at the terminal.

    Williams said BASL has engaged financial institutions, including UBA Bank, to open a kiosk at the regional flights section of MMA2 for passengers who need to exchange foreign currencies.

    He said: “There is no harm in operating regional flights from the same terminal. Those saying MMA2 should not handle regional flights because it is running domestic operations should think out of the box.

    “It is this inability to think out of the box with regulation that is killing Nigerian carriers, whose costs will be reduced if they operate both regional and domestic flights from the same location.”

    He said BASL has lost 50 per cent of its projected revenue due largely to non-approval to operate regional flights as well as failure by government to grant the company exclusive rights over all flights from Lagos from its terminal.

    On the contention over tenure of the concession, Williams said the company remains committed to its 36 years agreement, saying the company is open to amicable resolution of issues with government.

    He said: “Though the courts asked government to pay us N132 billion as damages for non-compliance of the concession agreement in 2012, the money accumulated over the years with interests.

    “But, we are open to amicable resolution of all issues with government. But, we are worried that government has not honoured its parts of the obligation. We continue to engage government agencies.”

     

     

  • We’re not owing FAAN, says Bi-Courtney

    Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2), has said the company is not owing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its spokesman Steve Omolale, BASL said: “Our attention has been drawn to the press conference of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN) and the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) on October 10.

    “At the press conference, the unions stated that BASL …was owing FAAN N2 billion.

    “We have decided to respond to prevent the unions from misleading the public. Bi-Courtney is not indebted to FAAN. On the contrary, it is FAAN and the Federal Government that are indebted to Bi-Courtney for an amount now in excess of N200 billion; N132 billion of this sum was confirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction in 2012 in the case of Bi-Courtney Ltd vs. AG Federation.

    “Contrary to the clear provisions of the concession agreement, the Coordinating Committee set up by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the decision of the court of law, FAAN continues to operate the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), which belongs to Bi-Courtney, thus depriving BASL of over 50 per cent of its revenue. This is a very poor advertisement for any nation seeking to attract private capital for development.

    “The unions are aware of this position but have chosen to fabricate irresponsible falsehood in a bid to discredit BASL and mislead the public. “Fortunately, the public is more discerning. It is common knowledge that the aforementioned unions (NUATE, ATSSAN and NUP) actually challenged the concession agreement in court and lost the case…

    “It appears the unions are seeking to undermine the decision of a Federal Court. There is no better time to remind the unions that Nigeria is a country of laws and all citizens are bound by the laws of the country.

  • No plans to take over airports, says Bi-Courtney

    Operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two ( MMA2) Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited has said it has no plans to take over Lagos and Abuja airports proposed for concession by the Federal Government without following due process.

    Rather than protest against government’s plan to concession  the two airports, the firm advised workers and other stakeholders to request the government to guarantee transparency in the process that will bring about private sector management of the airports.

    Its spokesperson,  Steve Omolale, said Bi-Courtney will be favourably disposed to participate in the process of managing the airports, given its pedigree in handling aviation infrastructure.

    Omolale urged workers and stakeholders to show understanding in the matter as experience had shown across the world that private sector management of airport terminals remained the best.

    He said: ”We, therefore, wish to enjoin well-meaning Nigerians and even those protesting against the decision to concession the airports that rather than oppose this arrangement, in the interest of national progress, they should request and ensure a guarantee of total transparency of the new process for the aviation industry to reap the full benefits of PPP, and of course, having pioneered this initiative successfully in Nigeria, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited should definitely not be left out.

    “Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited  feels that the protest march against the Federal Government’s proposed concession of Lagos and Abuja airports by some stakeholders in the aviation industry, during which they carried banners, pointedly accusing the company of preparing to take over the airports in collaboration with Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), without following due process, is a misrepresentation of the situation.”

    According to Omolale, “if indeed, there is any truth in the statement credited to the protesters, we would like to assure the public that BASL is prepared to demonstrate again what it has achieved so far at MMA2, if given the opportunity to operate the airports being proposed for concessioning. “This is because it is now very clear that only the private sector has the capacity to provide the needed infrastructure and technical know-how to help the Federal Government achieve its laudable objectives for the much-needed progress in the aviation industry,”he said.

    He continued:“The aviation industry obviously needs to be revamped to bring the services and infrastructure standards to what is comparable elsewhere in the world with a clear focus on passenger facilitation and comfort all over the country. With our track record and experience at MMA 2, we are unequivocally committed to this objective and entitled to the option of first refusal for the airports being proposed for concessioning.

    “Countries in Europe, especially Great Britain, which pioneered the idea of PPP in 1992 with its Private Finance Initiative (PFI), and even up to the United States of America, have since embraced the idea, and they are better for it today.

    “Many developing countries are also embracing the model because of its numerous advantages and Nigeria should not be left behind. In fact, the Jamaican government published the initial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy documents, popularly called PPP3 in 2012, which has led to the government divesting its large interests from the Sangster International Airport.”

     

  • Our position on airports concessioning, by Bi-Courtney

    Our position on airports concessioning, by Bi-Courtney

    Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has reacted to the protest march against the Federal Government’s proposed concession of Lagos and Abuja airports by some stakeholders in the aviation industry, during which they carried banners, pointedly accusing the company of preparing to take over the airports in collaboration with the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), without following due process.

     A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications of BASL, Steve Omolale, said: “Ordinarily, we would have ignored this selfish, unwarranted and provocative accusation but as the operators of the first successful, privately-funded, Design, Built, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) airport terminal in Nigeria, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), and as a responsible corporate citizen, we must state categorically our position for the benefit of the discerning public who have been supportive of our efforts over the last decade and particularly for all those who yearn for serious improvements in aviation services and infrastructure in the country.

     “It is a known fact that over the last 10 years, the multiple award-winning MMA2 terminal, which has been adjudged as the best by various organisations, prominent Nigerians, the international community and most recently by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, who enthused at the last Aviation Round Table (ART) that, ‘if MMA2 is a mistake, let the mistake be replicated all over the country’, is an evidence of how the private sector can change the narrative of our aviation sector as is the case the world over.