Tag: FAAN

Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has received commendations for her vision and determination in boosting and promoting the hospitality sub-sector of the aviation industry as part of the agency’s overall airports development plan.

The FAAN MD affirmed that boosting hospitality infrastructure around the country’s airports is pivotal to ensuring passengers’ safety, comfort and timely arrival to the airports to catch their flights.

A hotelier and President of the Airports Fire and Safety Multipurpose Cooperative Society, (AFSMCS), owners and Managers of the famous Fire Cooperative Aviators’ Lodge located at Bessam  Tollgate along the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road in Ikeja , Alhaji Saheed Sadiq, disclosed that since the assumption of office of the FAAN MD, the facility has witnessed increase in it patronage following Kuku’s intervention in  repositioning the facility.

At the commissioning of the facility, the FAAN Chief Executive Officer, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah affirmed that the development of the Lodge is part of her vision to improve seamless passengers’ facilitation and movement around the three terminals at the Lagos airport.

Kuku said “the Fire Cooperative Aviators’ Lodge is strategically located between the domestic and international wing of the Lagos airport. This to us is cheering as it allows easy access to the terminals here at the airport without the attendant traffic challenges we do encounter when coming from other locations.”

“FAAN will continue to partner with the managers of the Fire Cooperative Aviators’ Lodge in improving passengers experience around the Lagos airport as I firmly believe its state of the art facilities aptly fit the standard we desire to create and expect for facilities that will help reposition our industry in the direction we so much desire for the industry.”

Commending Mrs. Kuku for her vision for the hospitality sector, Alhaji Saheed Sadiq said the facility has never had it so good since the appointment of Mrs. Kuku whom he said has ensured that the Lodge continues twenty hours power supply among other developments on the facility.

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Sadiq said: “The role FAAN has played in the whole of this investment cannot be overemphasised. The agency as a strategic partner in the management of staff welfare has played a very pivotal role in this investment. The energy we are consuming here today is courtesy of FAAN and we remain eternally grateful to the management for the laudable support. Our partnership remains symbiotic.”

He explained that “Looking at the investment from the hospitality angle, it is playing an important role in facilitating passengers travelling seamlessly to the airport, the proximity is there, and you are looking at the international airport there and the local airport here. This investment is strategic in achieving that for the travelling public, tourism wise this place is very central to attracting travellers vis a vis easing the movement of passengers to the airport terminals here in Lagos.”

According to him:  “I must confess we have never had it this good since the history of FAAN because when you talk of members’ welfare this administration does not joke with it.”

However, the AFSMCS President solicited the support of the agency and industry stakeholders’ in completing the furnishing of the project affirming that it is critical to the commencement of its businesses in the 24 rooms suites new wing of the facility.

“We appealed that the agencies support us in furnishing the new 24 rooms’ new wing as we have completed the structure itself. In the prevailing time, due to the fluctuating cost of things in the market, the economic policy has also not helped matters because the market has been so dynamic so from an estimated angle, to completely furnish this facility we need nothing less than 250 million.”

“Management can also help liaise with the local government and Lagos state government to help fix the road which is in dire need of repairs. We have made attempts to attract government attentions in the past but it has not been fruitful.”

Alhaji Sadiq said:  “I have to give it to the FAAN MD, like I said we have never had it this good and I think we should give it to her, she has been trying and we will continue to praise her.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on cargo agents, air travellers and all people dealing in cargo to restrict their operations to designated areas around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Specifically, FAAN directed cargo operators   to utilize the approved   vehicles and  personnel as well as  pay the necessary levies to avoid any infractions at the airport.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah disclosed this  yesterday in statement saying the airport authority will not back down in its  cargo policies designed to  adhere  to international best practices.

Part of the policies she said include practices by operators that will prevent damage to airport facilities especially conveyor belts as it moves to  prioritise customer service and safety.

She said FAAN has imposed a fine of N5,000 on non-compliant cargo for the reasons of failure to utilize designated cargo terminals, and damage to carousels resulting from improper cargo handling.

FAAN has reacted to a video circulating in done platforms depicting a disagreement between its staff and an individual over cargo charges at the airport terminal.

Read Also; FAAN deploys new equipment to mitigate bird strikes

Orah stated that contrary to initial reports, the individual involved was not a passenger but a cargo agent conducting, ‘Illegal operations at the airport.

 Orah said: “She refused to pay the stipulated charges for the cargo and behaved in an unacceptable manner, damaging equipment and straining our resources.”

She further clarified that there was no form of molestation by FAAN staff, neither was there any request for a bribe from staff during the incident, adding, “This was simply an act of blackmail. Our staff was simply ensuring that the correct levy was paid. We urge all cargo agents and members of the public to note that cargo operations should be restricted to designated cargo areas, utilizing proper vehicles and personnel and pay the levies. Our cargo policies are designed to ensure adherence to international best practices, prevent damage to airport facilities and prioritise customer service and safety.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has concluded plans to deploy multi-million equipment at airports across the country to mitigate the effects of bird strikes on airlines’ aircraft engines.

The new move is part of efforts by the airport authority to reduce complaints by airlines, whose aircraft engines are affected by migratory activities of birds during flight and on aircraft parked at the apron.

The devastating effects of bird strikes has occasioned many delayed or cancelled flights in the industry, causing huge financial losses to local airlines.

Disclosing this in an interview at the weekend, FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood said the authority has embarked on new measures , including acquisition and deployment of birds detecting equipment to stem the negative impact of birds on aircraft engines.

Besides, he said the authority is working around other measures including : grass management and refuse disposal and other environmental interventions to reduce the losses airline operators continue to incur from the damage of their aircraft engines , rotors and blades from ingestion of birds.

Mahmood said the airport authority at the weekend took delivery of some bird control equipment from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to combat the incidents of bird strikes at airports.

He said though the authority had started the procurement process for the equipment over a year ago, it had to wait for some time to get the equipment, because they could be delivered off the shelf.

Mahmood called on the benefitting airports to put the equipment to optimum use , so as to reduce the bashing the authority hitherto received from airlines, which aircraft are affected by the activities of migratory birds.

Read Also: FAAN mulls incentives to drive airports’ viability

He said : “ Airlines need to be patient with the airport authority as we are rolling out measures to mitigate against the hazards of birds around the airport. This is a global phenomenon , which is very critical, but we are addressing the issue by deploying the right equipment .

“ Besides, we are also calibrating other measures / interventions to reduce the incidents around our airports by ensuring that the grass management programme is improved upon . As we get more equipment, this challenge will be reduced to the barest minimum. “

In 2021, the umbrella body of indigenous carriers : Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), said its members lost over $60 million to bird strikes.

The body said  bird strikes led to many flights either being delayed or cancelled at airports across the country.

Industry data reveals that no fewer than 93 bird strike incidents  occurred across Nigerian airports in the first half of 2022.

Out of the number, 54 such bird strike incidents happened at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

Meanwhile, the global birds control product market is expected to reach $18.22 billion in the next six years.

The market’s current value is $10 billion with projection for growth at 8.94 per cent in six years.

The Bird Control Products market is anticipated to undergo significant expansion from 2023 to 2031, fueled by technological progress, rising consumer demand, and strategic investments by industry leaders. 

Experts say several key trends are shaping the Bird Control Products market’s growth trajectory.

 The increasing focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly products , experts say, is prompting companies to adopt green manufacturing practices and develop responsible solutions.

 Additionally, the demand for personalized and customizable products is influencing market dynamics, as consumers seek tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.

Companies in the sector , experts say, are focusing on innovation to meet the diverse needs of their customers, thereby driving competition and enhancing market offerings.

Another critical factor influencing the Bird Control Products market , experts say, is the changing regulatory landscape.

 Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide, they noted, are implementing new policies and standards to ensure product safety and compliance.

These regulations , they further noted, are designed to protect consumers and maintain industry standards, but they also present challenges for market players.

They said : “ Companies must navigate these complex regulatory requirements, which often necessitate significant investments in compliance and certification processes.

“The Bird Control Products market’s competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of numerous established players and new entrants.

 This dynamic environment fosters innovation as companies strive to differentiate themselves and capture market share.

“Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are common as businesses seek to expand their capabilities and geographical reach.

“Additionally, companies are investing heavily in research and development to create advanced products and solutions that cater to evolving consumer preferences and industry demands.

“This competitive pressure is driving continuous improvement and fostering a vibrant market ecosystem.

“Consumer trends and preferences are also playing a pivotal role in shaping the Bird Control Products market.

“There is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, prompting companies to adopt green manufacturing practices and develop environmentally responsible solutions.

“ Additionally, consumers are increasingly looking for personalized and customizable products that cater to their specific needs.

“This shift in consumer behavior is driving companies to innovate and tailor their offerings to meet these demands, further propelling market growth.

Looking ahead, the Bird Control Products market is poised for continued expansion, driven by ongoing technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.

“Companies that can effectively leverage these trends and navigate the regulatory landscape will be well-positioned to capitalize on the market’s growth opportunities.

“The focus on sustainability and personalization is expected to remain a key driver, shaping the future of the industry.

 As the market evolves, stakeholders must remain agile and adaptable to succeed in this dynamic and competitive environment.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is exploring sustainability models, including granting incentives to indigenous carriers, to drive viability for some of its secondary airports.

Besides, the authority is considering putting in place a plan for its aerodromes to decide the siting of intentional facilities.

Director, Airport Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Abdulahi Mahmood, in an interview with The Nation in Lagos, said the initiatives have become compelling because of the need to drive efficiency for airports across the country to achieve comparative advantage.

He said FAAN management was looking at options that will reduce pressure on Lagos and other busy airports by ensuring it attracts airlines into other aerodromes with incentives.

On the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), at the domestic wing of the Lagos Airport, he said FAAN was considering space utilisation strategies.

Part of the strategies, Mahmood said, is the expansion of the terminal’s apron in order to boost capacity.

He said as more airlines are planning to increase their fleet, the constraint of space is increasingly becoming apparent.

Mahmood said FAAN was looking at pulling some of the aircraft traffic into other less busy airports for parking and other activities such that the facility will get some patronage.

On congestion at the old terminal of the Lagos Airport, Mahmood said FAAN was working out an arrangement to install some screening machines and operational equipment to enhance facilitation of flights for local carriers.

He said: “The situation is a work-in-progress, but the challenge of inadequate space is being addressed though the old domestic terminal  has few screening machines, about four to five additional equipment has been procured and very soon they will be installed.

“ Space utilization is really a challenge in that aerodrome,  with its impact on airlines capacity. The management is looking into that and working is on – going there such that there will be breathing space . We are looking at expansion of the apron , to boost available space for aircraft to park.

Read Also: FAAN mulls incentives to drive airports’ viability

‘’ A master plan for airports is being worked out , as the relevant department, in particular, engineering, is looking at the best location for facilities. If it will require giving incentives to some local carriers to take their aircraft to other less busy airports , or even state – owned airports on how to work out some of these challenges and issues.”

On airports’ security, Mahmood said a lot is being done to scale up surveillance as FAAN has engaged other security agencies , the Ministry of Aviation as well as the office of the National Security Adviser , on the best strategies to keep the facilities safe.

But, he lamented the effects of urbanisation and encroachment as part of the threats exposing the airside to vulnerabilities.

He said : “ A lot is going on in that space, as a private company recently embarked on a project to establish how best to keep the facilities intact through the deployment of sophisticated surveillance equipment.”

Mahmood said efforts were also on- going by the Federal Government to reduce incidents of runway excursion as regular maintenance of airside facilities are currently running.

He said : “ We are doing a lot by ensuring that all deficiencies pointed out during the last airport certification by regulators are closed. We are not relenting in keeping to the schedules for runway friction tests.’

Also speaking in an interview, the  Director of Cargo Development and Services , Mr Olalekan Thomas said FAAN is developing a template that will assist the Federal Government derive more value from the air freighting of cargo.

Towards this end, he said the new directorate is collaborating with relevant stakeholders on ways and means of ensuring the aviation sector  facilitates the installation/provision of  intentional processing facilities at designated terminals to derive the full benefits of cargo to economic development.

Thomas said the vision of the new FAAN Directorate aligns with the AviaCargo Committee set up by the Federal Government to actualize opportunities in the cargo value chain estimated at over one billion dollars.

He said FAAN is working with other trade facilitation agencies to improve farm to market access for all categories of cargo.