Despite showing its willingness to commence regional flight services from its Terminal, Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has said that no date is fixed yet for the start of the operations.
Mr. Oluremi Jibodu, Head, Aeronautical & Cargo Services, BASL stated this, recently at the terminal during the 17th anniversary celebration of MMA2. He explained that the terminal operator had all the necessary infrastructure and facilities to commence the service, but was still waiting for the right approval from the government.
He insisted that the launch of regional operations, considering its track record of continuous growth and excellence, would provide a single hub for domestic airlines, boost their revenue through transit flights, drive economic growth by creating more jobs and enhance connectivity.
He added that it would also open new revenue opportunities for all players and benefit every stakeholder involved, maintaining that the economic ripple effects would be felt far and wide, from increased foot traffic in the terminal to enhanced commercial opportunities.
At the inception of the operations, its promoters had declared that it had the facilities for regional operations, but 17 years after, the government was yet to give it the necessary approval due to various disputes.
He said: “We have had inspections take place several times and our infrastructure have not changed. We are maintaining them and also improving on them, but we don’t have a date for the commencement of the regional flights yet.”
Besides, Jibodu explained that the terminal operator had a robust working relationship with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), maintaining that BASL could not achieve much without the cooperation of the agency.
He, however, declined to give the passenger traffic for the terminal in the past 17 years, but said the management had been improving on its aprons in order to accommodate more of its business.
Jibodu, explained that over the past years, the terminal had evolved into a symbol of excellence, innovation, and efficiency in the Nigerian aviation industry within the period. He emphasised that through steadfast dedication and tireless efforts of its management, the company had achieved numerous milestones that had propelled it to the forefront of the global aviation landscape.
“One key achievement I am immensely proud to highlight today is the resounding success of our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. 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.
“Today, we currently have a total of 10 domestic airlines flying out of our terminal daily; Ibom Air, Value Jet, Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Dana Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Azman Air, Max Air and Rano Air. We are immensely grateful for the partnerships we share with them,” he added.
He maintained that the terminal operator hosts no fewer than 10, 000 guests daily, including passengers, stakeholders, concessionaires, and many others who visit the terminal to shop, eat and fly.
Also speaking, Mr. Ayodele Alabi, the representative of Aero Contractors, lauded the terminal operator for creating seamless services for all users. He emphasised that the terminal operator took safety as a top priority. Furthermore, Mr. Temitope Yusuf of Value Jet, said that the airline had grown with BASL, stressing that the terminal operator had the potential to improve.