… assures of regional operations soon
It was a season to celebrate and recount achievements as Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) celebrated its 17th anniversary, starting with a media conference on the company’s success story as regards the running of the terminal.
Recounting the terminal’s achievements amidst myriad challenges, the acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Remi Jibodu, who spoke on Monday at the media briefing recalled that the first airline that departed from its terminal was Chanchangi Airline’s Flight NCH 334, with aircraft registration number 5N BEU.
The flight according to him had 70 passengers departing at exactly 17:15 on May 7, 2007.
He said MMA2 built under under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative currently has 10 domestic airlines which operate out of the facility.
Jibodu revealed that the facility welcomes over 10,000 guests daily constituting passengers, stakeholders, concessionaires and visitors,which he said hallmarks the terminal’s role as a vital transportation hub and economic driver.
He added that the PPP model with which the terminal operates, has helped streamline operations and deepened collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The acting COO said among initiatives that have enhanced MMA2’s operations which passengers appreciate are the multi-story car park, e-gates, and uninterrupted power supply system.
His words: “We currently have a total of 10 domestic airlines flying out of our terminal daily: Ibom Air, Valuejet, 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.
“We play host to over ten thousand guests every day at this terminal, including passengers, stakeholders, concessionaires, and many others who come here to shop, eat, and fly. This has strengthened our commitment to continuous improvement and significant development of our infrastructure.
“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 17 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.
“From being recognised as the ‘Best Airport Terminal of the Year 2023’ and ‘Best Airport Terminal Lounge’ to receiving the prestigious CSR award in recognition of our outstanding commitment to promoting safety and wellness, we have continuously raised the bar.
“This success cannot be achieved without the collective effort and dedication of our staff, partners, and stakeholders who have played an integral role in our success.
“Their unwavering commitment to excellence has been instrumental in shaping the legacy of this airport. Through our state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on training by aviation professionals, we are shaping the future leaders of the aviation industry.
“Our training centre is not just a place of learning; it is a symbol of empowerment, providing individuals with the tools they need to soar to new heights. Whether it’s aspiring ground staff learning the intricacies of customer service or advanced aviation security courses, our training centre is a place where dreams take flight.”
Jibodu took the journalists on a tour of the terminal assuring that all was set for the kick off of its regional operations any moment from now.
He said the apron had already been expanded and other facilities constantly maintained in waiting for regional flights.
Photo caption:
From left: Head, Corporate Communications, BASL, Mrs. Ajoke Yinka Olawuyi; Chairman, League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents, (LAAC), Mr. Suleiman Idris; Acting Chief Executive Officer, BASL, Mr. Remi Jibodu and Head, Aviation Security, Miss. Monica Oguta, during the Press Conference on MMA2 17th Anniversary Celebration and Facility Tour at MMA2 on Monday in Lagos.