Category: Aviation

  CHUKS OKOH Against a backdrop of foreign-exchange volatility, rising ticket prices, and shifting traveller behaviour, Finchglow Travels, Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator, brought together leading airlines, travel agencies, and trade partners in Port Harcourt for PartnerPlus Connect (PPC) Live, a high-impact forum designed to spark innovation, share practical tools, and accelerate recovery across Nigeria’s travel industry. The Port Harcourt edition buzzed with energy as airlines, travel agencies, and trade partners tackled the big question: how to stay profitable and relevant while demand remains fragile. Conversations moved from candid debates on forex pressures to bold ideas for diversifying revenue streams, showing that PartnerPlus Connect Live is driven by actionable solutions with dialogue as the catalyst. “Our goal is to create a platform where airlines and agencies can exchange ideas, confront realities, and leave with solutions they can apply immediately,” said Mr Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director of Finchglow Travels. “This goes beyond ticket sales, it’s a call for resilience and smarter growth across the entire travel value chain.” Speakers and participants emphasised the need for bold, collaborative thinking as Nigeria’s aviation sector strives for a comprehensive post-pandemic recovery. Travel agents expressed concerns over depressed consumer demand, while airlines and consolidators explored ways to mitigate the impact of rising costs and currency pressures on customers. “Forex volatility and high fares have redefined the market,” noted Mr Abiola Bakare, B2B Manager at Finchglow Travels. “PPC Live gives us the space to listen to partners, understand their pain points, and co-create practical strategies, whether through innovative fare classes, technology, or operational support.” Finchglow Travels, Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator and partner to global and regional airlines, has long advocated for diversification beyond ticketing. At PPC Live, participants examined emerging opportunities in humanitarian, diplomatic, and marine fares; value-added digital services; and data-driven distribution channels initiatives aimed at strengthening agency margins and enhancing customer experience. By hosting PPC Live in Port Harcourt, Finchglow reinforced its commitment to supporting travel businesses beyond Nigeria’s commercial capital. The company continues to champion capacity-building and innovative partnerships that elevate service standards and drive economic growth across the regions. “Events like these are about building an ecosystem,” added Ikotun. “When agencies grow stronger, airlines perform better, and travellers ultimately benefit. That’s how we all win.” PartnerPlus Connect Live has quickly become a key industry touchpoint. The next edition is scheduled to be held in Abuja, making it the second Abuja outing and demonstrating Finchglow’s commitment to engaging stakeholders across Nigeria’s major travel hubs.

  CHUKS OKOH. The President of the National Air Traffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN) Rabiu Muhammad Sani has praised the leadership qualities of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA Engr Umar  Farouk for the transformation of the agency in the past two years. Sani, who spoke with correspondent in a telephone conversation said he sincerely appreciate the outstanding leadership, vision, and remarkable achievements of Faruk, within less than two years in office. According to him, under his  leadership, NAMA has witnessed tremendous progress, including, provision of adequate tools, equipment, and an enabling environment for both technical and non-technical staff to effectively discharge their duties. He noted that there was upward review of the Agency’s salary structure, approval of the long-awaited Condition of Service proposals. Sani also remarked that the Managing Director has settlement  outstanding arrears, retirement benefits and other staff claims while renovation of offices, operational areas, staff residential buildings, and others were ongoing He commended the NAMA boss for staff training at both local and foreign levels for high productivity “The MD has indeed changed the narratives and repositioned the Agency for greater heights—all in the interest of safety, efficiency, and cost-effective air navigation service operations in Nigeria. Today, NAMA can confidently beat its chest as a leading Air Navigation Service Provider not only in Africa but across the globe. Above all, the entire workforce is now carrying out their duties with renewed zeal and happiness”

  CHUKS OKOH The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Monday commenced a cashless payment system at its airports, marking a significant step towards modernizing the country’s aviation sector. The initiative, dubbed “Operation Go Cashless,” aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion and delays, and improve revenue collection and accountability. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, said, “Today, we are not just launching a new payment system; we are fundamentally reshaping the experience at our airports and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence.” The cashless system is meant to be deployed across all FAAN-operated airports, starting with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The Director, Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, noted that the “Go-Cashless” vision is built on four key pillars: enhancing operational efficiency, reducing congestion and delays, improving revenue collection and accountability, and aligning FAAN with global best practices. She added that the system would eliminate human involvement in cash collection, thereby removing opportunities for revenue leakage and ensuring that every Naira is accounted for. The cashless system is expected to increase revenue collection by 50% at the pilot stage, rising to 75% as more points are integrated, with the goal of tripling revenue within the first year of full implementation. The additional funds will be strategically reinvested into further infrastructural development across FAAN-operated airports. Agunbiade emphasized that the policy promotes financial inclusion, extending services to those with limited access to traditional banking. The FAAN Go Cashless Card will be available at all airport access gates in Lagos and Abuja, and users can activate and fund it immediately. FAAN boss, Mrs. Kuku, expressed gratitude to the President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his interest in the growth of the aviation sector and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for encouraging innovations and supporting FAAN immensely. The launch of the cashless payment system is a significant milestone in FAAN’s journey to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, and stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to enhance the overall airport experience and drive revenue growth.    

CHUKS OKOH Air Sierra Leone says, it is offering $950 affordable fares to ensure passengers experience new horizon in air travel The country manager OF Air Sierra Leone in Nigeria.Mrs. Emuobowhotowhoria Victoria Genevieve Fiewor said, safety remained their watch word with its Embraer 145 aircraft from Lagos to Freetown while a passengers transit on B737 aircraft to London from Freetown Fiewor said the airline offers three pieces of baggage allowance on its from Lagos to London saying with the fare, it remained affordable. According to her, the airline which commenced operations in the country in January this year with Embraer 145 aircraft is gradually expanding and appealed to travellers to advantage of the friendly airfare to to travel with the airline as it offers safety, comfort and seamless conenectivity. She explained that the airline represents Sierra Leone vibrant culture while offering travellers opportunity to explore new horizon Fiewor urged Nigerians to take advantage of the airline to explore the beauty of Africa by going Freetown instead of Europe. She however revealed that the renovation of the Murtala Muhammed Airport remained the major challenge faced by the Airline as the aircraft parking area has been reduced adding that with the partnership between the airline and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria it has been smoothly Air Sierra Leone flies Tuesdays and Saturdays from Lagos to Freetown at 6am with connection in Sierra Leone According to Mrs Fiewor, plans are on to ensure the opening of other routes especially with the advent of the Yuletide season.

  CHUKS OKOH The newly elected president of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, (NAAPE) Capt. Bunmi Gindeh  says the first 100 days in office will be  strategy driven, designed to strengthen the union, improve welfare, and secure the dignity of Nigerian pilots and engineers. Speaking after his victory at the poll held in Uyo, Gindeh  said NAAPE competency exchange (N-EX), a local and international exchange program for pilots and engineers will have professionals which will rotate into partner organizations abroad for exposure, while experts rotate into Nigerian AMOs and airlines to transfer knowledge. According to him, this will reduce dependence on expatriates and builds global credentials while parity through productivity (PTP) Pay Framework, Clear, skill-and-output based pay bands linked to competencies, certifications, and productivity will be adopted to ensure fairness and places Nigerian professionals on equal footing with expatriates. On wage transparency dashboard, Gindeh said anonymous, aggregated salary and welfare report for pilots and engineers with real data, to negotiate from a position of strength and expose unfair pay practices. He assured of accreditation for employers who met best practices on pay fairness, training, and safety which will make the NAAPE Seal to become a mark of credibility in the industry, improving employer reputation and raising our leverage. According to NAAPE President, a mobile team of negotiators and legal experts to intervene within 72 hours in cases of unlawful dismissals, threats, or anti-union practices adding that the quick response unit will change the balance of power. Gindeh assured of structured apprenticeships for newly licensed pilots and junior engineers, guaranteeing placement in local airlines/AMOs to end excuses for excessive expatriate recruitment. NAAPE boss also disclosed that PensionPlus & Microinsurance for members covering life, disability, and pension top-ups, saying it will deliver tangible welfare to their members. He revealed that Hack-the-Flight Innovation Challenge, an annual challenge where member teams propose aviation safety or efficiency innovations. “Partnering with regulators and donors to support Nigeria-based Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs) with small technical grants – conditional on local hiring and training. Stronger AMOs mean more jobs for us” . “A mentorship program pairing senior pilots/engineers with juniors, supported by a ‘Passport’ of micro-credentials that strengthens promotion and career advancement opportunities” .

CHUKS OKOH The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, has paid a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) ABUJA, Aemphasizing that NTDA is the first agency he is officially visiting since assuming office. Muhammad described the Authority as a core and strategic institution within the ministry’s ecosystem. “NTDA is vital to this sector. Everything we do—whether in art, music, culture, or creativity—culminates in tourism. Your mandate is clear, and the success of Nigeria’s tourism sector hinges on NTDA’s ability to deliver on it. We must work together to make Nigeria the next leading tourist destination,” he stated. The Permanent Secretary underscored the importance of collaboration rather than competition among sister agencies, adding that overlapping functions should be seen as strengths rather than challenges. He urged the Authority to identify low-hanging fruits, set priorities, and drive initiatives that would showcase Nigeria’s rich tourism potential both locally and internationally. Dr. Muhammad further emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity, from the Sahara fringes to the mangroves of the south, offers immense opportunities for tourism development. He encouraged NTDA to leverage public-private partnerships (PPP) and innovative financing, stressing that lack of government funding should not be a barrier to success. Responding, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, NTDA, Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for his encouragement and support. “We need to do more than what we are doing, and from what you said, Sir, indeed tourism can fund Nigeria’s Economy”Mr. Ovie noted. He further outlined some of the Authority’s recent strides to include, ongoing finalization of regulations to strengthen the implementation of the NTDA Act, digitilization of accreditation processes for Hospitality and Tourism Establishments (HTEs), with grading and classification also being transitioned to an online platform. Others according to him, include partnerships with ECOWAS and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria on national tourism standards. Promotion of the Tour Nigeria brand across festivals, exhibitions, and seminars to deepen domestic tourism and plans to operationalize provisions of the NTDA Act such as the Tourism Departure Levy and the Tourism Development Fund in collaboration with FAAN, Immigration, and other stakeholders.   “Our accreditation process has gone online. HTEs can now register their businesses from anywhere in the world. We are also working on a digital platform for grading and classification in collaboration with stakeholders, and the Tour Nigeria brand continues to drive domestic tourism,” Mr. Ovie added. He assured the Permanent Secretary that NTDA remains committed to delivering on its mandate, promoting the Tour Nigeria brand, and positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive tourist destination.

CHUKS OKOH Members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) one of the vibrant unions in the aviation sectors before now, is set for a showdown with its national executives over plans to shift its delegates conference /election. The election which ought to have been scheduled for next month October, investigations revealed, is being planned to take place next year against the wish of ATSSSAN members. This has continued to generate anxiety and apprehension of the possibility of the out going President of the Union, Comrade Ahmadu Illitrus to conduct elections for the national positions. According to members, there is nothing concrete on ground to show that the President is ready for election with less than two weeks to the end of the current tenure of the Executives. Some members have accused the national president of buying time and not willing to relinquish power by conducting election to allow new national executives sworn in According to sources close to ATSSSAN, plans for the delegates conference was scheduled to hold in Jos, Plateau state, but has been stalled by lack of funds as some members criticised the choice of Jos due to inadequate flight operations, distance and recent insecurity recorded in the state. Three contestants are currently running for the office of the President of ATSSSAN without knowing when, where and how the polls will be conducted Some are calling for elections to be held in Lagos or neighbouring states with the little available funds than to shift the electon. According to them, there was enough time for the executives to plan for the election before now if they do not have ulterior motives. Some union members alleged that the president had erred by not calling for the National Administrative Council meeting to discuss issues affecting the unions on time. There is apprehension in the union as a result of impeding crisis over possible manipulations and inability of the current national executives to communicate with members on their delegates conference billed for October 2025 Investigations carried out by our Aviation Editor revealed, that the union is in disarray as nothing was on ground to show that the election was to conducted in less than 30 days. Some delegates are worried that the current executives led by Barrister Ahmadu Illitrus are not ready to leave the stage by organising a befitting, free, fare and transparent election to hand over power after eight years of saddled with the responsibility of ATSSSAN. Anonymous sources who spoke with our correspondent condemned the leadership style of the out going President of the union over the state of the ATSSSAN which has led to mistrust among the executives But in a recent telephone  interview with the President of ATSSSAN, Comrade Ilitrus, on happenings in the union, he said election will be coming up in October as the last delegates conference was held in October four years ago. According to Ilitrus, “In the history of ATSSSAN, when we are planning elections it doesn’t take us one month to plan. I ve told them that election will be conducted this year and the only thing that will stand between us and the election is when we don’t have money” “For the record, in the history of ATSSSAN, no president has planned the way I ve planned, even my predecessor didn’t do what I have  done. ATSSSAN never had any savings anywhere. As I speak to you, I have money in savings, I have been saving money towards the election. All we need to do is to have a meeting which am already planing to do, NAC meeting” Ilitrus said physical NAC meeting will deplete the purse of the union adding, that online NAC meeting will be called to discuss and formally inaugurate the planning committee to commence their work He queried why members were preemptive saying,.that it was the usual happenings towards to run off. More information concerning the ATSSSAN delegates conference are expected to be unfolded

CHUKS OKOH Members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) one of the vibrant unions in the aviation sectors before now, is set for a showdown with its national executives over plans to shift its delegates conference /election. The election which ought to have been scheduled for next month October, investigations revealed, is being planned to take place next year against the wish of ATSSSAN members. This has continued to generate anxiety and apprehension of the possibility of the out going President of the Union, Comrade Ahmadu Illitrus to conduct elections for the national positions. According to members, there is nothing concrete on ground to show that the President is ready for election with less than two weeks to the end of the current tenure of the Executives. Some members have accused the national president of buying time and not willing to relinquish power by conducting election to allow new

  CHUKS OKOH In a historic moment for Nigeria and the entire African aviation sector, Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has been elected as the Vice President of ACI Africa. This election not only highlights her leadership but also elevates her from her previous role as Regional Advisor for Africa to a permanent member on the ACI World Governing Board The ratification took place during the 34th ACI Africa General Assembly held in Lusaka, Zambia. With 56 member states across Africa, ACI Africa plays a vital role in advocating for the interests of aviation across the continent.   The ACI World Governing Board oversees approximately 2,100 airports globally and is comprised of 814 members across 169 countries. In her new position, Mrs. Kuku will champion initiatives aimed at promoting safe and passenger-centric airports and enhancing connectivity throughout Africa. “Being elected as Vice President of ACI Africa is an incredible honor, one that I do not take lightly,” said Olubunmi Kuku. “I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues to ensure that our airports not only meet international standards for safety and efficiency but also serve as critical drivers of economic growth and connectivity for our nations.” Under her leadership, Nigerian airports have begun a remarkable transformation, characterized by significant infrastructure changes and repositioning efforts. Olubunmi Kuku’s extensive background in the aviation and finance sectors equips her to tackle pressing issues such as infrastructure development, complying with safety regulations, and the promotion of sustainable aviation practices. Her advocacy will focus on the unique challenges facing African airports while creating opportunities for innovation and excellence. Her management has also gained recognition through numerous awards, reflecting her commitment to elevating aviation standards in Africa. She has been a driving force in enhancing operational excellence and service quality within the Nigerian aviation landscape. As she embarks on this exciting new role, Mrs. Kuku remains dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector and uplifting the broader African aviation community. With her leadership, the future of aviation in Africa looks promising.

MMA2 GRABS BEST CARGO AIRPORT IN NIGERIA AT CHINET AWARDS CHUKS OKOH,   Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, has received significant recognition at the recent CHINET Awards and the 21st AKWAABA African Travel Market. The airport was named Best Cargo Airport in Nigeria, while Acting Chief Operating Officer Remi Jibodu was honored as one of the Top 50 Air Cargo Personalities in Nigeria. This recognition highlights MMA2’s dedication to providing an exceptional airport experience and its innovative approach to cargo operations. CHINET, known as West Africa’s only international aviation cargo event, continues to be a key player in promoting Africa’s air cargo business. Jibodu’s award specifically acknowledges his investment in the air cargo business and his exemplary leadership. These recent honors reinforce MMA2’s established reputation for excellence within the Nigerian aviation sector. Speaking at the event, Mr. Remi Jibodu, Ag. COO and Head of Aeronautics and Cargo Services at BASL, said, “the air cargo sector faces challenges such as weak digital presence, fragmented processes, low awareness, and limited dedicated freighter capacity. To unlock its full potential, we must invest in robust digital platforms that integrate the logistics ecosystem end-to-end, incentivize fleet and capacity development through innovative financing models, and adopt a collaborative P3 approach. Only then can we deliver the speed, transparency, and reliability the market demands.” Also reacting to the awards, Head, Corporate Communications (BASL), Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi said, “This recognition is another reminder that excellence is a journey, not a destination. At MMA2, we have consistently raised the bar in creating seamless passenger experience, and we are extending the same culture of continuous improvement to our cargo operations. Beyond serving traveling passengers, we are committed to providing the right infrastructure and support systems that facilitate trade, strengthen logistics, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”