Airline operators to FAAN: Improve airport infrastructure, digitalise revenue collection

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has requested for an ungrade of airport infrastructure and the digitalisation of revenue collection at airports.

Obiageli Orah, director, public affairs and consumer protection, AON, in a statement on Tuesday, said the association made the request during a meeting with the management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“Some of the resolutions reached include the need for more frequent meetings, quicker response to AON correspondences, further improvements on airport infrastructure and the digitalisation of revenue collection amongst others,” Orah said.

Also, AON commended the authority, asking FAAN to continue the good work in the area of providing quality service, which “the airline operators and passengers can attest to”.

The association also commended the current management of the FAAN, led by Olubunmi Kuku, its managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), for concerted efforts in bringing about positive changes at the federal airports under its control.

Allen Onyema, vice-president of the AON and the CEO of Air Peace, gave the commendation and a vote of confidence during the meeting.

AON said the meeting was held to discuss important issues concerning the aviation industry.

The meeting was said to have 20 airlines in attendance.

“The meeting was organised at the instance of Mrs Kuku to enlighten AON on what plans the Authority has for airport development and to also listen to feedbacks from the operators in order to enable FAAN provide better services that will cascade to passengers,” AON said.

“The FAAN MD/CE kicked off the meeting with a presentation on her priority programs of Safety, Security, Culture Transformation, Digital Transformation, Service Quality and Revenue Generation that are for immediate implementation.

“She expressed her desire to see FAAN be one of the top airport management companies in sub-Saharan Africa within the next decade and identified the need for collaboration with the AON to achieve the goal.”

In his response, Onyema said AON members are delighted to see how FAAN and the minister of aviation and aerospace development have approached airport management with a deep sense of responsibility.

“When government does what is wrong, you can say it, but what is happening in FAAN is commendable,” the Air Peace CEO said. 

“The desire to do good is very, very transparent. You can see it. So, why won’t we have confidence in the system?”

Onyema said it is not a time to fight, but to collaborate with the FAAN management.