Airlines Meet with FAAN to Discuss Industry Challenges

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are calling for the modernization of airport infrastructure and digitization of airport fee collection.In a statement on Tuesday, AON Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, said the association made the demand during a meeting with the management of the 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.AON also commended the authorities and urged FAAN to continue its excellent efforts to provide quality services “the airline operators and passengers can attest to”.The association also commended the current management of FAAN, led by its Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Olubunmi Kuku, for their concerted efforts to bring about positive changes in the federal airports under its control. Allen Onyema, AON’s vice president and CEO of Air Peace, expressed gratitude and confidence during the meeting.

AON said the meeting was held to discuss important issues in the aviation industry. The meeting was attended by 20 airlines”

The meeting was organized at the instance of Mrs. Kuku to enlighten AON on what plans the Authority has for airport development and to also listen to feedback 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.”Onyema responded by saying AON members are satisfied that FAAN and the Minister of Aerospace Development are working on 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 time to fight but to work with FAAN management.