August 31, (THEWILL) – Eight years after the Ministerial Committee on Airport Security certified the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), fit for the commencement of regional operations, the operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd (BASL), is yet to commence, even after an investment of over N600 million has been made.
Despite the delays, BASL has over the years insisted that it is ready for that route at MMA2, adding that all the facilities required for regional flight operations from the MMA2 are in place.
Blessing Ewah, head of operations, BASL, who disclosed this while taking journalists on tour of facilities at the terminal on Wednesday, said all the agencies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), had assessed and approved the facilities after all necessary requirements were met, wondering why operations were yet to commence.
“We are actually ready, the terminal is ready, gates 5 and 6 here have been dedicated for regional flights. We have invested over N600 million in the facilities for this operation and we have not recouped one naira, it all started in 2014”, he said.
In April 2023, Chairman of BASL, Dr Wale Babalakin, after inaugurating ‘The Art Experience’ (Art Gallery) in MMA2, had stated that despite the terminal being granted approval by FG, there were still delays in starting regional operations from the MMA2.
‘‘I am alarmed that we have not commenced regional operations because we went through the entire process, we were certified, but we have not been allowed to take off.
“I am shocked because the MMA2 terminal was built to provide services for both regional and domestic passengers, but it is presently underutilised.
“We had already spent several millions of naira to acquire the state-of-the-art facilities in preparation for regional flight operations, but the inconsistency in government policy, despite the approval, had prevented it from using the facilities”, he said.
The operators added the MMA2 terminal remains the best in Nigeria, citing that the best architects were engaged to design the terminal that last.
Ewah on Wednesday, insisted that everything requested for and required according to standards for regional operations are in place, adding, ‘the infrastructure is still in place, we are positive, it will be a beautiful thing for us to start regional operations this year’.
Beyond a mere terminal aspiring for a regional operation, Chief Operating Officer of Bi-courtney Aviation Services Limited, Ms. Tosan Duncan, also noted that MMA2 is evolving from being a mere airport terminal into an integral part of the travel experience for over eight thousand departing and arriving customers each day.
Speaking during the tour of BASL facilities at MMA2, Ms Duncan said, “The introduction of the Premium Departure Concierge service is set to redefine travel, catering to the evolving needs of modern passengers. Yet, our VIP and Private Membership Lounges remain steadfast, offering a personalised haven for those seeking comfort and exclusivity. MMA2 isn’t just an airport; it’s a dynamic ecosystem. With over 190 rental spaces housing local and international eateries, banks, travel services, and an array of shops, we’re not just facilitating travel. We’re creating a miniature version of modern life. From literature to luxury, telecommunications to fashion, we cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
“We’re not just processing people; we’re building a lifestyle community; a space where serenity and self-assuredness coexist, offering a respite from the fast-paced world beyond these walls. Let us not forget the arts that breathe life into our terminal. The Art Gallery, a hub of creativity, allows passengers to engage with culture as they traverse our halls. And as we look toward the future, our multi-storey car park is being transformed to provide a range of parking options and streamlined payment methods.”
Duncan further disclosed that “in recent times, we have embarked on a new journey of collaboration and partnership, working hard at forging a strong bond with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, under whose auspices we operate as a privileged, public-private partnership. This connection is not merely political or economic; it’s a testament to the synergy that drives progress in our modern world. This new found friendship enables us to continually enhance the services we provide and contributes to the growth of the aviation sector in our region.”
MMA2, which currently has staff strength of over 420, has 103 tenants out of 192 spaces it provides. This represents 67% occupancy rate and 33% vacancy rate. It has 2,200 KVA Generators apart from the two major electricity lines coming from the power supply authority in addition to its four turbines, that all ensure constant availability of electricity power.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
