Bi-Courtney eyes expansion celebrating 17 years aviation PPP success at MMA2

L-R: Ajoke Yinka Olawuyi, head, corporate communications, Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2); Suleiman Idris, chairman, League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents, (LAAC); Remi Jibodu, acting chief operating officer, MMA2; and Monica Oguta, head, aviation security, MMA2, during a press conference on the 17th year anniversary of the terminal, recently

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd, (BASL), has been talking up its achievements as testament to the success of the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the aviation sector in Nigeria, following that attainment of 17 years by the build, operate and transfer (BOT) airport.

The first airline’s flight that operated out of MMA2 was Chanchangi Airline flight NCH 334, with aircraft registration number 5N BEU, which lifted 70 passengers and it departed at exactly 17:15 on May 7, 2007.

Beyond the euphoria of celebrating reaching 17 years, it is looking ahead to the future with plans of expansion of operations and activities of the airport.

Remi Jibodu, acting chief operating officer, speaking at an anniversary media briefing, said the airport is poised  to embark on an exciting journey toward continued growth and innovation.

“Our plans include further expansion of our terminal facilities, implementation of improved technology to enhance security, sustainable initiatives to expand our cargo ecosystem, and the commencement of regional operations from our terminal,” Jibodu said.

According to him, the launch of regional operations, considering its track record of continuous growth and excellence, will provide a single hub for domestic airlines, boost their revenue through transit flights, drive economic growth by creating more jobs, and enhance connectivity.

“This expansion will open new revenue opportunities, benefiting all stakeholders involved. The economic ripple effects will be felt far and wide, from increased foot traffic in our terminal to enhanced commercial opportunities,” the acting COO said.

Jibodu also reflected on the 17 years that the airport had been in operation, noting that the efficiency and innovations that come with PPP have helped the operator deliver world-class services to its passengers and stakeholders.

“Over the past 17 years, our airport has evolved into a symbol of excellence, innovation, and efficiency in the Nigerian aviation industry. Through steadfast dedication and tireless efforts, we have achieved numerous milestones that have propelled us to the forefront of the global aviation landscape,” he said.

He said he was proud to highlight the resounding success of our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, stressing that the innovative approach has not only enhanced the operational efficiency of our airport but has also fostered collaboration with private entities, enabling us to deliver world-class services to our passengers and stakeholders.

On the numerous flights that have been operated from the terminal, Jibodu said there were currently, a total of 10 domestic airlines flying out of the terminal daily, including 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. The introduction of our state-of-the-art multi-story car park has revolutionised the parking experience for passengers, providing convenience and ease of access. Additionally, the implementation of e-gates at our central screening point has streamlined passenger facilitation, ensuring a seamless journey through our airport and enhancing our security architecture,”  he said.

Jibodu disclosed further that the operator’s unwavering focus on reliability and sustainability is exemplified by the establishment of uninterrupted power supply systems, a  critical infrastructure ensures that its operations remain resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, safeguarding the travel experience for passengers.

On innovations at the airport by BASL, he said as an airport, they recently developed a flight disruption guideline when they noticed a growing trend of passenger unrest at the slightest provocation, noting that this often leads to property damage and abuse of staff and users of the airport, but that the trend has been tremendously reduced.

“Over the past seventeen 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,” Jibodu further explained.

The BASL chief also mentioned the MMA2 Training Centre as one of its many achievements, noting that the training centre stands as a testament to the operator’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals through 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,” he added.