In a proactive stride towards realising regional flight operations, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd (BASL) has affirmed its preparedness to commence operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) terminal. Mr. Blessing Ewah, the Head of Operations at Bi-Courtney, shared this disclosure during an exclusive regional facility tour with journalists at the terminal in Lagos on Wednesday.
The commitment comes after Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) received certification for regional operations from the Ministerial Committee on Airport Security in 2016. Despite this endorsement and the terminal’s Chairman, Dr. Wale Babalakin’s announcement in April 2023 that the Federal Government had granted approval, the initiation of regional operations has experienced setbacks.
Mr. Ewah emphasised the meticulous adherence to regulatory requirements. He underlined the separation of domestic and regional passengers and the provision of dedicated facilities for security and facilitation agencies like immigration and quarantine officials. All the relevant entities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), evaluated and endorsed the facilities, leaving questions about the ongoing delays.
He lamented, “We’ve invested over N600 million in the facilities for this operation, yet since its inception in 2014, we haven’t recouped a single naira. The terminal has the infrastructure, and we are ready. Gates 5 and 6 have been designated for regional flights. The MMA2 terminal was originally designed to cater to both regional and domestic passengers, but its potential remains untapped.”
Ewah further elaborated, revealing that substantial investments had been directed towards acquiring state-of-the-art amenities in anticipation of regional operations. However, he highlighted the inconsistency in government policies as the impeding factor in utilising these resources despite official approval.
Underscoring the terminal’s architectural distinction, Ewah proudly stated, “MMA2 holds its place as the premier terminal in the nation. We enlisted the finest architects to conceive its design, and we’ve meticulously addressed every requirement for regional operations to ensure the highest standards.”
With the existing infrastructure in place, Ewah expressed optimism for a potential commencement of regional operations this year. He also extended felicitations to the newly-appointed Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, predicting that his tenure would usher in significant accomplishments in the realm of aviation.
