Tuesday, July 30, 2013

More Foreign Airlines Show Interest In Nigerian Routes

Despite the dwindling fortunes of indigenous airlines, more foreign airlines are indicating interest in operating flights to Nigeria, even as those currently in the country seek for additional frequencies into the country.

Some of the airlines that recently showed interest include Air Zimbabwe, Air Uganda and Binter Canarias. It is on record that other international airlines that are already operating in the Nigerian market like British Airways, Lufthansa Airlines and others seek additional frequencies to the country.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which disclosed the recent interest following its participation in the recently concluded Routes Africa Strategy Summit which held on July 6- 10, 2013, in Kampala, Uganda.

The summit had in attendance chief executive officers and route development professionals worldwide and was a meeting point for aviation growth and development.The summit also focused on the need for private sector investment and participation in airport management and infrastructure, with emphasis on public- private- partnership, financial and operating models.

The need to encourage the outright concession of airport development to the private sector to free up public sector funds for airport security and safety infrastructure development was equally discussed by participants. Nigeria was represented at the event by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which used the forum to highlight the huge potential in the nation’s aviation industry.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi who was represented at the event by FAAN’s General Managers of Business Development and Planning,  Abubakar Achimugu and Nse Ikiddeh, respectively met with different groups and airlines who were willing to partner with FAAN in exploiting opportunities in the Nigerian aviation market, especially exploring additional routes.

Participants at the summit addressed issues ranging from Public Private Partnership for Airport Management and Development; the Development of Airports in Africa; New Carriers for Africa and Understanding Market Opportunities among others.

Source: http://leadership.ng