FAAN to embark on Professional Staff assessment.

Sky Watch Nigeria.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)has embarked on 'professional' assessment of the staff of the Authority, to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills that would ensure the success of the transformation agenda in the aviation industry.

According to the General Manager, Corporate Communications of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati,the assessment exercise entails a rigorous process that would enable staff key into the transformation agenda and identify their expected roles in the aviation master plan.

He pointed out that the Federal government in realization of the fact that the massive improvement in the infrastructure at the airports without corresponding added value in human resources, has made it imperative for staff to re-orientate for the success of the aviation road map.

Dati said that FAAN remained committed to fulfilling its mission to be among the best airport groups in the world.

Diversify developments in the aviation sector - MMIA Commandant.

Sky Watch Nigeria.

Former commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu(rtd) has called on the government to consider safety and security infrastructures in the aviation sector.

While reviewing the estimated revenue generated by foriegn and domestic airlines which has been put at around $25 billion or over N3.5trillion annually, Ojikutu calls for the setting in place of an organized system of accountability stating that: "Airport remodelling, national carrier or government financial intervention cannot individually or collectively grow the industry"

Ojikutu who is also currently an aviation security expert spoke on the needs of the aviation industry to diversify some of its development activities. While speaking on the subject he said: “Allow private investors in the industry, give concessions or free taxes on charges on airlines on landing and parking, navigational charges and others, reduce multiple landing for foreign airlines to our international airports to create markets for domestic airlines. If government does these, the industry will grow."

These revenues which come from passenger tickets, cargo frieghts, cargo operations, and payment for charter services have been brought to light in the recent decision of the government to assist the domestic airlines acquire new aircraft for their operations. Which has led several aviation analysts calling for reforms at different levels.

Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos, designated as perishable goods Cargo Terminal.

Sky Watch Nigeria.

The Federal Government has selected the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos as a cargo terminal for the export of perishable goods.

This disclosure was made by the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Yakubu Datti on Sunday 25 November 2012  while inspecting the ongoing renovation and remodelling at the airport.

The Yakubu Gowon Airport is among the 11 airport projects currently in their first stage of the 22 airports to undergo re-modelling nationwide.

Mr Datti explained that the designation of the airport as a cargo terminal was part of the aviation master plan to ensure that perishable goods were exported directly overseas, so as to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

In addition, Datti added that there were higher expectations of a boost in the sector which are all to follow the recent removal of duties on spare parts, remodelling, and re-construction works on airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano.

According to Datti, a provision is also being considered for alternative cashflow through exportation of products beyond subsistence agriculture, adding that countries like Israel make millions of dollars from exporting rose flowers every year.