BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd (BASL) has raised concerns over the continued delay of commencement of regional operations at the airport terminal after a ministerial committee on airport security’s certification.
The operators lamented that an investment of over N600 million had been made, eight years ago to upgrade the terminal following which all regulatory agencies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had assessed and approved the facility for regional operations.
Head of operations at BASL, Blessing Ewah said this while taking journalists on tour of the facility.
His words; “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”.
He recalled that 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 the federal government, 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,” he said.
Besides, the terminal aspiring for regional operations, the 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.
Duncan noted “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 personalized haven for those seeking comfort and exclusivity.”
She stated that MMA2 currently have staff strength of over 420 and 103 tenants out of 192 spaces it provides, adding that this represents 67% occupancy rate and 33% vacancy rate.
The BASL spokes person informed that the terminal 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.
