BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
A strategic step towards running a slot allocation system for airlines, removing dead airplanes from active portions of the local aviation terminal and generally boosting efficiency is being taken by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).
The, company, which doubles as the operator of the MMA2 terminal, says it would use technology as the fulcrum to buoy the goals.
This was disclosed at the weekend by the Head of Aeronauticals, BASL, Remi Jibodu, at an interactive session with the media.
According to him, the nagging issue of apron congestion would soon be history as the company was on the verge of completing the apron expansion in a week or two.
“We have about five or six unserviceable aircraft on the active apron which we have discussed with the airlines. We’re working collaboratively because the major problem is that they don’t want to move it to the graveyard”, he said, revealing that the company has since worked out a solution where Aero Contractors and others could keep their unserviceable aircraft far away from the apron.
He said the cost of this task will be spread among all parties just as assurances will be made that their aircraft are safe and secure.
He described the slot technology for airlines as very nice as it help them space their departure time and ensure it does not clash.
“Majorly, it is for us to organize these things properly, it is not that the apron is that small. Everybody doesn’t fly at the same time and we have a lot of flights going in and out every day. We are trying to use technology in terms of parking. We can use the slot system and we can arrange people properly and that is why we are particular about the regional operations. “What we have noticed is that in your timetable; you have, for instance a 6.40 am departure.
Then, you are opening your counter at 5.30 am. Automatically, that flight is delayed because 5.30am to 6.40 am is less than two hours. How do you want to depart an aircraft at 6.40 am? It is not possible.
“I have already demonstrated to the airlines that they cannot do this. It is either you want to open earlier or if it is too early, the passenger cannot come too early. We need to look at all these areas. We are already discussing this with them because the timetable is economic. We have seen the data.
“It is not as if they are carrying all the passengers. We are working strongly with them to ensure that they understand how these things work and we will be able to arrange it properly. We have a lot of rush in the morning but again, it can be more organized and that is what we are looking at”, he noted.
In her remarks, BASL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi stated that the approval granted her firm to operate regional flight stands, stressing that the company was ready for another round of inspection of facilities by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In 2016, the Ministerial Committee on Airport Security in certified MMA2 as suitable for regional operations.
