FAAN woos cargo operators, others to Enugu Airport

As Dunoma tasks staff on diligence

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has urged airline operators, service providers and the business community to take advantage of the new freight opportunities now available at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The authority’s invite is on the heels of international cargo operations that has since commenced at the Enugu airport with weekly flight by Ethiopian Airlines.

In a related development, the Managing Director (MD) of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, has urged workers in airports across the country to rededicate themselves to place FAAN at the highest pedestal and among organisations that have excelled against all odds.

Dunoma said that the new export window provides opportunities for start-ups and cargo related businesses especially in perishable and non perishable produce.

He said: “This will enable our people participate in the export market, earn foreign exchange and contribute to the GDP of the country,” adding that FAAN has put in place, processes and procedures to sustain its commitment to safety, security and passenger comfort.

Speaking at the 2016 annual performance review meeting of the directorate of commercial and business development held in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, the MD noted that the dwindling fortunes arising from the negative impact of the  present economic realities is a wake-up call on all to respond to President Muhammed Buhari’s charge to “think outside the box”.

Dunoma said: “There must be a major paradigm shift in our business model.  This will provide us the opportunity to collectively carry out a forensic audit of our activities, processes and values in the pursuit of our vision to be amongst the best airport groups in the world.”

He charged participants to evolve new and efficient measures to improve on non-aeronautical revenue sources while attaining best practices in service contract with its stakeholders.

“My expectation is that attention will be given to the critical areas of commercial operations targeted at the urgent optimisation of revenue performance, enhanced work processes, and substantial decline in revenue losses,” Dunoma said.

Acting Director of Commercial and Business Directorate, Tito Okpaise, said the retreat, with the theme, “Fortifying processes for sustained growth” was meant to renew commitment, determination and zeal of staff to deliver beyond expectations.