BASL lauds implementation of Cape Town Convention

The operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), has applauded the federation government’s implementation of the Cape Town Convention (CTC).

BASL Chief Operating Officer, Remi Jibodu, said the CTC would avail local airlines easier access to dry leased aircraft, therefore streamlining aviation equipment financing, cost reduction and flexibility in the choice of crew.

The COO highlighted those positives when the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) executive members made a courtesy visit to BASL. Jibodu said: “When you look at most of the aircraft that we brought in, maybe in November and December last year, you would realise that, because it was summer period, a lot of them were cheaper to get, at least at that time. And it was at serious costs, even at that. I have airlines that must return their aircraft because they can’t cope with the lease agreements.”

Jibodu reckoned that with a dry lease, airlines could maintain existing crew, which would also develop pilots in Nigeria and increase revenue and capacity. The COO, however, advised that in talking about capacity, the routes should be considered as some routes are not very well serviced while others, like Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt, are well utilised.He added that MMA2 has made a lot of progress lately. With over 100 tenants, he pointed out that the number is increasing as another bank is coming on board.

“Even in terms of rentals, I think a bank is coming up again. So, we are going to be having more outlets. We are not just an airport.” The terminal welcomes about 10,000 to 15,000 people, including the footfalls, who come in and out of the facility daily.

On cargo, the COO said that the company is desirous of contributing to that cargo chain, and that was why they started cold storage last year, which is trying to fill that cargo chain.