Bi-Courtney prepares for airport concessioning, gets new CEO

Operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) terminal in Lagos, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, in preparation for the Federal Government’s proposed concessioning of some airports in the country.

The new CEO, in person of Captain Jari Williams, will consolidate the company’s achievements to serve as a template for the concession plan.Bi-Courtney, in a statement, plans to leverage on over 10 years’ experience as the pioneering operator of the country’s first successful Build, Operate and Transfer concession, as it sets the pace of new development in the industry.

The new CEO’s appointment also aligns with the vision of BASL’s Chairman, Dr. Wale Babalakin, to continuously infuse cerebral thinking into the development and administration of critical infrastructure within and outside the shores of Nigeria in order to ensure the highest level of safety, efficiency and excellence in service delivery and asset management.

Williams succeeds Christophe Penninck, who contributed to the growth of BASL into a world-class organisation and MMA2’s emergence as the number one airport terminal in Nigeria.

Williams is an FAA/ICAO certified Airline Transport Pilot who has flown over 10,000 flight hours both locally and internationally in addition to various type ratings on airplanes.

He has a Diploma in Civil Engineering and has attended a series of professional Aviation courses, including: airport certification and infrastructure standard, safety management system and Airport and flight operations quality and audit processes.

He brings to the table varied experience, having served in operations and management positions in various organizations, including: the National Air Border and Patrol Unit of the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs; Okada Air; Merchant Express Aviation; DAS Air Cargo; and Arik Air. He also had a brief stint with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as PA to the Managing Director.

Williams joins BASL from the Akwa Ibom State Government owned Ibom Airport Development Company (IADCL), operator of the Akwa Ibom International Airport, where he served as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (2009-2015), taking the company from the end of Phase one Construction to a certified acclaimed private airport in Nigeria.

Capt. Williams’ arrival at the MMA2 Terminal is a sign of Bi-Courtney’s renewed confidence as the company repositions for exciting new opportunities in the Nigerian aviation sector.