Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) terminal, Dr Olawale Babalakin, has sought support of regulatory authorities on terminal expansion.
Babalakin made the appeal during the official opening of the MMA2 Premium Departure Concierge Service, which he said offered passengers a comfortable and relaxing pre-flight experience.
Speaking on the importance of the expansion, Babalakin noted that MMA2 has been operating at full capacity since its inception and the terminal needs to be expanded to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
He stressed that the expansion would enhance operational efficiency, provide better services for passengers, and create more job opportunities.
He noted that the premium lounge was earlier commissioned as a shed but after his visit to South Africa and saw their domestic terminal, they had to look for architects to change the terminal design.
“Today, the domestic terminal in South Africa is parallel to a town and we would love to be like that, but we need the support of regulatory authorities for expansion,” he said.
Babalakin affirmed more plans in the offing to develop the airport, but with the necessary support to ensure it becomes the haven of comfort and outstanding travel experience for Nigerians and visitors.
He charged the incoming Minister of Aviation to follow the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of promoting, encouraging the private sector, creating more businesses to enlarge the economy and providing employment in comfortable jobs.
“MMA2 has shown that there is room for private capital contribution into governmental purposes. Since it came on board, it has had a good effect on other terminals that are keen on having the same, which has impacted very positively on the nation,” he said.
Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) BASL, Tosan Odukoya said for the future of air travel, scaling up to the level of ensuring safety, security with satisfaction and sustainability are important.
“Premium Departure Concierge Service encapsulates the very essence of serenity and convenience. This service is not just about the departure process; it’s about our promise to begin your journey with safety and security, to crown it with satisfaction, and to infuse it with the spirit of Nigeria’s finest foods and talents,” she said.
She stressed that for Nigerian aviation, the terminal is on the course of growth because they are ready to embrace technology, go back to the basis of training, use the necessary tools for human capital assets to make the industry one to reckon with.
Also, President of Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd), said the industry is moving ahead with initiatives like the MMA2.
