FAAN MD charts new course for African airports at ACI Africa Conference
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has called for collaborative governance models for improved airport operations and sustainability.
A statement signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, revealed that Kuku made the call during her remarkable debut at the 71st Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Board Meeting, Regional Committee Meetings, Regional Conference, and Exhibition held in Cairo, Egypt, from February 24th to March 1st, 2024.
Her presence, according to the statement, not only marked a significant milestone for her leadership but also signified a strategic advancement for FAAN.
Under the conference theme “Airports: Levers of Socioeconomic and Sustainable Growth,” stakeholders from African airports, global technical partners, investors, and consultants reportedly converged to discuss the transformative agenda of airports post-COVID and to shape the trajectory of aviation excellence.
The conference, hosted primarily by Engineer Mohamed Saeed Mahrous, the CEO of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, emphasised ACI’s commitment to transforming airports into catalysts for development and efficiency.
The FAAN MD, according to the statement, actively engaged in exclusive sessions tailored for airport chief executives and board members, focusing on governance, regulatory frameworks, and strategic directions for airports across the continent.
Her emphasis on collaborative governance models aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability resonated deeply within the discussions.
One of Mrs. Kuku’s primary objectives was to foster relationships with fellow CEOs and explore potential partnerships to leverage innovative technologies for revolutionising airport operations, passenger experiences, and safety standards.
Discussions ranged from biometric screening to advanced baggage handling systems and digital passenger services, all aimed at establishing new benchmarks for passenger service excellence.
Kuku also participated in strategic discussions on diversifying revenue streams within the aviation sector’s financial landscape.
Another important highlight of the ACI Conference aimed at exploring non-aeronautical revenue avenues such as retail, real estate, and digital services was crucial to ensuring FAAN’s financial sustainability and growth.
The statement added that the successful participation of Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku at the ACI Africa Conference has laid a robust foundation for FAAN’s strategic trajectory in the years to come.
Her engagements have opened doors for collaborative projects, technological advancements, and enhanced service delivery models.
Leveraging the insights and connections garnered from the conference, FAAN is poised to achieve objectives of operational excellence, heightened passenger satisfaction, and robust revenue generation.
Kuku’s dedication to leveraging the outcomes of the conference to reinforce FAAN’s position as a leader in Africa’s aviation industry aligns with global best practices and innovative service delivery.
Notable participants from Nigeria included Capt. Abdullahi Zubeir Mahmood, FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, and Femi Bajomo, Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Foreign Direct Investments and Capital Improvement Programs.
