Aisuebeogun Calls For Better Funding Of Airports
“It is important to remark that airports need a lot of investment to set up and reoccurring infrastructure funding to continue to upgrade. Therefore, our airports must be well funded while we look towards the managers to meet their expected obligations. We must not fail to mention the debilitating impact of the heightened inflow and handover of new unviable airports to FAAN without a commensurate and adequate position and policy on their funding and sustainability”
These were the words of Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, International Air Transport Professional (IAP), in his opening speech of the maiden edition of All Nigeria Airport Managers Business Forum, at the 9th Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) held in Lagos on August 20 to 22, 2024 under the Theme: “Airport Viability is Key to Successful Aviation Business Ambition.”
Aisuebeogun who was Vice Chairman of the Summit said “the success of the airport cannot only driven by the performance of personnel that run these airports. Many of them whom I know are seasoned airport professionals but they will depend heavily on government and owners’ investment in the airport and realistic expectations, given the inherited situation and constraints of the airports and the economy.”
“The intention to have airports or airstrips in almost all 36 states of the country is supposed to enhance air connectivity and improve logistical inclusion both for passenger movement and cargo or freight services. The success of such national ambition will be measured by the viability of this airport in meeting the economic sustainability index and usability.
To address these factors, Route development and Airport revenue optimization planning are critical from the beginning of the airport development planning to implementation and operations. This therefore requires innovation and creativity from both airport development planners and management teams.
I am happy that the essence of this gathering is to set the journey towards that goal and set the parameters for airport performance from the perceptive of quality of airport management within the context of the heightened expectations of stakeholders,” said Aisuebeogun.
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