AM EDITORIAL: Evidence Of A Data-driven Aviation Industry Growth
One major enabler of transparency in the leadership and management of an organization or industry is data.
In the absence of real time and accurate data, it is possible for a leadership to achieve so much during a tenure and yet, be accused of achieving so little. It is also possible to assume that so much has been achieved where little or nothing other than much noise through the media has been the trend.
By leveraging innovative technologies and advanced data analytics, success records can be evident. Risks can be mitigated and plans can be effectively and efficiently conceived and implemented.
A data-driven approach to running an industry such as aviation, makes it possible to identify and address potential safety concerns in planning before they impact the industry’s operations and it ultimately, protects investors, airport users, passengers, crew and integrity of the entire system.
According to the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, “we must foster a culture of open communication and strategic partnership.”
Open communication demands for instance, that for every huge government-funded project in the industry, the vitals of public interest including objectives and item-by-item cost of the project, should be published for proper tracking, follow-up and advisory assistance. This is helpful to data capturing and stakeholders’ investment decision making.
In aviation, statistics of passenger movements, aircraft movement and cargo traffic are critical. We are yet to understand why some agencies and relevant organizations still find it difficult to publish real-time data on these or make them available on their websites.
The publication of annual reports by each aviation agency in Nigeria, stating annual revenues, expenditures and projections is not rocket science.
The publication of the number of arrests of crime suspects by security agencies at the airports is not enough. The publication of number of crime convictions and the nature of punishment of offenders is important. The publication by the aviation regulatory agency of violators among airline and airport services providers is expedient. Such pieces of information provide data on the wave of such crimes and violations and serve as deterrent to potential offenders.
The overall number of workers in the aviation sector needs to be captured to determine whether or not there has been more or less direct and indirect jobs created in the sector, the category of additional employees needed, and so on.
Where data is assumed, hoarded or unavailable, an acclaimed growth or progress of an industry could be described as a joke or mirage.AM
