FAAN Seek Cooperation, Adoption of Technology in Airport Management

Chinedu Eze

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, attended 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.

At the conference she canvassed for cooperation, emphasized the importance of enhancing passenger services and air connectivity and adoption of cutting-edge technology in airport management.

This marked a significant milestone for her leadership and the strategic advancement of FAAN.

The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, explained that  this year’s conference theme was ‘Airports: Levers of Socioeconomic and Sustainable Growth.’

She said the event provided a platform for African airports, global technical partners, investors, and consultants to interact with each other.

This discussions focused on the transformative agenda of airports post-COVID and helped to shape the trajectory of aviation excellence. The CEO of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, Engineer Mohamed Saeed Mahrous, was the primary host of the conference and he emphasised the commitment of ACI to transforming airports into catalysts for development and efficiency.

During the conference, Mrs. Kuku actively engaged in exclusive sessions tailored for airport chief executives and board members. These discussions revolved around governance, regulatory frameworks, and setting strategic directions for airports across the continent, emphasising collaborative governance models for enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability.

A key focus of Mrs. Kuku’s attendance was fostering relationships with fellow CEOs and exploring potential partnerships to leverage innovative technologies for revolutionizing airport operations, passenger experiences, and safety standards.

Under her guidance, collaborative discussions centered on integrating cutting-edge technology within airport ecosystems. Topics ranged from biometric screening to advanced baggage handling systems and digital passenger services, all aimed at establishing new benchmarks for passenger service excellence.

Kuku underscored the importance of enhancing passenger services and air connectivity through technological integration and personalized passenger experiences. She explored strategies with airline executives and service providers to enhance air connectivity, aiming to increase passenger traffic and accessibility for FAAN-operated airports.

Understanding the dynamic nature of the aviation sector’s financial landscape, Mrs. Kuku participated in strategic discussions on diversifying revenue streams. This included exploring non-aeronautical revenue avenues such as retail, real estate, and digital services to ensure financial sustainability and growth for FAAN.