BASL urges stakeholders to embrace tech in airport operations

Bi-Courtney Aviation Service Limited, (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2(MMAI2), has urged stakeholders in the aviation sector to embrace technology in airport design and operations to boost efficiency and passenger experience.

A statement issued by the acting Chief Operating Officer of BASL, Remi Jibodu, noted that the foresight remained critical in airport development.

Jibodu disclosed while speaking at a panel session during a recent industry event that the design of an airport determines its long-term success.

“The design of an airport is the foundation for having a good passenger experience.

“The success of airport facilitation begins with the design. If you start an airport with a very poor design, you are going to struggle. We have to be futuristic in designing an airport to ensure development,” Jibodu said.

Jibodu emphasized that digitalisation remained a major solution to processing challenges, adding that apart from easing passenger flow, it provides valuable data for planning.

He stressed that MMA2 was conceived from inception with a futuristic vision, embedding technology to overcome traditional challenges and redefine the travel experience.

The Chief Operating Officer of BASL, also revealed that the MMA2 terminal has consistently upgraded its Flight Information Display Screens to improve visibility and ensure smoother communication between passengers and airlines.

He affirmed that the terminal also operates free, secure Wi-Fi in its food court and departure areas, enabling travellers to stay connected, adding that passengers and aviation experts have lauded the improvements.

He recalled that a traveller at MMA2 on Sunday said, “I wish all terminals in the country could emulate and be like MMA2; they are doing a really good job there.”

Jibodu declared that the company introduced digital cold storage facilities in 2024 and was in discussions with investors on establishing a dedicated freighter system to move and redistribute goods across Nigeria.

“Now, if we have a dedicated freighter system, which we are encouraging, we are talking to some people about this. We want more players to come into the business so that we can move goods by air and redistribute all over Nigeria,” Jibodu stated.

Jibodu applauded the Federal Government for implementing the Cape Town Convention Practice in 2024, describing it as a move that would reduce costs, enhance equipment financing, and allow airlines to use more local crew.

The BASL company noted that its management of MMA2 for over 18 years has demonstrated what private-sector efficiency and innovation can achieve in the aviation industry.

Jibodu acknowledged that the company is ready to replicate the MMA2 model in other Nigerian airports and across West Africa.

Aviation stakeholder, Ikechi Uko also affirmed that MMA2 had demonstrated that Nigerian airports could run functional systems.

Head of Information Technology at BASL, Azeez Sanni, also confirmed the terminal had consistently invested in technology to boost operations.

Sanni said “With the upgrade of the Common User Passenger Processing System, airlines now have the flexibility to check in passengers seamlessly from any available system, ensuring faster processing and smoother travel even during peak periods.”

He stated further that MMA2’s upgraded Flight Information Display system delivers real-time, high-resolution updates, while its Wi-Fi service keeps passengers comfortable.

“These initiatives reflect our commitment to continuous innovation, and we will keep introducing more technology-driven solutions to make the MMA2 experience even more convenient and world-class,” he added.

The BASL company revealed that it has upgraded its automated parking system to a more user-friendly, eco-friendly platform that replaces paper with recyclable cards.

Head of Parking Services, Muyiwa Fadere, said the company planned further upgrades that would eliminate physical payments by enabling card scanning and digital transactions.

The BASL company also revealed plans to expand its innovations into cargo services.