The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, made a momentous debut at the 71st Airports Council International (ACI} Africa Board Meeting, Regional Committee Meetings Regional Conference and Exhibition, which held in Cairo, Egypt, from February 24th to March 1st, 2024. This marked a significant milestone for her leadership and the strategic advancement of FAAN.
This year’s conference theme was ‘Airports: Levers of Socioeconomic and Sustainable Growth.’ The event provided a platform for African airports, global technical partners, investors, and consultants to interact with each other. The 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.
Mrs. 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.
In conclusion, 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 set to achieve objectives of operational excellence, heightened passenger satisfaction, and robust revenue generation.
Mrs. Kuku remains dedicated to leveraging the outcomes of the conference to reinforce FAAN’s position as a leader in Africa’s aviation industry, aligning with global best practices and innovative service delivery.
Some of the participants from Nigeria at this year’s conference were 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.
Mrs Obiageli Orah
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
