…Seeks to Enhance Professionalism in Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Mr. Bankole Bernard, has announced a renewed focus on advancing aviation training in Nigeria.
As the chairman of the Association of Aviation Training Organizations of Nigeria (AATON), Bernard highlighted his commitment to raising awareness and improving professionalism within the aviation industry.
At a news conference in Lagos, Bernard acknowledged that his previous commitments had limited his ability to fully engage with AATON.
“My office was on the island, and I was overwhelmed with business responsibilities”.
However, his recent move to Ikeja has provided the opportunity to actively promote AATON’s objectives.
He emphasized the need for greater recognition of AATON by government officials, noting, “Even the minister might not be fully aware of the association’s existence.”
Bernard stressed that AATON plays a crucial role in developing aviation professionals, which is essential for the industry’s growth.
“The personnel aspect of the industry needs to be taken seriously for any significant development to occur”.
The Finchglow Holdings GMD aims to educate the public on the diverse career opportunities within aviation beyond being a pilot.
“We need to make people aware of other professions in aviation,” he stated.
By leveraging AATON, Bernard hopes to encourage the establishment of more aviation schools, similar to the Lagos Aviation Academy, which Finchglow Holdings founded in 2017 and has since graduated over 2,000 students.
Reflecting on his tenure as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Bankole Bernard expressed pride in the progress made. “Before I became NANTA president, it was difficult for people to see the association’s impact. Today, NANTA is known and respected,” he said. He aspires to achieve similar visibility and impact for AATON.
He expressed his commitment to enhancing professionalism in the aviation industry, believing it will attract younger generations and foreign investors.
“Professionalism is the first step to shared prosperity,”, he asserted.
He envisions a transformed travel industry that is dynamic and respected, capable of drawing significant foreign investment.
Bernard reaffirmed his dedication to changing perceptions and improving the aviation and travel sectors in Nigeria.
“We can change the scope of the industry to become attractive, even for foreign investors,” he concluded.
