A seasoned aviation expert, Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to prioritize route development and airport revenue optimization to drive sustainable growth in the air transport sector.
Speaking at the annual Airport Business and Expo Summit (ABSE), Dr. Aisuebeogun highlighted the challenges facing the industry, including suboptimal policy decisions and the global economic recession.
“Despite these challenges, there is a high expectation from both national and regional stakeholders for the aviation sector to deliver an efficient and effective air link that will catalyze economic growth”.
He commended the Federal Government’s efforts to revitalize the sector through strategic programs but cautioned against the proliferation of airports without proper economic viability assessments.
“The success of these airports will depend on their ability to meet the economic sustainability index and usability,” he stated.
“Route development and airport revenue optimization planning are critical from the beginning of the airport development process to ensure their long-term viability.”
Dr. Aisuebeogun who was a former Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and also doubles as the ABSE chairman also stressed the importance of government investment in airports and realistic expectations from airport managers.
He applauded the recent revision of the revenue deduction from aviation agencies by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Barr Festus Keyamo SAN, but emphasized the need for continued funding to support the development and maintenance of airports.
“Our airports must be well-funded to meet the growing demands of the industry”.
“While we expect airport managers to optimize revenue, we must also recognize the limitations imposed by the current economic climate and the challenges of managing new airports.”
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Dr. Aisuebeogun’s call for improved route development and airport revenue optimization offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance Nigeria’s air transport infrastructure and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
