Bi-Courtney mulls use of mobile apps for self-check-in at MMA2

OPERATORS of the Murtala Muhammed Airport private terminal, otherwise known as MMA2, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), has announced plans to adopt more technologies that will help address flight delays and cancellations at the terminal.

Addressing journalists at the Lagos airport, Head of Aeronautics, BASL, Mr Remi Jibodu revealed that in tackling the menace of the incessant flight cancellations and delays, the MMA2 management has concluded plans to introduce slot arrangement for airlines operating from its terminal.

According to Jibodu, the introduction of the slot arrangement, would help reduce the congestion and flight delays at the terminal among operating airlines.

A slot arrangement is an authorisation to either take-off or land at a particular airport or terminal on a particular day during a specified time period.

His words: “Presently, we are almost concluding the apron expansion. I am sure that should be done by next week. Also, we have some unserviceable aircraft on the apron, which are about five or six. We have already discussed this with the affected airlines, but the major issue is that they don’t want to move it to the graveyard.

“Also, we are looking at using technology to see how we can use the slot system for the airlines. The major issue is how to use this thing properly. It is not that the apron is small. Everybody doesn’t fly at the same time and we have a lot of flights going in and out every day.

“We are trying to use technology so that in terms of parking, we can use the slot system and can arrange people properly. That is why we are very particular about the regional operations. Already, a lot of domestic airlines are flying out of MMA2. We are not increasing the number of aircraft with the regional operations.”

Speaking on the delayed approval for the commencement of regional operations through the terminal, Jibodu stressed that the terminal was properly equipped for regional flights  that regional and domestic passengers could not mix at the terminal if granted the approval to commence operations.

In her contribution, Head of Corporate Communications, BASL, Mrs Ajoke Olatuyi revealed that the terminal operator was considering the use of mobile taps for self-check-in of passengers for the purpose of reducing chaos and increase sanity at the terminal.

While informing  that 10 domestic airlines are currently operating from the terminal, Olawuyi remarked: “We noticed that a lot of people are having issues with the kiosk. So, what we have decided to do now is to have mobile taps where anytime that any airline has congestion, they will be able to use the tab, they can check-in passengers and move around. This will make it faster”.