In a bid to promote total air transport development from the airport perspective, aviation stakeholders and experts in the industry are to hold its 2nd annual Airport Business Summit and Expo for Africa (ABSE) in Abuja.
This is just as the Summit Director, Mr Fortune Idu of FCI International consult, stated that the summit was borne out of the fact that the understanding that a sound airport development, concept, plan and programme are vital for a viable, sustainable and safe total air transport system, which also has direct positive impact for fast tracking economy development.
He said that the summit was multi-sector in nature with delegates expected from all industries with direct and indirect dealing with the airports, airlines, retails, security, safety, technologist, media, taxi companies, hotels, tourist places among others.
According to him, “The quest to develop Africa and bring its economy to world focus requires a transport mode that offers potential cost and service advantages by virtue of speed, capacity and flexibility in routing and scheduling.”
“Air transport offers cost and service advantages when compared to other modes of transport by virtue of speed, capacity and flexibility in routing and scheduling and with the mix of aeronautic and non-aeronautic revenue options the Airport business provide further economic advantage.”Idu said
Idu explained that the three day conference and exhibition with the theme, “Repositioning the Airport Business to Sustain Air Transport growth” will take place from 29-31 March 2016, at Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre , Central Area Abuja.
He stated that the event would be declared open by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, while the plenary keynote address would be delivered by the Minister of State for Aviation Capt. Hadi Sirika “On the Future of the Aviation Industry and Insight on Government Direction.”
The Summit Director stated that it was vital to hold the summit where policy makers, aviation professionals and air transport investors meet for airport development and to direct policies and programmes for improving airport facilities and air transportation infrastructures.
Idu posited that the meeting is the second Airport Business Summit and expo and that it was not only well attended with over 250 delegates, hoping that 350 delegates will be at this summit
“We expect Airports to market themselves through showcasing at the expo displaying their passenger forecasts, facilities, infrastructure, purchasing power, potentials and essential amenities to support travel and attract investors. It is our hope that this event will bring about solutions to speedy various developmental quests for Africa.” he said.
