Stakeholders in the aviation industry is set to discuss on changing strategies to match global changing times at the forthcoming 27th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).
A joint statement issued by the Conference Committee, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, Mr Chinedu Eze and Mr Albinus Chiedu, made this known in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference to be held at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos is with the themed: ‘Aviation Industry: Changing Times, Changing Strategies.
The statement said the theme was informed by the emerging changes in the approach to aviation business as regards technology, airline management and operations, financing and other aspects of the aviation industry.
It noted that the conference was expected to attract key stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry who would dissect the country’s aviation industry, its present status, inhibiting factors and the way forward.
According to it, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Doctor Emmanuel Merobole, is the Guest of Honour, while the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, would present the keynote address.
“The Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mr Akin Olateru, as the lead speaker would present an all-inclusive paper on ‘Funding Manpower Development In Nigeria’s Aviation Industry In The 21st Century,’
“While the Chief Executive Officer of TopBrass Aviation, Roland Iyayi, would deliver an all-interactive paper on ‘Enhancing Airlines Profitability In Africa.’
“In addition, already, a larger part of the aviation stakeholders have confirmed their participation physically and virtually,” it explained.
“The Chairman, SIFAX Group, Doctor Taiwo Afolabi, the Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Mansur Matazu, Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr Tayib Odunowo.
“Also are the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Kabir Muhammed, and the Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Capt. Alkali Madibbo, have all confirmed their participation.
“Others are the Group Managing Director, Finchglow Travels, Mr Bernard Bankole, immediate past President, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Dr Gabriel Olowo, the Chairman, Air Peace Airlines, Barrister Allen Onyema.
“Among are the Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Doctor Obiora Okonkwo, and Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Tosan Duncan, among others,” it said.
The statement noted that the conference would also feature a panel session headed by top-notch professionals who would speak on the theme, topics and presentations by stakeholders in the sector.
It said over 250 industry professionals, cutting across the aviation sector, security agencies, international and domestic airlines operating in Nigeria, abroad, aviation support services in the country’s aviation industry were expected to participate in the conference.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports tha the LAAC, who is the aviation media umbrella body, was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring effective media coverage and practice in the aviation industry.
The LAAC annual conference has over the years made an unquantifiable impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector by throwing up policy, management and operational issues for public discussion.
This has resulted in tremendously significant evidential changes in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Aviation and allied business organisations have equally taken advantage of sponsorship opportunities presented by this event to sell their products and services. This 2023 edition presents yet another opportunity.
NAN reports that the General Manager, Public Affairs NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, would be given the award as the ‘Public Affairs Manager 2022, while NIMET would be honoured as the ‘Service Provider of the Year 2022,’ under the award segment of the Conference.