Experts to brainstorm way-forward for Nigeria’s aviation at Akwaaba

Nigeria’s aviation sector has been in the doldrums for too long without a solution in sight, no thanks to the lingering recession that bites harder on the nation’s economy. Currently, airline operators, both foreign and indigenous, are struggling to keep their schedules in the face of persistent fuel scarcity, forex restrictions and multiple taxation.

With the overwhelming challenges facing the industry and the dwindling fortunes of airlines becoming unbearable, the aviation sector will once again be on the spot light at the 12th Akwaaba Aviation Day Conference on the 31st of October 2016.

With the topic “Aviation in Africa and Why Airlines Fail,” the 2nd Aviation day at Akwaaba will draw on the experience of major players in Nigeria's Aviation sector. The most Influential Players in Aviation between 1999 and 2010 will be sharing their experience at the event.

Leading the pack, Richard Aisebeogun, Former Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the former COO of Overland Airways and ADC will be joined by other speakers to discuss and proffer solutions on how the sector can come out of its current dilemma.

The former FAAN boss will be joined by other notable speakers such as, former DG, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren; Capt Dapo Olumide former MD of Virgin Nigeria, Edmund Yomi Jones former MD of Nigeria Airways, Capt Mike Omokore a search and Rescue expert and Kenyan Female Aviator Dorcas Aketch formerly of Kenya Airways, Virgin Nigeria and lately Rwandair will be pointing the way out of the Miasma.

The Chairman of the Day will be the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Usman Muktar. CEO Belujane Konzult, Mr Chris Aligbe and COO, AWA, Samuel Thompson will also be among the panelist for the event. Akwaaba African Travel Market is a 3day Travel expo in its 12 year now.

The event will be holding from the 30th to the 1st of November at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. 30 speakers have been lined up to discuss Aviation and Tourism in Africa. 

Already, exhibitors from Kenya, Bahrain, Dubai, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Benin Republic, Liberia, Namibia, Zimbabwe are booked for the 3 day expo. Obviously, these are not the best of times for Nigeria's sector as foreign and domestic airlines are being affected by the economic situation in the country. While some have pulled out their operations from the country, others have scaled down their operation.  Some Nigerian airlines have also closed shops owing to the crisis in the sector.

It is hoped that policy makers in the country will draw from the wealth of experience of experts that are lined up to discuss the issues facing the sector and take appropriate action to get the industry on the right track.

Last year, the 11th edition of Akwaaba featured rated experts like Seyi Olusanya of Once Upon a Destination, who delivered a paper on Planning a Destination Wedding, Adefunke Adeyemi of IATA Regional Head, Member and External Relations Africa and the Middle East, lectured on Transforming Intra-Africa Air Connectivity and Captain Ado Sanusi, Deputy Managing  Director, Arik Air, also delivered a lecture at the Aviation Day that attracted travel agents and tour operators in Nigeria and the West- African Coast, local and international airlines operational in Nigeria, aviation ministries and agencies in Nigeria, aviation analysts and travel, aviation and tourism journalists.

The Hospitality Day featured workshops and presentations by notable individuals in the industry, and topics like Innovation & Payment for the Modern Hotel, Online Booking in Nigeria-How does it Work, Standardizing Hotels across West-Africa were looked into. And finally rounded up by Wine Tasting lecture, titled: How to know Your Wine, delivered by Chief Jerry Rowland of Westlog Nigeria Limited.

African Travel Market is the only international Travel Fair in West Africa, a population of 270 Million people with 15 Countries, numerous Airports and the largest number of Travellers in Africa. The event takes place in Lagos, Nigeria and held at the end of October each year.

Over the years, Akwaaba Travel Market has grown to become the most important travel marketing platform in the region drawing attendance from over7, 000 to 10,000 Visitors from 20 Countries.

This Travel Fair not only boasts a large amount of visitors but also excels in the promotion of the exhibitors from the region's leading hotels, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and similar industry suppliers who participates in the event.

A vibrant must attend 3-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations to Africa and international travel professionals, it is a unique opportunity for African travel trade market to meet, negotiate, network and conduct businesses with players from elsewhere.

AKWAABA, having earned approval of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as the official travel exhibition in Nigeria, is listed by UNWTO, a partner event of ATA and the only member of ITTFA in West Africa.

Tour Operators Union of Ghana, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, African Business Travel Association and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators have all endorsed Akwaaba African Travel Market.