National Tourism Transportation Summit Begins November 15
Activities are in top gear for the hosting of the fast-approaching 4th National Tourism Transportation Summit slated for 15th to 16th of November, 2021 at the International Conference Centre Abuja.
The National Transportation Tourism Summit and Expo is instituted and convened by the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, the Federal Ministry of Transportation as well as the Federal Ministry of Aviation as an annual event that focuses attention on the inter-play and connectivity between tourism and transportation.
It would also x-ray how comprehensibly the various stakeholders and key players in the two industries at both public and private sector levels have fared in exploring the enormous opportunities and benefits inherent in synergizing them.
The theme of the expo, “ TOURISM TRANSPORTATION CONNECTIVITY: Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Regime for Economic Sustainability is coming at a period the continent is coming together to promote free trade within the continent that is capable of enhancing air transport and tourism not only in Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
This is derived from the AfCFTA trade agreement which is a common market to grow trade in ‘made-in-Africa’ goods and services by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade among African countries.
Former Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nnamdi Udoh disclosed that the African Union is gradually making great strides towards achieving and making sense of the wisdom behind this famous adage in its efforts to liberate Africa from colonial demarcations.
He said that apart from the physical barriers put in place by Africa’s colonizers, there are other intangible barriers, which have been existing and still continue to be of great hindrance to Africa’s emergence if not brought down.
According to him, “The African Union’s recent actions of putting into place an African Continental Free Trade Area – ACFTA and the Single African Air Transport Market – SAATM are giant steps towards recognizing the over 1.3 billion inhabitants in the continent as one people, one market, one geographical space, and one nation, provided Africans see and reason into this together”.
According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area goes beyond free trade in a broader sphere to establish free movement and investments across Africa. In March 2018, at the historic meeting of the African Union in Kigali, Rwanda, member states agreed to create an African Continental Free Trade Area. Subsequently, 52 of 54 African Union member states signed up to the agreement, representing a remarkable degree of consensus across the continent.
Following an opinion poll survey carried out in November 2018 by the Rockefeller Foundation, over 2000 citizens across the continent confirmed that an impressive 77% of Africans believe that the Continental Free Trade Area Agreement represented an important step forward. But what does this agreement exactly mean in practice and how will it affect us, especially with regards to the aviation sector in Africa?
To make this happen, the physical movement of people and goods can’t be ignored. In fact, it is the principal catalyst that will act as evidence of the existence of a free trade zone. Read more
Emirates Gets Recognition For Excellence In Digital Customer Experience
Emirates’ marketing team has been recognised by Sitecore®, one of the world’s leading digital experience platforms, for “Best Use of a Customer Data Platform (CDP)”. The award was presented to Emirates at the recent edition of GITEX, Dubai’s technology trade exhibition, for demonstrating excellence in the delivery of its digital customer experience (CX) utilising the Boxever platform.
Emirates was selected from amongst 110 large service organisations, based on its best-in-class CX and digital capabilities. Over the past four years, Emirates has invested in CDP solutions such as Boxever, acquired by Sitecore in March 2021, utilising it in conjunction with its proprietary marketing data platform to deliver to the complex needs of customers. Their combined capabilities are a reflection of the close collaboration between the Group’s internal marketing team and Boxever, who have maintained a steady focus on delivering to a demanding customer agenda.
“Sitecore Middle East recognizes Emirate’s marketing team that has driven its digital customer experiences utilizing the Sitecore CDP solution to meet complex needs of their customers,” said Mohammed AlKhotani, Area Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Sitecore.
“Emirates Airline shows how the Middle East is leading digital innovation, and converting website visits into engaged customers to make their travel planning easier.”
“Emirates is honoured to be recognized with an award in digital customer experience. The world of service marketing has advanced at top speed
over the past few years, and our ambition to deliver the best customer experience in the travel industry is very much a core objective for Emirates and our wider group of travel brands. We are delighted to be acknowledged by Sitecore, a company with tremendous heritage in digital marketing, along with the wider fraternity of digital marketing professionals. We look forward to continue growing our capabilities to better deliver to our customer needs and preferences,” said Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand – Emirates Group.
The recognition represents Emirates’ continued investment and innovation in the delivery of relevant and personalized experiences across the digital customer journey. Sitecore’s accolade also underscores Emirates’ ongoing drive to deliver the best customer experiences in the airline industry: digitally, on the ground and onboard.
Emirates is an award-winning international airline with a global footprint across six continents, connecting passengers and facilitating global trade to and through its modern hub, Dubai. The airline operates one of the most modern and efficient aircraft fleet comprised of spacious and comfortable Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
While Sitecore delivers a digital experience platform that empowers the world’s smartest brands to build lifelong relationships with their customers. A highly decorated industry leader, Sitecore is the only company bringing together content, commerce, and data into one connected platform that delivers millions of digital experiences every day.
Former NiMet DG, Advocates Mentorship Programmes In Aviation Agencies
Aviation agencies in the country have been advised to embark on mentorship programmes for young professionals in the industry to serve as a stop gap.
A former Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Dr Anthony Anuforom who gave this advise in an interview with journalists in Abuja after receiving an award of recognition from the National Airtraffic Communicators Association for his transformation in Nimet, said the engagement of mentorship and re engagement of retiring ones will bridge the gap
Anuforom who was the DG of Nimet for ten years said exprience and trainings remained the key to ensure professionalism, safety and better agency.
According to Anuforom, a similar situation was also witnessed in NiMet at a time there was embargo on employment but was able to set up a structured and formal mentorship program to serve as a stop gap through mentorship with personnel around by picking between 4 and 5 people with reports submitted to him on their performance.
He expressed the hope that the industry will pick up gradually as all hope was not lost in the aviation industry and urged stakeholders to support the ministry to move the industry forward.
On his assessment of present Nimet performance, Anuforom said he was excited with the performance of the DG, Prof Mansur Matazu for implementing very elaborate handing over note he left behind.
Anuforom, expressed the hope that NiMet will be moved to a higher level in the near future should all the recommendations in the handover note be implemented
“I am so happy that today the present DG, Prof Matazu is like following that footsteps. He was part of it and I am happy that NiMet is vibrant and come back to reckoning in terms of active agency that renders critical service.”
On his award, Anuforom described it as a big honour and a great surprise for NACA to have recognized him after ten years.
Delta To Restore Flights Between Lagos-New York-JFK December
Delta Air Lines, the longest-serving U.S. airline to Africa, has announced that it will resume its non-stop service between Lagos and New York-JFK in December, restoring this popular route in time for the festive season.
Delta said it will operate nonstop flights between Murtala Muhammed International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport three times a week, effective December 8, 2021.
As the airline continues to connect Lagos to Atlanta daily with connections to 46 cities at Delta’s JFK hub, it’s easy for customers to reconnect with family, friends and enjoy new experiences across the United States.
Speaking on the development, Delta’s Commercial Director Africa, the Middle East and India, Jimmy Eichelgruen said: “Pre-pandemic, the U.S. was one of the most popular destinations for Nigerians and we don’t see any signs of this slowing down. The Middle East and India. “We’re proud to be the only airline connecting Nigeria nonstop to two destinations in the United States, offering more choice and award-winning service whether traveling for business or leisure.”
Delta said it has scheduled an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the JFK route, which features a choice of Delta One, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin seats. Throughout the aircraft, customers will enjoy personal seatback entertainment screens with new premium content and on-demand Wi-Fi for purchase with free mobile messaging.
During the meal service, customers will receive a choice of entrée alongside an appetizer and dessert in addition to a full bar selection or soft drink. Those traveling in Delta One can pre-order their in-flight meal and enjoy complimentary lounge access, including to Delta Sky Clubs in the U.S., before they fly.
“Delta has maintained safety-focused operations throughout the pandemic and continues to evolve its layers of protection to offer customers a safer travel experience.”
Boeing to Compensate Families of Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX Crash Victims
Boeing Co agreed on Wednesday to acknowledge liability for compensatory damages in lawsuits filed by families of the 157 people killed in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash, according to a filing in US District Court in Chicago.
As a result of the agreement between Boeing and the families, lawyers for the victims will not seek punitive damages and Boeing will not challenge the lawsuits being filed in Illinois.
“Boeing is committed to ensuring that all families who lost loved ones in the accidents are fully and fairly compensated for their loss,” the planemaker said in a statement on Wednesday. “By accepting responsibility, Boeing’s agreement with the families allows the parties to focus their efforts on determining the appropriate compensation for each family.”
Lawyers for the victims noted in a statement that Boeing admitted under the agreement “that the 737 MAX had an unsafe condition, and that it will not attempt to blame anyone else” for the crash.
“This is a significant milestone for the families in their pursuit of justice against Boeing, as it will ensure they are all treated equitably and eligible to recover full damages under Illinois law while creating a pathway for them to proceed to a final resolution, whether through settlements or trial,” the lawyers said.
They added the compensation “will serve to hold Boeing fully accountable for the deaths of the 157 people who perished.”
A judge has set a hearing for next Tuesday on the agreement.
Boeing’s best-selling plane was grounded for 20 months after 346 people died in two 737 MAX crashes – in Indonesia in 2018 and in Ethiopia in 2019. The plane returned to service after Boeing made significant software and training improvements.
The crashes already have cost Boeing some $20 billion. In January, Boeing agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice including $2.5 billion in fines and compensation stemming from the 737 MAX crashes, including the Lion Air crash in October 2018.
In an interview, US consumer activist Ralph Nader criticised the deal since it will prevent lawyers from questioning current and former Boeing senior executives and pursuing the punitive damage claims. Nader’s niece was among 157 victims.
Under the deal with Boeing, the victims’ families also agreed to dismiss claims against Rosemount Aerospace, a company that made sensors for the 737 MAX, and Raytheon Technologies Corp’s Rockwell Collins, the parent of Rosemount and a key supplier for the MAX.
Aerodrome Safety: BASL Launches FOD Awareness Initiative
The management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the domestic wing of the Lagos Airport, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) has launched ‘Foreign Object Debris’ (FOD) awareness initiative at the terminal.
The initiative, according to the Acting Head of Business, Mr. Raphael Uchegbu, was a deliberate move to ward off potential dangers that FODs constitute to aerodrome operations.
Uchegbu, who stated that FODs contribute to the damage or potential damage to aircraft, ground equipment and endanger life, also maintained that FOD can be as simple as a nut, a piece of concrete, a piece of paper, a stone, a suitcase handle, a screwdriver or even passenger.
His words: “Throwaway items are inherently dangerous. In the working environment of an apron, they contribute to the damage or potential damage to aircraft, ground equipment and perhaps even endanger life. This initiative is in line with BASL’s determination to maintain top safety culture at MMA2 at all times – all for passengers’ comfort.”
Uchegbu noted that the terminal operator decided to take the bull by the horn to launch the initiative with special FOD bins which come in yellow colour for easy identification that separates them from other regular bins on the airside.
While speaking at the event, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Odunogo, Mohammed Tayid who was represented by the Assistant General Manager, Aerodrome Standards, Mrs. Chukwudumebi-Azeh Calista, enjoined all and sundry to do everything necessary to avoid airside hazards.
While maintaining that picking up of FOD is everybody’s responsibility and should not be left to airside staff as hazard could lead to loss of jobs, Chukwudumebi declared: “If you see any strange object at the airside you pick it up, ensure to clean up as you go.”
Equally, BASL’s Head of Safety, Nafisat Adeniran advised participants on the best practices for Apron Safety and maintained that FOD at airports can cause damage running into millions of dollars for airlines, airports, and airport tenants.
“What we have done today is basically an FOD-prevention strategy which is not limited to training, facility inspection, maintenance, and proper coordination on how all affected parties can minimise potential FOD challenges and its effects at MMA2. We have plans to continue to train and sensitize our personnel on this critical aspect of terminal operation,” she added.
Participants cutting across airlines staff, apron/airside, AVSEC staff were trained on how to identify and pick FODs at the airside. They were conducted round the facility on what was tagged – FOD WALK – to identify and pick items after which they were variously categorised in line with required specifications.
Sources: Tribune Online, Khaleej Times,