Page 24 - LUA July - August 2023 Magterz and Online
P. 24
INTERVIEW
WE LOOK FOR
BUSINESS AND WE THINK
OUTSIDE THE BOX
The Asaba International Airport is a test case of the first airport concessioned by a state government
in Nigeria and not by the federal government. Can this model be adopted for other airports in
Nigeria and in Africa where public-private partnership airports have failed largely? Roy Ezze talks to
Christophe Pinninck, Managing Director, Asaba International Airport, and gets more details.
? The Asaba International Airport is a in Nigeria a state airport is managed agencies. We are proud to have achieved
under concession by a private company.
all this in less than two years.
significant example of Public-
Private Partnership in Airports We, both the Delta State Government
development in Africa. What has been and us, were aware some challenges ? Asaba Airport is described as a
your experience and how has the were going to arise. We have been able cargo airport; how would you
concession progressed so far? to change many things at the airport, describe the airport’s air cargo activities
The experience has been good. We have including some vital equipment like and potential?
a good communication with the state generators, NAVAIDs, UPS, etc., comfort We have read a lot about cargo airports
through a specially created body, the to the passengers including free Wifi, in Nigeria. Rare are the airports that can
Project Delivery Oversight Committee. larger boarding area, fully lit car-park, survive with only cargo. You need to be
Representatives from the Delta State renovated VIP lounge, centralized hub for a major cargo airline to generate
administration and Asaba Airport air-conditioning, etc., increased safety enough traffic to be economically viable
Company sit on a regular basis to discuss and security, and support to the users with just cargo. Asaba International
the progress. As this is the first time new offices, renovated building for the Airport is an airport for mainly
Asaba International Airport
22 LUA JULY - AUGUST 2023