Page 25 - LUA July - August 2023 Magterz and Online

With a population
passengers and some cargo. Cargo is of over 200 Asaba Airport which will be a strong
very limited for the moment. We have attraction for businesses and investors?
the ambition to grow the airport on both million people, you We are currently giving access to free
cargo and passengers. The focus for now would expect a lot more land, though conditions apply, for any
is on passengers as we need to build the investor that would generate either
volumes to become profitable. The only air cargo, domestically passenger traffic or cargo traffic.
way for air cargo to really develop is with and internationally. We have already two companies that
the full support for the various public are about to build their factories
offices like Ministry of Agriculture, Trade, The government should at the airport.
Finance, etc. Cold rooms, packing and assist the industry
distribution centers for farmers, good ? How would you describe Asaba
access roads, and assistance with required to reduce the cost Airport’s traffic so far, and how do
paperwork for export, etc. are essential. for the shippers and you hope to attract more domestic and
It’s the task for the government to make international airlines to the Airport?
it possible for farmers to export. Nigeria consignees. Warehouses Traffic is below expectations and
exports little produce compared to Kenya, should be built; red tape forecast. Nigeria hasn’t recovered from
Ethiopia and South Africa. The industry the Covid crisis. While the world is
is not yet mature enough to do it by itself should be reduced and experiencing massive growth in air
and be profitable. initiatives should be travel, Nigeria is seeing a shrink. Airlines
are struggling due to the high cost of
? What have been the main challenges assisted to grow. operations and international airlines are
pulling out or not growing because of
you encounter in managing the
PINNINCK
Asaba Airport? CHRISTOPHE the blocked funds.
We are a private company with limited ASABA
INTERNATIONAL
funds and more careful than the AIRPORT ? What role do you think the Asaba
other airport operators. The various International Airport could play
stakeholders must understand that in the unfolding African Continental
we don’t have deep pockets as the Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the
government and all expenses are Single African Air Transport Market
carefully planned and examined. The (SAATM), and how are you positioning
impression that airports and aviation in the airport for this regional market?
general makes a lot of money is wrong. We will have international airlines
It is a capital-intensive industry but with soon. We are renovating the airport
small profit margins. and investing heavily to be ready to
a profit. We currently just survive and accommodate international flights.
? The Asaba International Airport is hope to grow towards profitability in the The SAATM is a good agreement. The
located close to the River Niger;
Yamoussoukro agreement was good
next 5 years.
would you say this provides any too. Agreements should not be only
advantage in terms of multi-modal ? There are ongoing efforts by a good on paper, but must be respected
transport for movement of cargo? committee constituted by federal and applied. If the countries that
Eventually this will be an advantage. government towards developing air signed SAATM respect the agreement,
For the moment there is no interaction cargo in Nigeria, how do you think air we will see more and cheaper flights
between the other transport branches. cargo can be improved in Nigeria? immediately.
Besides, the River Niger is not Like I mentioned before, the role of
maintained and is deep enough for the government is crucial. The air ? Where do you see Asaba
traffic only six months a year. This is not cargo, especially export, is still small International Airport in the next
reliable enough to be a serious means of in Nigeria. With a population of over 5-10 years in terms of operating
transportation for goods. Most, if not all, 200 million people, you would expect standards and business improvements?
goods are still transported by road. a lot more air cargo, domestically and We will be the best airport in Nigeria
internationally. The government should and be the third largest. We will continue
? Nigeria has about 27 airports most assist the industry to reduce the cost for investing in operational excellence,
the shippers and consignees. Warehouses
of which are seen as unviable; what
safety, security and customer service.
would make Asaba International should be built; red tape should be International travellers will connect in
Airport different? reduced and initiatives should be Asaba to other domestic destinations
We are private sector with strict financial assisted to grow; especially if they have in Nigeria and Africa. We have at least
rules; we watch our cost daily. We also positive impact on employment. three regional carriers operating to
have a high commercial drive. We look Asaba. The airport will be operating
for business and we think outside the ? What business opportunities could 24hrs and will be known to be the most
box. Yet, we are still too small to make support and be supported by the reliable airport.

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