At the end of an aviation conference with the theme “Aviation Industry: Changing Times, Changing Strategies,” experts emphasised the serious issues Nigeria’s aviation sector is currently facing.
Poor airport facilities, sloppy airline operations, and their effects on disgruntled passengers were mentioned as the main problems.
Participants emphasised that in order to meet market realities, assure profitability, and ensure sector sustainability, responding to changing times requires full planning, including suitable legislation, technology, funding, and operations.
The experts also acknowledged the significance of manpower development throughout the entire air transportation supply chain.
They emphasised that in order to promote growth, human capital must comprise the proper employees, appropriate equipment, a strong understanding of their usage, and efficient training programmes.
Participants at the conference emphasised how closely linked airline profitability and the operating environment are.
Airlines’ operations and financial viability are jeopardised if they are constrained by an unsuitable personnel, unwelcoming policies, and reactive initiatives.
Domestic airlines were observed to be operating according to an antiquated model derived from the shuttered Nigeria Airways, despite the enormous untapped market potential.
On conventional internal routes, these airlines primarily use mid-sized aircraft, with the main routes between Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano accounting for a considerable 82% of total traffic.
The experts counselled airline operators to embrace strategic collaborations and prioritise innovation. Through these relationships, they can improve connections, balance revenue and operating costs, and pursue profitability.
In order to ensure long-term sustainability, the participants also emphasised the significance of accountability and the results of acts or inactions.
When it comes to government engagement, the experts advised against authorising “red routes” (routes that are not lucrative) for Nigerian airlines.
They urged the government to trust the airlines rather than burden them with unnecessary routes that would deplete their resources and hurt their ability to conduct business. Local airlines were advised to turn down these unproductive routes and take a proactive stance in their place.