The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commissioned some birds/wildlife equipment aimed at effectively managing birds/wildlife hazards at the nation’s airports and improving the safety of flight operations.
At an event held at FAAN’s headquarters annexe in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Authority, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, noted that the equipment is some of the best you can get around, as the Authority procured them the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi, the managing director said the deployment of this equipment will usher in an era of safe flight operations, as incidents relating to birds strikes will now be a thing of the past.
In his remarks, the Authority’s Director of Airport Operations, Captain Muktar Muye expressed his delight at the arrival of the equipment and noted that what was being commissioned is not just the equipment but a complete package that also include the recommended storage facility, patrol vehicle and trained personnel in line with ICAO/s Standards and Recommended Practices.
Some of the hi-tech equipment commissioned include 3 different models of bird scaring gas canons, Dayboxes for carrying pyrotechnics during Operations for safety, 15,000 rounds of 12G (heavy calibre bird-scaring pyrotechnics), Hi-tech bird laser, Personal Protective Equipment for staff dealing with wildlife, Purpose-built TYPE IV explosive storage magazine, Brand new Hilux jeep for Runway wildlife patrol, amongst others.
The event climaxed with a practical demonstration of the use of some of the equipment by the representative of the MD/CE and the Director of Airport Operations.
Also in attendance were the General Managers; Operations, Mrs. Olajumoke Oni; Environment, Mr. Nehemiah Auta; Special Duties, Mr. Kabiru Muhammed; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, Mr. John Ekpe; Regional General Manager, South West, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba; representative of the GM Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Christabel Eromosele; Chief of Staff to MD/CE, Mr. Lawal Abdullahi, amongst others.
