The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, yesterday, commissioned the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Wildlife Hazard Control Equipment to curtail the threat of bird strike to aircraft safety.
Speaking during the commissioning of the equipment at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Kuku who was represented by the director of airport operations, Capt. Abdulllahi Mohmood, said FAAN was aware of the danger of bird strike to aviation safety and decided to provide the equipment to fight the threat.
“We have received the equipment from ICAO and we are going to commission it and after commissioning distribute it to the various airports across the country where it will be properly utilised in mitigating wildlife hazards that are facing us daily.
“You are fully aware of recent happenings where we had incidence of bird strikes but fortunately at least it did not lead to an accident unlike in other places. Even if it is not an accident, sometimes you find serious damage to the engines…; sometimes it causes a lot of disruptions, ranging from flight delays to cancellations.”
She expressed appreciation to the airline operators for their patience and cooperation, noting that despite the challenges they face, they supported and cooperated with FAAN.
In her remarks, the general manager, environmental services, Mrs. Nanlo Christopher, thanked the FAAN management for ensuring that the equipment arrived safely.
She also thanked them for the support, cooperation and commitment to see that the incidence of bird strikes is reduced to the barest minimum.
“The situation was almost becoming a weekly occurrence but we are now happy that these equipment have arrived safely,” she said.
