November 12, (THEWILL) – Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has commended the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Federal Government, for the successful installation of Airfield Lighting on Runway 18L/36R at the Domestic Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The contract of the runway lighting was initiated over a decade ago, but has been delayed over the years.
Within the period of installation, FAAN had also directed operators to be using the international terminal within the 90-day period.
Onyema, who gave the commendation on Friday, congratulated Sirika on the feat and hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s favourable policies to the aviation industry.
“I must applaud the Federal Government for successfully installing lighting facilities on Runway 18L/36R. President Buhari has been supportive to the aviation sector and projects like this one are a testament to the fact. One is not oblivious of the strides that have been achieved in Nigeria’s aviation sector courtesy of President Buhari.
“The installation of Airfield Lighting on this particular runway will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of airlines and reducing the cost of operations, as well as enhance the possibility of increasing flight frequencies. It will also help reduce turnaround time, which makes for more operational efficiency, and both the operators and passengers will benefit from it”, the Air Peace boss asserted.
It could be recalled that the Runway 18L/36R was shut down by FAAN on July 7, 2022, for 90 days, to install approach lights, Runway Lights (Threshold and Centre, edge light) amongst others, so that it can return to full 24/7 operations and ease the burden of airlines.
With the Airfield Lighting installed, the unnecessary 10-20 minutes spent and fuel burnt when an aircraft lands on the international runway before taxiing to the domestic wing, will end and generally, it will make for aircraft usage maximisation.
About the Author
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
