ACI admits MMA2 operators

In 2006, ACI members handled 4.4 billion passengers, 85.6 million metric tonnes of freight, and 72.2 million aircraft movements.

The regional headquarters of the ACI- Africa, in Casablanca, Morocco disclosed to Business Travel Press that Bi-Courtney Aviation Services "is part of the 54 African airport members operating over 180 airports in 45 countries."

According to the body, ‘As the "voice of the African airports," ACI Africa Region interacts with other regional bodies and presents the collective positions of its membership, as established through committees and endorsed by the ACI Africa Regional Board.

The positions reflect the common interests of the airport community.

It added that ‘ACI’s prime purpose is to foster cooperation among its member airports and with other partners in world aviation, including governmental, airline and aircraft manufacturing organizations.

Airport Council International is the international association of the worlds’ airports.

It is a non profit organization, the prime purpose of which is to advance the interests of airports and to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations.

It has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

ACI-Africa was established as a region of ACI in 1991, in conformity with ACI rules. The internal rules of the region were last amended at the 12th regional meeting in Windhoek, in November 2002. ACI-Africa does not have a legal status separate from ACI to which organization the region is an integral part.

However, as a region, ACI-Africa like the other ACI regions is self-governing under its own regional internal rules. The regional assembly is the ultimate decision-making body of ACI-Africa.

It is comprised of ACI regular and partners members located in Africa.

ACI members from other regions can apply to be affiliated members of ACI-Africa. In 2006, ACI Africa members handled over 113 Million passengers, representing an increase of 6.6 % from the year 2005.

On 13th September, 2007 ACI Africa launched the Africa Airport CEO’s forum.

George Uriesi, General Manager of Cape Town International Airport moderated the 1st edition of African Airports CEO’s forum where the different models of airports management in Africa were explored. From his perspective, "Airports are no longer what they used to be.

They still require huge infrastructure requirements but they also constitute big business opportunities for operators, concessionaires and services providers."

The theme for this year: Managing Airports in Africa, is it different ? The Bi-Courtney Aviation Services which manages the MMA2 at the Murtala Muhammad Airport, Lagos will manage it on build, operates and transfer , BOT, basis for the next 35 years.

The terminal was formally commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in April 2007.