The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has acquired and deployed some hi-tech birds/wildlife equipment to the nation’s airports in order to checkmate the impact of bird strike incidents.
The agency in a statement by Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, said that the equipment were some of the best in the sector to combat the challenge.
The statement hinted that the equipment were procured on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), stressing that they would help to improve air safety in the industry.
The equipment were unveiled on Monday at the FAAN’s headquarters annex at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos by Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, the Managing Director of FAAN.
Some of the hi-tech equipment commissioned included three different models of bird scaring gas canons, Dayboxes for carrying pyrotechnics during operations for safety, 15,000 rounds of 12G (heavy caliber bird scaring pyrotechnics), hi-tech bird laser, personal protective equipment for staff dealing with wildlife, purpose built TYPE IV explosive storage magazine and brand new Hilux jeep for runway wildlife patrol, amongst others.
Yadudu vowed that the deployment of these equipment would usher in an era of safe flight operations, as incidents relating to birds strikes would now be a thing of the past.
Yadudu, represented by Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi, Director of Commercial and Business Development, regretted the impact of bird strikes in aviation industry, but assured that henceforth, some levels of improvements would be recorded.
In his remarks, Capt. Muktar Muye, Director of Airport Operations, FAAN, expressed delight at the arrival of the equipment.
He emphasised that what was being commissioned was not just the equipment, but a complete package that also included the recommended storage facility, patrol vehicle and trained personnel in line with ICAO/s standards and recommended practices.
