To improve safety of flight operations in the nation’s airports, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria has inaugurated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) wildlife hazard control equipment.
The equipment which includes Bird Phazer Laser, Tranquilizer Guns, Vector Fog, amongst others, will effectively manage birds/wildlife hazards.
According to FAAN, the inauguration of the equipment was held at FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos on 4th October, 2024.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, who was represented by the Director of Operations Capt. Mahmood Abdullahi, noted that the equipment are among the best available globally and was procured on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO).
The Authority had earlier revealed it’s plan to take delivery of the wildlife fighting equipment from to tackle bird strikes at the airports.
Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, who spoke at a meeting with Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, on 14th August,2024 said it was one of the challenges faced by airline operators.
She noted that the wildlife fighting equipment would reduce bird strike incidents across airports in the country, while also promoting safety and increasing the country’s rating with ICAO.
“We were having so many reports on bird strike incidents daily, but now, we may not witness any incident even in two weeks across the country”
“We were having so many reports on bird strike incidents daily, but now, we may not witness any incident even in two weeks across the country. And most bird strikes that we have now, are little birds that cause no damage to the aircraft” she said .