FAAN acquires equipment to tackle bird strikes around airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has procured bird/wildlife equipment to improve the safety of flight operations by effectively managing bird/wildlife hazards at airports across the country.

FAAN General Manager Captain Rabiu Yadudu said this during the unveiling of the equipment on Monday in Lagos.

Yadudu said the equipment, which was the best they could move, was purchased on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Represented by the Director of Commercial and Commercial Development, Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi, he listed the equipment acquired, including bird scaring gas cannons, 15,000 12G cartridges (large calibre bird-scaring pyrotechnics), the high-tech bird laser, among others.

The managing director added that the equipment, once deployed, would usher in an era of safe flight operations, as the incidents of bird strikes which have increased in recent times would be mitigated.

In his remarks, FAAN Airport Operations Director, Captain Muktar Muye, welcomed the arrival of the equipment.

Muye noted that what was ordered was not just the equipment but a complete package that included the recommended storage facility, patrol vehicle and personnel trained in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.

Some of the high-tech equipment ordered included three different models of bird scaring gas cannons, Dayboxes for transporting fireworks during security operations, 15,000 12G rounds (large caliber bird-scaring pyrotechnics)

The others are the high-tech bird laser, personal protective equipment for wildlife personnel, the specially designed TYPE IV explosives storage store, the all-new Hilux jeep for the patrol of the trail wildlife, among others, ”he said.

The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that the event culminated with a hands-on demonstration of the use of certain equipment by the representative of the CEO and the Director of Airport Operations.

Also present were the Directors General: Operations, Ms Olajumoke Oni; Environment, Mr Néhémie Auta; Special tasks, Mr Kabiru Muhammed; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, Mr John Ekpe.

Others are the Regional Director General, South West, Ms Victoria Shin-Aba; representative of GM Corporate Affairs, Ms Christabel Eromosele; Chief of Staff to MD / CEO, Mr Lawal Abdullahi, among others. (NAN)