By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to increase tariffs across all its airports to allow for utilisation of its operations for profitability.

The announcement was made during the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD) Stakeholders Engagement Forum held Monday in Lagos.

According to FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs Adebola Joy Agunbiade, the agency will also implement a complete transition to automated and contactless payment systems.

She said the authority currently generates 92 per cent of its revenue from aeronautical sources, with only eight per cent coming from non-aeronautical activities which contrasts with developed countries where non-aeronautical sources typically account for over 40 per cent of airport revenue.

Mrs Agunbiade assured stakeholders and service providers that they would receive adequate notice before tariff implementations.

“We have to find the means to review our tariff in such a way that it’s not too much on you but it’s also helping us to pay our bills,” she said.

Also speaking, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised the authority’s commitment to eliminating cash transactions across all airport payment points. She said the new system will feature cards that enable tap-and-go payments.

“All payment will soon be made online using our cards. It is an airport card. You tap and go. It is a very seamless and straightforward process,” she said.

The pilot programme has already begun in Lagos, with plans for rollout across other airports. The system will include ECR devices for terminal payments and automated parking and tollgate facilities.

“Automation makes it easier for you to track your payment. We’re going cashless and contactless payment. So it is easier and faster,” Mrs Kuku stated.

According to her, FAAN reported generating N2 billion from below the line platforms alone last year, and with could see a higher revenue this year.

The authority also said it is restructuring lease agreements following legal reviews to create more workable terms for service providers.

Mrs Kuku noted that substantial investments have been made in infrastructure upgrades and automation systems and that revenue improvements will directly benefit passenger services and airport operations.

FAAN also issued warnings over unauthorised activities at airports with the FAAN official saying that licenses would be revoked for car hire services and Bureau de Change operators engaging in lout activities.

Additionally, FAAN has issued orders to remove tankers parked along Lagos airport access roads, citing security risks and environmental concerns.

“We cannot just have businesses on the side of the road in a manner that is not organized. We will be taking very drastic actions,” Mrs Kuku said.

The Emirates Group’s annual flagship innovation and technology forum, ForsaTEK, is once again bringing cutting-edge technology partnerships, dynamic start-ups, thought-provoking discussions, and emerging talent developing game-changing concepts to the fore.

ForsaTEK has expanded its reach this year to drive greater innovation engagement across the Group’s different departments and businesses, focusing on scaling successful trials to extract the full value of promising innovation and solutions. This year, the annual forum’s themes highlight how AI, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) will reshape aviation, in addition to the role human factors play in successful adoption of technology.

ForsaTEK was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, who was accompanied by Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education for the UAE, amongst senior Emirates Group executives for an official tour of innovation showcases.

His Highness said: “Building on the success of the first two editions, ForsaTEK 2025 underpins the Emirates Group’s continued commitment to anchoring the next wave of innovations within our business, scaling up existing innovations, supporting startups, and creating a powerful testbed of partnerships that introduce fresh solutions and propel our digital future forward.

The high impact showcases at every part of the innovation pipeline at ForsaTEK 2025 demonstrate how the Emirates Group is building an ecosystem to push new boundaries in AI, technology, research, and digital adoption. We hope all our teams and partners leave the event feeling inspired by tomorrow’s possibilities and determined to weave innovation, both big and small, into their everyday work lives.”

Technology showcases and driving start-up growth

This year, ForsaTEK featured over 40 in-house and partner showcases, strategically organised across the innovation pipeline spectrum, from early-stage research and prototyping, to proof-of-concept trials, and fully launched initiatives being scaled up.

Fully launched initiatives included Transguard and Emirates Group Security’s advanced autonomous robotics to enhance urban safety and security; dnata Cargo’s autonomous drone system for inventory validation; dnata’s 3D prototyping and custom manufacturing of spare parts; Emirates Airport Services’ AI-enabled aircraft turnaround analysis and resource optimisation system, amongst other aviation and customer-centric innovations.

The Trial Zone included several accessibility initiatives including Glidance’s groundbreaking self-guided mobility aid enabling safe, independent navigation for the visually impaired; the JeffCAN immersive media chair, blending sensory design and technology to support and engage neurodiverse passengers; the Airbus Accessible and Inclusive cabin featuring a Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) lavatory and personal wheelchair onboard. Maintenance and engineering trials featured an AI and computer vision platform for fast, accurate engine part detection and identification; Apple Vision Pro-based augmented reality maintenance for enhanced visualisation of brake, wheel, and APU assemblies, and drone-based aircraft inspections, for fast, safe, and accurate aircraft exterior inspections.

A pitch zone also featured 13 start-ups showcasing their ideas to a panel of VIPs, investors, and tech industry representatives. People and youth engagement areas within the Experience Zone were also activated to showcase innovation journeys and enhance visitor engagement.

Influential keynotes

Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education delivered ForsaTEK 2025’s opening keynote, focused around the ‘disruption of technology on public education’. The UAE recently announced the integration of AI into all levels of school curricula to prepare the nation’s youth for a world increasingly shaped by a rapidly evolving tech landscape, as well as positioning the UAE as a major global player in artificial intelligence.

The event’s exciting programme also included world-renowned tech experts and academics like Dr. Mark Esposito, Geostrategist and Advisor at the World Economic Forum and Harvard University Innovation Researcher delving into topics like reinventing and remobilisation of technology strategies; ‘Imagineering with Disney’; Younes Bensouda Mourri, Professor of AI at Stanford University who discussed rethinking human intelligence in an AI powered world; humanoid robots; and the future impact of AI on society and human advancement with Shekhar Kapur, Oscar-nominated filmmaker and AI philosopher.

At ForsaTEK 2025, the Emirates Group’s Afkar app was also launched. Afkar, which means ‘ideas’ in Arabic, is a company-wide digital platform that allows employees – wherever they work and whatever they do – to play their part in generating new ideas for implementation. The winning concept unveiled at this year’s event was the automation of visa validation for customers, removing yet another source of friction for passengers during their travel journeys.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigerian business aviation firm, VivaJets, has received its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

This comes amidst a rapid global expansion in the last two years and advocacy for the reduction of continental barriers to air travel.

According to the chief executive of the firm, Mr Erika Achum, having an African AOC gives the firm commercial rights into the 34 countries which have ratified the Yamoussoukro decision, a precursor to the Single African Air Transport Market, (SAATM).

“Our story illustrates the transformative power of business aviation in improving connectivity and innovation across Africa. We believe that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent,” he said.

Since inception two years ago, VivaJets has participated in several international events, where the firm has advocated for free aviation across Africa.

At the 2025 Africa CEO Forum (ACF) in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, Mr Achum issued a clarion call for the urgent dismantling of long-standing barriers to air travel within the continent, emphasizing that aviation is a key driver of economic integration and growth on the continent.

“Our skies are still segmented by outdated agreements and policies,” Mr Achum said, adding that, “What Africa needs is a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.”

He added that the company believes that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent.

“We are a continent of over 1.4 billion people, with growing cities, industries, and innovation hubs. If we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect freely; and that future is within reach,” he added.

VivaJets has had a remarkable growth over the last two years, with an expanded fleet, global routes, and a rapidly growing team, whilst showcasing a unique cabin crew outfit created by iconic fashion designer, Loza Maleombho at the Lagos Fashion Week last November 2024. In April 2025, the firm unveiled Above, a travel magazine.

According to Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Tejumade Salami, the company’s journey has been built on the shoulders of an extraordinary team.

“We have been blessed by the most dedicated and creative team, and as we look to the future, we are committed to scaling even greater heights — delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of private aviation in Africa,” she said.

“Finally, with the award of its AOC and the unveiling of ABOVE magazine, Falcon Aerospace continues to prove its position as a forward-thinking leader in Africa’s private aviation sector, bringing in new levels of connectivity, innovation, and cultural pride,” she added.