The Country Manager, British Airways, Mr. Kola Olayinka, has expressed surprise at the recent decision by the Federal Government to reduce its weekly flight frequencies into Lagos airport over allegations of edging out a Nigerian carrier from the Heathrow Airport. He says slots in Heathrow Airport are managed by an independent company, in this interview with Oyetunji AbioyeIs BA surprised by the Federal Governments decision to reduce its weekly frequencies from seven to three' We strongly believe that there would be a solution to this by the two governments. The UK and Nigerian governments have a long standing relationship. We know that things may be quite strained now but this is a family issue that I believe will be resolved with time.The two governments are currently talking together and we can only hope that sooner rather than later, we will hear that this has been resolved. Our focus is on our numerous customers at this time to ensure that their travel plans are not affected by this needless disruption and total misunderstanding. We have put contingency plans in place throughout the public holidays in Nigeria to ensure that we are able to help our customers. We do not want our customers to be caught in the middle of all this. When they made their travel plans, they did not know anything like this was going to happen. My team in Nigeria is poised to ensure that we are positioned to be able to help and support them through their flights, in the event that we are unable to operate. I must add though that at the moment, BAs position is that all our flights are scheduled to operate as normal and we are not expecting any disruptions.Was there any previous row between the Federal Government and BA regarding BASA or slot allocation at Lagos airport' There has never been any slot issue between the two governments. BASA is not something that should cause a row. It is a deliberate attempt by both parties to cooperate in the area of air transportation. It usually leads to development. Its not something that should cause a row. What I know very well is that government will not want to disrupt the travel plans of Nigerians deliberately. I trust, the current engagement by the two governments will yield desired positive results.FAAN has come up with a sudden winter schedule, which has reduced BAs frequencies from seven to three. What is your view on this' I think that BAs schedules are seven out of Lagos. I trust that with ongoing consultations, the BA slots will be given back to BA. I also look forward to our colleagues at Arik being able to operate their slots into Heathrow or Gatwick if that should be their choice. It is an independent company that handles the issue of slots in Heathrow; this company is called ACL. The way Arik pays for slots in Heathrow is the same way BA pays for slots there. In Nigeria, when rates of government charges go up, we have no choice but to pay, if we still want to fly into and out of the country. For example, our landing and parking charges and other rates that we paid to FAAN in 2010 alone is up to N1.4bn. In 2011, the rates have gone up and we are still paying.The UK government has begun discussion with the Federal Government on this matter. What stage is that discussion now' We know that consultations are ongoing between the two governments and we are confident that we will reach an amicable solution before the new slot regime takes effect. The government will not want to destabilise the aviation sector nor will they want to deliberately disrupt the travel plans of Nigerians and business people who have already made their plans. A decision is imminent.In line with the FAANs recent schedule, you may have to arrive at about 6am on Wednesdays and depart around 10pm. Are you sure you can cope with this, bearing in mind that your aircraft will be on ground for over 16 hours' I strongly believe that we will operate with the original schedule that our customers are used to while the two governments try and get a lasting solution to this.Is BA willing to assist the Nigerian carrier get take-off and landing slots at Heathrow' Slots are managed by an external company, ACL. Once you pay for your slots, you will get the slot you want. I dont know the details of Ariks dealing with this company, Its difficult for me to make comments based on the limited information. BAs stand on this is that we are keen to ensure that we operate with our existing slots.BA is committed to Nigeria and we have been here for the past 75 years. BA has trained many people in this industry, including me and many other colleagues in other airlines and even in our regulatory bodies in Nigeria. There have been significant investments in personnel and products over the years; no business does that, except you are truly committed to that market.What do you have to say about the reported face-off between your airline and the Federal Government' This should be allowed to die down so that we can face the more important issues of much needed development in the aviation sector, and further attraction and transportation of new investments into our beloved country Nigeria. This is one of services we all render as airlines.What is your assessment of the BASA between Nigeria and the UK' The current BASA is 21/21 per week; the two countries should try and operate all. It is certain to help development.If discussion between the two governments takes time, what contingency plan do you have for your numerous customers' We are always ready for any eventuality and this case is not an exception. But I must say that there will be a serious disruption if we do not operate, especially for those who have booked their flights several months back.But we will be ready to assist all our customers as much as we can. There will be information on our website on what they might need to do. We hope that this will be resolved amicably so that our customers will not be made to face untold hardships associated with flight cancellations . The customers are our number one priority here and we will do that we can to ensure they are able to travel as planned.
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