NCAA Endorses System To Resolve Flight Delay, Disruption

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has endorsed the unveiling of a client-based solution to resolve challenges associated with travel

The new solution, titled “Propel Reprotection System”, is a unique tech-powered platform designed to help Nigerian carriers protect passengers when flight disruptions or delays occur.

The director general of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the new solution, which will boost efficiency in air travel, is a product of powerful collaboration between three industry leaders to ensure seamless coordination, funding and operational reliability.

The three industry leaders: Aviation Assist Hub, an aviation operations and support logistics firm, Aviation Technology Solutions (Avitech) – the tech engine powering the Propel platform and Leadway Assurance, a financial protection and funding partner, designed the platform as the bright future of aviation in Nigeria.

The NCAA DG, who was represented by the director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum

“The minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum. In this industry, the passenger is the reason every other stakeholder exists. They are entitled, therefore, to better services and to follow global best standards.”

According to the NCAA, the new solution, which has gotten buy-in from many domestic carriers, who are in discussions with the promoters for the method of integration, will reduce minimal instances of flight delays, ensure a seamless flight experience and improve confidence among Nigerian airlines.

Najomo openly reiterated that the authority had made history by fixing the most critical aspect of civil aviation in Nigeria.

He said, “As the DGCA, I am a staunch protector of consumer rights, and this is why we are proud to introduce to you the PROPEL solution as initiated by Aero Assist Hub. I will allow the company to explain this system and how it helps with interlining. If they secure your buy-in, and I hope they do, we may just make history by fixing the most critical aspect of civil aviation in Nigeria.”

With August fixed as the date for the pilot rollout, the promoters said the new solution will be a game changer in the aviation industry.

Speaking, the managing director of Aero Assist Hub, Olumide Ojutalayo said the consortium has worked hard to drive the solution.”We are a consortium with three organisations. We have Avitech Technology Solutions, experts and industry leaders in the aviation sector. We have Leadway Assurance. We crafted this solution, working with these two organisations. The idea is to put a final solution to this whole chaotic problem of flight disruption in Nigeria. We are not just coming up with an idea; we are also coming up with financing.

“We understand what the problem has been; many airlines are working with a very thin margin, and when there is a disruption, it becomes a problem for them. So, we are trying to also ease their cash flow, support that immediately for them to build with this brilliant well-thought-out solution. We are hoping to roll out the pilot scheme within the next couple of weeks, so that we can go to the field and solve the problem of the Nigerian passenger.”

“Interestingly, we’ve been talking to them individually but the important thing for us today was having everybody in the room – NCAA, airlines and even some passengers – so that we can have everybody in the same place sharing experiences and industry knowledge on how this works and how it can be tweaked.

Also speaking, Head, Legal Unit of Aero Assist Hub, Funke Junaid said: “It is something that comes as a solution to what has been happening in the industry, regarding delays and cancellations. From a legal perspective concerning the customer’s rights, for example, because it’s all about the customer, what we are doing here, the customers will be deriving their rights from the airlines, because it is the airlines and PROPEL, the consortium, that will be entering into a contractual partnership. “So, all the normal protected customer rights are still in existence, and that stands between the customer and the airlines. It is a win-win for the industry.