The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has endorsed “Propel Reprotection System,” a new client based solution designed by a consortium to resolve flight disruptions and enhance passenger satisfaction in Nigeria
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially endorsed the unveiling of a new client based solution.
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A consortium developed this system specifically to resolve common challenges associated with air travel, particularly the re protection of passengers affected by operational issues, adverse weather conditions, and other airline infractions.
This innovative new solution, named the “Propel Reprotection System,” is a unique tech powered platform. It is designed to assist Nigerian carriers in easily re protecting passengers whenever flight disruptions occur.
According to the system’s promoters, Propel Reprotection allows for seamless and swift passenger transfers to available flights of other partner airlines during critical periods.
This ensures no revenue loss for airlines and significantly elevates passenger satisfaction. Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the NCAA Director General, stated that this new solution will boost efficiency in air travel.
He noted it is the product of a powerful collaboration among three industry leaders, ensuring seamless coordination, reliable funding, and operational consistency.
The three industry leaders behind this innovative platform are Aviation Assist Hub, an aviation operations and support logistics firm; Aviation Technology Solutions (Avitech), which serves as the tech engine powering the Propel platform; and Leadway Assurance, the financial protection and funding partner.
They designed the platform as the bright future of aviation in Nigeria. The NCAA DG, represented by Mr. Micheal Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasised the significance of this development.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are on the threshold of history of what we are able to achieve for which we are gathered here for. It is not a day for flowery words. The Minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum.”
According to the NCAA, the new solution has garnered significant interest from many domestic carriers. These airlines are currently in discussions with the promoters regarding integration methods.
The NCAA anticipates this system will minimise instances of flight delays, ensure a seamless flight experience, and ultimately improve confidence among Nigerian airlines.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are on the threshold of history of what we are able to achieve for which we are gathered here for. It is not a day for flowery words. The Minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum.
Achimugu, formally declaring the conversation open, reiterated that “The DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo is himself, 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 set as the target date for the pilot roll out, the promoters are confident the new solution will be a significant game changer for the aviation industry.
Mr. Olumide Ojutalayo, Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub, explained that the consortium has worked diligently to develop this comprehensive solution.
He stated, “We are a consortium with three organisations. We have Avitech Technology Solutions, experts and industry leaders in aviation sector. We have Leadway Assurance. We basically 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 with an idea; we are also coming with finance.”
Ojutalayo explained their understanding of the problem: “many airlines are working with very thin margin, and when there is a disruption, it becomes a problem for them.”
He added, “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.”
He also noted that engaging all stakeholders, including the NCAA and airlines, was crucial for refining the system.
“Flying season has started and we are expecting disruptions when the rains and bird strike start. So, we are on standby. The pilot phase will begin in August and run for eight months, then continue to the next phase,” he confirmed.
Funke Junaid, Head of the Legal Unit at Aero Assist Hub, highlighted the customer centric nature of the solution. She stated it provides a resolution to persistent industry issues like delays and cancellations.
“From a legal perspective concerning the customers rights, for example, because it’s all about the customer basically, what we are doing here, the customers will be deriving their rights from the airlines,” she explained.
She added that it is a “win win for the industry” as customer rights remain protected under NCAA regulations, while the consortium enhances this protection through contractual partnerships with airlines.
She noted the keen interest from airlines during the feedback session, which ran for over two hours.
Diana Mulili, representing Leadway Assurance, believes the Propel platform will revolutionise air travel in Nigeria.
She stated, “When we approached this problem, we realized that it was a growing problem across the industry, and we needed to create a product that would work to solve the local problem. So, none of our other existing products, travel products, are going to solve for this.”
She explained that the product was co created with the industry, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, including frustrated passengers.
“A minimal insurance premium guarantees a passenger that should any disruption happen, they will get an alternative on another airline, and it’s very seamless,” she detailed.
Also read: NCAA bars flight crew from working across multiple airlines to ensure safety
Mulili concluded, “We found that passengers don’t even want their money. They just want to get to their destination, and that is actually what PROPEL is providing helping passengers get to their destination, regardless of their flight delays and cancelations experienced.”
