The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings and Chairman Association of African Aviation Training Organisation, AATON, Mr Bernard Bankole has emphasised the vision of the company
to serve as a one-stop point for end-to-end travel management in the country.

Bankole said the company with its thriving subsidiaries are striving to assert its dominance in the aviation industry by serving as a pivotal force shaping its landscape.

Speaking in Lagos on Friday at the head office of one its subsidiaries, Lagos Aviation Academy, LAA, one of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA approved training organisations, Finchglow Holdings boss stated that the company is striving to contribute value across every facet of aviation, enriching the industry in many ways.

Bernard disclosed that Finchglow Holdings has transformed from a single travel agency in Lagos to a comprehensive travel conglomerate with six subsidiaries under its umbrella, including Finchglow Travel, Travelden, FCM, Finchglow Holidays, Finch Global, and Lagos Aviation Academy.

Bernard noted that the company has repositioned for further growth.

He said that he would use AATON to change the narrative of the NCAA Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) in the aviation industry by creating awareness through the media.

He explained that AATON as an organisation takes care of the professionals in the industry by way of training them and making them available for airlines and other aviation agencies.

The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, said that he intends to use AATON to enlighten the general public and also educate those thinking of establishing training schools of the opportunities and the value the training schools under this umbrella are adding to the industry.

According to him:
“Our vision is to assert our dominance in the aviation industry, serving as a pivotal force shaping its landscape. We strive to contribute value across every facet of aviation, enriching the industry in myriad ways”.

Bernard stressed the need to push professionals in the aviation sector to another level.

Using the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, as an example , Bernard said before he became the President of the association,
people were not feeling its existence, adding that today the narrative has changed.

He promised to keep people abreast of the happenings at AATON and create awareness about the organisation.

Citing the benefits of Investing in Manpower Development
within the aviation landscape,
Bernard stated that the establishment of Lagos Business School in 2016 is a testament to this commitment which is nurturing talent and driving industry progress.

The President of AATON added that the Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) has graduated over 2,000 students who are working in the various airlines in the country.

He pointed out that if AATON position itself to push the narrative, the industry will be better for it, adding that what the organisation does, will be for it particular and the industry at large.

Bernard explained that Finchglow Holdings as an umbrella corporation that houses 6 (six) subsidiaries began in 2006.

In his words: “Back then we were a travel agency, Finchglow Travels Limited, retailing travel and tourism services to individuals and businesses from a single office.
Today, our conglomerate of businesses makes up the one-stop point for end-to-end travel management (business and leisure), aviation personnel development, B2B consolidation and cargo logistics”.

On Finchglow Travels, Bernard pointed out the the company is Nigeria’s one-stop travel solutions agency, known as a Travel consolidator.

“We are globally recognised for our consistency, delivery of quality, and unequalled customer service. In our over 18 years of operations, our commitment to excellence has kept us ahead in the industry.
Finchglow Travels specialises in offering top-notch travel solutions to organisations and individuals through the use of cutting-edge technology manned by effective personnel catering to ticket bookings, protocol services, visa services, holiday packages, hotel bookings, travel insurance, etc”.

Finchglow Holdings boss said it has an ever-growing pool of independent travel agents who it partner with, providing them with affordable fares, assisting with issuing rights, and the opportunity to earn much more.

On FCM Travel Solutions Nigeria, a franchise of FCM Global, a corporate travel company dedicated to helping businesses transform the way they travel across the globe, Bernard explained that FCM Nigeria tailors each travel
experience to the specific needs of each client.

He emphasized that with FCM Global’s vast network of franchises operating in 100 countries, a strong reputation, and cutting-edge technology, FCM Nigeria is the perfect travel partner for corporate clients.

He said FCM Nigeria is trusted by some of the best multinationals (both in the private and public sector ) that require a single travel management company solely dedicated to their travel concerns across the world.

Bernard explained further that FCM’s services range from travel reservations for flights and hotels, car hire, provision of other modes of transportation, and multiple options for the best fare/rate.

“We also offer local and multinational account management, corporate travel policy advisory, consolidated reporting, meetings, incentives, conferences & events (MICE), group bookings, charter services, online booking tool implementation, and support, he said.

Commenting on
Travelden , another of its subsidiary, Bernard stated further that the company is an online travel agency with a focus on making travel accessible to everyone.

According to him, Travelden’s philosophy holds that travel is not necessarily a luxury and it can be for everyone who desires to explore.
TravelDen is renowned for its bespoke retail B2C travel solutions. With Travelden, consumers can make the best decisions from our array of products and services such as holiday and tour deals, affordable flight tickets, hotel bookings and reservations.

He disclosed further that Travelden also provide visa assistance and insurance services
through its renowned attentive customer service, local & international market knowledge, and innovative travel solutions, it brings convenience, increased efficiency and affordability.

While Finchglow Holidays is a premium destination management company that provides management and consultation services for domestic/international tourism, Fully Independent Travels (FIT), and Group Travels, through personalized services tailored to exceed clients’ needs and expectations.

Finchglow Holdings boss maintained that at the heart of what they do is Experience, from the point of inquiry to when a client group returns, they feel and relive the beauty and memories of their dream destination through the company’s many thoughtfully curated stellar activities.

He said Finchglow Holidays team is passionate about curating excellent travel experiences.

AATON chairman added that they are certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Commenting on
Finchglobal also, Bernard said the subsidiary is a Limited Nigerian registered cargo operator that provides safe, reliable, and efficient air cargo services, within and outside Nigeria.

He said: “Finchglobal Nigeria Limited was incorporated in Nigeria in March 2020 and has continued to provide professional services since then. With our wide coverage in Nigeria, we can receive and dispatch all types of aircraft and flights at all Nigerian Airports.
Finchglobal Nigeria Limited is a GSSA (General Sales and Service Agent) to several International Air Carriers”.

On Lagos Aviation Academy, Bernard observed that the company as an aviation training academy whose mission is to drive the growth of the aviation industry through the development and mastery of aviation professionals offers industry-wide training courses in Travel & Tourism, Aviation,operations, Management, and Personal effectiveness.