South African Airways Crowned Winners of 4th Annual Aviation Cup

…As FAAN emerges second, third

In a keenly contested 2-day competition the duo of Sunday Ali and Eze Emmanuel, playing for South African Airways Team B, carded a combined net score of 295 to emerge the winners of the team category of 4th Annual Aviation Cup Africa Golf Tournament, which took place in Ikeja Golf Club over the weekend.

FAAN made a fierce return this year, as teams from the airports authority carted home the trophies for second and third positions.

In the ladies singles category, Ruth Luwoye playing off handicap 22, won with a gross score of 88 and a net score of 66. Aniekan Essienette and Imelda Aba of Ibom Air came second and third respectively. 12-handicapper Ben Onwe had a 75 gross score which earned an overall winning 66 net score. Joseph Anasiudu had a 69 net score which beat Mike Olaleye’s 69 net on countback to the second position. .

The team category of the golf tournament which prides itself as the first aviation recreational activity in Africa to host Boeing and partnered by big brands like Aviation Africa Summit and AFBAA, had as participants Ibom Air, Aero, Uganda Airlines, South African Airways, Q-Impact Aviation Medic, ExecuJet, Etam Avitat, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, 7star Global Hangar.

The premier aviation industry recreational convergence which attracted golfing aviators from around the country, featured rounds of golf and ‘Aviation Night’, fostered the spirit of camaraderie like no other, as players from different sectors of the industry were in attendance. From players in GDS, ground handling, airline, aviation energy, MRO, FBO, Cabin & Cockpit Crew etc.; the days and night of the event witnessed quality footfall.

The weekend of aviation recreation climaxed with exhilarating ‘Aviation Night’, the most various recreational gathering of aviators in the country, where both golfing and non-golfing members of the industry gathered at the upper pavilion of Ikeja Golf Club to fellowship, network, reconnect and banter — away from the seriousness of summits, exhibitions and conferences.

The evening also witnessed presentation of star-rating recognition certificates to aviation brands that have participated for a minimum of two out of the four editions of the event, so far, thereby encouraging recreation and active lifestyle in the aviation industry. Sabre Travel Solutions, a global distribution system company earned the 4 star recognition, having been the most consistent participant in Aviation Cup Africa Golf Tournament. South African Airways and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria earned 3 stars, while Ibom Air, Etam Avitat, and 7star Global Hangar earned 2 stars respectively.

Sponsors took to the stage, expressing why they keep coming back, year in year out, while assuring that they are in this for the long haul.

Speaking to newsmen at the conclusion of Aviation Night, Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord, CEO of Diplomacy Publishing & Events, organizers of Aviation Cup expressed immense gratitude and joy for the resounding success of the fourth edition, while thanking everyone who believed in the vision when it attracted less than 10 golfing aviators.

“We are particularly overwhelmed in an elating way, with Accolades and positive reviews that have been pouring in. We are grateful to God and everyone who have been part of this journey from its cradle days”, he said.