Air Nigeria Begins Lagos to London, S/Africa Operations

On delivery of Airbus aircraft meant for its international operations at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos Air Nigeria began its maiden flight from Lagos to London, Gatwick Airport on 16, May, 2012 and to Johannesburg, South Africa the following day, May 17.

Prior to the arrival of the plane, Mr Kinfe Kahssaye, the chief executive officer of the Airline, had during a press briefing in Lagos announced the new development and noted the airline’s resolve to make use of the A330-200 for the Lagos-London service including the Lagos- Johannesburg services.

Speaking on the commencement of both services, Kahssaye, said: “After the successful turn-around of the airline over the last two years, the airline is now well positioned to compete favourably on the international market”.

The development is part of Air Nigeria’s growth strategy initiated by Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR) who acquired the airline two years ago.

The Airbus A330-200 is an optimised 222-inch fuselage cross-section, which is shared with the other members of Airbus’ A330/A340 Family and accommodates 253 passengers in a comfortable two-class cabin.

As a modern jetliner, the A330-200 accommodates the latest in-flight entertainment, including video-on-demand, mobile telephone and e-mail via satellite. The layout that provides more window and aisle seats in much quieter cabins.  

Another advantage of the A330-200’s fuselage is its large-capacity underfloor cargo holds, which accommodate industry-standard LD3 containers in side-by-side loading, as well as 96-inch pallets.

The A330-200 is well established with major carriers around the world, and has become a preferred aircraft for charter and leisure operators, as well as the growing low-cost long-haul market segment.  

Speaking on the commencement of both services, Kahssaye, said: “After the successful turn-around of the airline over the last two years, the airline is now well positioned to compete favourably on the international market”.

The recommencement of the long-haul flights is a monumental strives for Nigerian aviation and in the West African sub-region as passengers are favourably disposed to a wider array of choice and more than ever before, can conveniently connect onwards to London and Johannesburg and points beyond.