2 Airlines Seek Nigeria’s Routes

Two airlines, Kenya and Afriqiyal are seeking more destinations into Nigeria. They already have direct flight to Lagos, but are now seeking direct flights to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

This was made known  when Vice President Namadi Sambo played host to his Kenyan counterpart, Ralongo Musyoka in Abuja.

Sambo noted that the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration is with Kenya in the effort towards producing a new constitution, saying that the federal government would like to share its parliamentary experience with Kenya as well as other socio-economic cooperation, especially in transportation which Africa has not been able to develop fully.

Sambo said that to ensure smooth transportation between the two countries, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and that of Aviation would meet with Kenyan High Commissioner to work out modalities where there would be direct flights from Nairobi, Kenya to Abuja even as it was disclosed that Libyan Airline, Afriqiyah Airways is also requesting a direct flight to Abuja.

“I really, appreciate this visit and we are looking forward to see how we can bring social transformation between our two countries. We are also looking forward to see better cooperation as we believe that the problem of Africa can be better solved by Africans themselves. I can assure you that we are going to have closer interaction at all levels”, he stressed.

The Vice President said: “I will facilitate the relationship between your own parliament and ours here” and gave the Kenyan counterpart documents containing the federal government’s development plan as well as road maps on power and water development.

Speaking, Kenyan Vice President who requested that Kenyan Airways should be allowed to fly straight to Abuja solicited for an exchange programme more interaction with Nigeria, adding that his High commissioner would facilitate a familiarisation visit by members of his administration to study the political organisation in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Arik Air has launched a new scheme that allows for cheaper domestic fares through advanced purchasing in its domestic network. The new fares apply to tickets bought 14 days in advance of the required travel date by passengers and will be the best fare available to the customer.

The scheme is designed to encourage and sensitise  passengers to book in advance rather than purchase tickets on the day at the airport where fare are highest. Customers will have to book and pay for their tickets at least two weeks before the intended date of travel and tickets can be booked and paid for on-line at the airline’s website (www.arikair.com) or at any Arik Air point of sale.