- Emirates Expresses Commitment to Nigerian Market
Emirates says it remains committed to the growth of the Nigerian market.
The Regional Manager, West Africa at the airline, Mr. Afzal Parambil, who stated this, noted that Emirates’ operations in Nigeria had been successful.
He spoke in Lagos during the commemoration of the airline’s 15-year flight operations into Nigeria.
Parambil stated that that it had consistently enjoyed a strong relationship in the country since 2004 when it commenced direct flights operations between its base in Dubai and Nigeria.
The airline also said it was the choice of Nigerian travellers because of its consistency, reliability and affordable airfares, assuring Nigerians that it would continue to render quality services to clients.
He said, “Emirates has enjoyed strong relationship with Nigeria, and it remains deeply committed to the market. Over the past 15 years, we have not only seen our operations grow, but our product develop to cater to the taste and requirements of our Nigerian customers.
“We constantly strive to provide our passengers with an unforgettable travel experience, and our growth is a testament to the fact that we are on the right track.”
Ten years after its inaugural flight to Nigeria, Emirates in 2014 launched services to Abuja, flying Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which offers eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 310 spacious seats in economy class between the routes.
Parambil said Emirates’ flight operations into Nigeria had grown from four weekly frequencies to daily.
The airline currently operates 14 frequencies to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and four weekly flights to Abuja with plans to make the Abuja route a daily operation from June 1, 2019.
Parambil said Emirates SkyCargo also started operations in 2004 and had since carried 14,000 tonnes of mobile phones, garments and personal effects as imports and had exported over 4,000 tonnes of fresh kolanuts, beverages and mobile phones.
“Currently, Emirates has 271 aircraft in service and operates to 158 destinations in 86 countries. Its staff strength in Nigeria is presently almost 150,” he added.
He added that Nigerian travellers should expect their favourite local delicacies such as jollof rice, beef stew, porridge yam, braised chicken thighs, rice with black eyed beans, fried plantain, sautéed spinach, sweet potato mash and chicken stew.