…As Emirates slashes airfares for Nigerian passengers
By Louis Ibah
Indigenous carrier, Genesis Global Aviation, has been issued an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence charter helicopter operations in the country.
Genesis Aviation Chairman, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who spoke after receiving the AOC expressed confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector, noting that although several operators that had high prospects at the beginning had later crashed out, their exit did not mean there was no market for new players in the helicopter operation industry.
“Whether it is in respect of offshore service delivery or for emergency medical evacuation or general logistics of moving people and personnel from one point to the other, there is requirement for helicopter services,” he said.
“I think people should doff their hats for us that we are not quitting; we are absolutely standing there because we believe in the resilience of the Nigerian economy.
“What we are witnessing is just a dip for the time being and we believe that there is bound to be a rebound at some point in time. The future belongs to those who dare; he who dares wins,” he added.
Iheanacho lauded the NCAA for awarding the company the AOC, noting, however, that the process was tasking and rigorous.
“The AOC is a wonderful achievement in my own opinion. We have been in the business for more than two years and it has been a very hard and arduous journey to being where we are today,” he said.
“We are poised to deliver safe, qualitative and cost-effective commercial helicopter services to the general public including offshore oil industry service providers, EMS service operators and line surveillance operators,” he added.
Meanwhile, Emirates Airlines said it is slashing its airfares for its Nigerian passengers to select destinations. A statement by the airline said passengers would be enjoying 35 per cent off the Economy class tickets and 40 per cent off the Business Class tickets on selected return Economy Class and Business Class tickets to select destinations.
“The sale is valid for booking between March 27 and April 4, 2017 and for travel between March 27 and June 30, 2017,” the statement said.
“For instance, trip from Nigeria to Dubai starts as little as $930 in Economy Class and $3,971 in Business Class. Similarly, fare to Beijing is now $1,471 and $4,789, to London Heathrow from $1,154 and $4,193, and to Hong Kong $1,188 and $4,519 in Economy Class and Business Class respectively,” it added.