…airline meets trade partners, offers 9% commission on ticket sales
Posted by Sade Williams, in Johannesburg
The launch of direct flights between Lagos and Johannesburg by Air Peace on Thursday was a historic turning point for both Nigeria and South Africa, Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Oluwatoyin Olajide; Mohammed Danjuma, a board member of Air Peace and Ezenwa Nwobiala, minister consulate, Nigeria High Commission in South Africa, have said.
They spoke at the inaugural dinner marking the flights launch and held in Johannesburg on Thursday.
According to Nwobiala, Nigeria and South Africa are the two power houses of Africa, hence the need for seamless air connectivity between the countries, bonding and deepening of trade relations.
He said South Africans and Nigerians in South Africa have for a long time, anticipated the launch of the flights, especially after Air Peace successfully evacuated Nigerians several times from South Africa and other countries.
“We, as a mission, are proud of this achievement. We see this as a visa of opportunity to deepen the strong relations because Nigeria and South Africa are the two power houses of Africa. It is our hope that the entry of Air Peace will bring many opportunities.
“A lot of people have waited for today but with what happened during the evacuation exercise, a lot of confidence was reposed on the airline so Air Peace is tested and proven”, he said.
Also speaking, Mohammed Danjuma, a board member of Air Peace said this was just the beginning of the quest by the airline to connect more cities, adding that there is a lot of prospects to look forward to.
” Safe for COVID-19 which has put a pause on many activities, we would have been celebrating more destinations but we are hopeful and we will continue to grow the airline and timing for all continents.
“South Africa is home to Nigerians, this is a huge turning point for both countries, this is a new gateway and will boost trade for these countries, there is a lot to look forward to, the prospects are very good and this is a big celebrations for us all” , he said.
Olajide on her part, noted that the airline’s mantra of no-city-left behind is being pursued vigorously adding that the management is happy that the connection between South Africa and Nigeria is already a solution to some perceived negativity.
“To me and, indeed, the entire Management of the airline, this is more than just the commencement of scheduled flights into Johannesburg. It is more. It is a solidification of the economic and commercial ties between the two giant African countries. It is the exemplification and a reflection of a mutually beneficial relationship. It is an implementation of our Bilateral Air Service Agreement in furtherance of the progress of Nigeria and South Africa and the promotion of unity between citizens of both nations.
“I recall how we flew into this country on September 11, 2019 and evacuated 503 Nigerians in two separate flights. Even though the circumstances were somewhat inauspicious, that particular incident heightened the airline’s desire to kick off scheduled flights into the country, and today marks the accomplishment of that ambition. Also, on June 26, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria, we flew into South Africa to evacuate 167 Nigerians. So, you can say we’re acquainted with the South African terrain.
“We saw an opportunity to connect both countries directly and we seized it. And we are glad this is happening as we believe both countries will benefit hugely from it in the areas of employment creation, promotion of tourism, and facilitation of a seamless movement of people, which is a prerequisite for economic development, and other forms of value to be created along the chain.
“Air Peace is reputed for its no-city-left-behind mantra and this is something we have vigorously pursued, and it is driving our route expansion. The decision to extend our wings to Johannesburg is consequent upon our vision to create affordable and safe air travel for Africans, with our signature hospitality, connecting various cities across Africa, thereby fostering unity and enhancing impact economic relations” she said.
She said Air Peace brings nothing but excellence in service to the route with determination to expand network to ease the burden of air travel.
“Our commitment to excellence and determination to reduce the air travel burden of Africans by employing dynamics that are peculiar to the African people, has proudly earned us the title of the biggest airline in West and Central Africa. It is this same excellence and determination that we’re bringing to South Africans. The airline has recorded a lot of milestones in less than a decade and now services sixteen domestic routes, five regional routes and two international destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, which we launched in July 2019.
” I am pleased to also inform you that we have other international routes in the offing, such as Houston-USA, Mumbai-India, Guangzhou-China and London. As a socially responsive airline, we’re constantly reviewing our route network in line with public needs while looking at ways of expanding the network to provide ample value to Nigerians.
“As we commence regular flights into Johannesburg, we’re promising South Africans, Nigerians and other Africans that the new route will be well serviced. We also pledge to work very harmoniously with all the stakeholders including the South African Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the airport administrators and, of course, the governments of both countries to ensure the new route is successfully serviced. Lastly, we must also thank all the stakeholders who made significant contributions to the official entry of Air Peace into South Africa. Together we hope to achieve more for our countries” , she added.
Meanwhile, Air Peace said it is offering 9 percent on ticket sales on all international routes, for trade partners.
While commending the trade partners who were guests at the dinner, the airline said it is working to get the trade partners on Amadeus, a leading travel technology to ease ticket bookings and payment.
