L – R: Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President, Global Sales & Distribution, Etihad Airways; Mr. Christopher Isaiah, Group General Manager – Commercial; Mrs. Gloria Atumu, General Manager, APG Nigeria; and Mr. Olufemi Adefope, Chairman of APG Nigeria.
APG Global Associates Network Limited (APG Nigeria), the Nigerian partner of the world renowned APG Inc, the leading global airline representation network, providing General Sales and Services (GSSA) solutions to more than 200 airline partners across over 170 countries, has announced its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Etihad Airways in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the UAE national carrier across the African continent.
The appointment was formally acknowledged through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) at the prestigious Legend Hotel, Lagos on 25th July 2026, attended by senior executives from both organizations.
Representing Etihad Airways at the signing ceremony were Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President, Global Sales & Distribution, and Mr Khaleefa Mohamed Al Hammadi the Regional General Manager – Sales, Digital and Distribution, who reaffirmed the airline’s strategic commitment to the Nigerian market and its confidence in APG Nigeria as the ideal commercial partner to support Etihad’s ambitious growth plans.
Leading the APG Nigeria delegation were Mr. Olufemi Adefope, Group Chairman; Mr. Christopher Isaiah, Group General Manager – Commercial; and Mrs. Gloria Atumu, General Manager, APG Nigeria.
The partnership represents a significant step in Etihad Airways’ strategy to strengthen its commercial footprint in West Africa, leveraging Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s largest aviation and business travel market.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President, Global Sales & Distribution, Etihad Airways stated: “Nigeria represents one of the most important aviation markets in Africa, and we are delighted to partner with APG Nigeria as we strengthen our commercial presence.’
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Olufemi Adefope, Chairman of APG Nigeria said: “We are honored by the confidence Etihad Airways has placed in our organization. This appointment reinforces our position as Nigeria’s foremost airline representation company, consistently delivering commercial excellence for leading airlines. We are fully committed to developing the Etihad brand in Nigeria, expanding its market presence, and creating sustainable long-term value for the airline.”
Also speaking, Mr. Christopher Isaiah, – General Manager-Commercial, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership.
“Etihad Airways is one of the world’s most respected premium airlines, renowned for innovation, service excellence, and global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s fastest growing global aviation hubs.
“Our commercial strategy will focus on building strong relationships with the travel trade, corporate organizations, government institutions, and key travel management companies while delivering measurable revenue growth and market share to Etihad. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents and are committed to establishing Etihad Airways as a preferred airline for travelers from and to Nigeria.”
Etihad plans to commence daily flight operations into and from Lagos on the 18th of March 2027 using the Boeing B787-900 Dreamliner aircraft, with a seamless one stop connection from Lagos to more than 120 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.
The appointment of APG Nigeria as Etihad Airways’ General Sales Agent further strengthens APG Nigeria’s leadership position within Nigeria’s aviation sector and reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering operational integrity, and measurable business results for its airline partners.
The partnership is expected to enhance travel options for passengers, deepen engagement with the travel trade, and support Etihad Airways’ long-term commercial ambitions in one of the continent’s most dynamic markets.
