Stakeholders in the aviation industry have lauded one of Nigeria’s
flag carriers, Med-View Airline, for its giant strides, especially on
the international front.
The commendation is not unconnected with
the airline’s acquisition of a new Boeing 777-200, shortly after taking
delivery of a super jumbo 747 as additions to its fleets.
The
feat, stakeholders said, was most “courageous” particularly at a time
the sector is buckling due to pressure of economic recession.
While
the 747 has since been deployed to the Lagos – London Gatwick route,
the triple-seven aircraft on Monday airlifted pilgrims from Lagos to
Saudi Arabia for the commencement of the 2016 Hajj operations.
No fewer than 150 flights operations are expected to be carried out while the Hajj exercise lasted.
Regional
Manager of British Airways, Kola Olayinka, said the Med-View management
had again demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit to survive
all odds.
Olayinka said: “Nigeria is very active country of
people that cannot be put down. No matter what is thrown at us, we will
struggle and make a come back.
“That is why I salute the courage
of Nigerian airlines. Notwithstanding what is happening to us on all
fronts, Med-View is still able to bring in a 747-400. I feel proud to
see a 747 aircraft that is not borrowed, with Nigerian flag on it at
Gatwick, London. That is enormous joy for me as a Nigerian,” he said.
President
of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bernard
Bankole, also congratulated the airline, urging other local airlines to
emulate its spirit.
Bankole, during a courtesy visit to the
Med-View management, disclosed that the association would in September
organise an eminent persons’ lecture in honour of the Med-View boss
whose airline now ferries passengers from London Gatwick three times
weekly into Nigeria with a Boeing 747 aircraft.
NANTA boss told an
elated Med-View airline boss and his top managers that Nigerian travel
agents and Nigerian travelling public are happy at his airline’s
intervention on the London route and prays the airline develops others
destinations.
“NANTA is proud of you not just as a local investor
but your background as a travel agent before breaking forth into the
airline business’’ Bankole said, adding that the association will help
drive its commercial expectations and also “brand” it as national
carrier.
Executive Director (Technical) for Med-View Airlines,
Lookman Animashaun, said that the aircrafts were acquired as part of the
airline’s route expansion programme.
Animashaun said that aside
London and Jeddah operations, service to Dubai would soon commence after
the conclusion of Hajj operations.
