Emirates extends suspension of flights
A downward slide in fares is imminent in the aviation sector as new carriers take to the skies on major routes.

Among the new entrants on the domestic sector are United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa Airways and Cally Air.

United Nigeria Airline commenced flights at the weekend, starting out on the Southsouth and Southwest routes.

Besides, the fare structure on the Lagos /Enugu; Lagos /Asaba routes now have new options.

Investigations revealed that consolidation of operations by new carriers has put other carriers – Ibom Air, Dana Air, Arik Air, Aero Contractors of Nigeria, and Air Peace – on the edge.

Green Africa Airways at the weekend unveiled uniforms for its pilots and other crew members preparatory to take-off.

It was learnt that the use of middle range aircraft including Brazilian Embraer and French ATR airplanes by the new entrants is already creating unease among competitors.

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo said the carrier had done its feasibility studies before venturing into aviation business.

He described the business as a battlefield, with the objective of winning passengers to one’s brand.

Okonkwo said: “We have to give passengers great value and service as well as good customer experience. That is what we are working on and I think that is what will differentiate us from other operators.

He spoke of plans to develop more routes with the use of Embraer aircraft. He added that other appropriate decisions constituting the business plan would be unveiled soon.

Okonkwo explained that the airline would worm its way into the hearts of passengers by offering timely departure and robust inflight experience.

on Sunday, Emirates Airlines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier said it had extended its suspension of passenger services from Lagos and Abuja to Dubai until March 10, 2021.

This comes barely four days after the initial suspension slated to last till February 28, 2021 was announced.

The Nation