Posted by By Tunji Oketunbi and Wole Shadare on
NOTWITHSTANDING the legal tussle and obstacles confronting the take-off of the new flag carrier, Virgin Nigeria, the promoters of the airline have set June 28 for its inaugural flight.
NOTWITHSTANDING the legal tussle and obstacles confronting the take-off of the new flag carrier, Virgin Nigeria, the promoters of the airline have set June 28 for its inaugural flight.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday to announce the take-off of the airline, which replaced the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL), the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Simon Harford, said that day would be historic for Nigerian aviation as the country's new, private sector-owned flag carrier will take to the skies with its long - haul operation to London's Heathrow Airport.
He noted that the airline has gone from conception to launch at a speed that was at par with world aviation standards.
According to him, the launch represents an historic first step in the journey that lies ahead. His words: "We are intent on building for Nigeria the world's leading airline that is based in Africa. We are intent on building a wide network of routes across Africa and beyond. We are intent on operating to standard and allow Nigeria aviation to hold its head high around the world."
Virgin Nigeria's inaugural flight will operate from Lagos airport to Terminal Three, London Heathrow Airport. It will begin with weekly flights for two weeks and thereafter fly three times per week with an A340 - 300 in three-class configuration - economy, premium economy and business class.
Harford disclosed that the airline has secured the all-important Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), adding that the authority would continue to oversee the airline as normal on an on-going basis.
On the United States' (U.S.) ban on the airline from flying to its territory, the airline chief said that he was confident that the availability of full information and understanding would enable Nigeria and the U.S. soon allow direct flights between the two countries.
He added: "This positive expectation also reflects the existence of the U.S. government's current safe skies for Africa policy, which among its principles, urges African nations to modernise their aviation sectors in lines with international best practices, make full use of the private sector in doing so, and also to bring in foreign experts to assist in achieving such international standards."
In November last year, the U.S. government, through its Economic Counselor in Nigeria, Joseph Gregorie, said that Virgin Nigeria would not be allowed to fly into the U.S. because of Britain's refusal to sign the Open Skies Agreement with the U.S.
To the U.S. the conception of the carrier, a seeming controversial partnership between Virgin Atlantic Airways and Nigerian investors, was an error as far as the bilateral agreement between the two countries was concerned.
Besides, Gregoire accused Virgin Atlantic Airways, owned by entrepreneur, Richard Branson, of overtly blocking open skies and competition in Britain.