Despite recession, Ethiopian Airlines maintains commitment to Nigerian routes
Despite the withdrawal of foreign airlines and cut down of their frequencies, Africa’s most successful airline said it would continue to service the different destinations it operates to in Nigeria.
The carrier currently operates services to Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano from its hub, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Just last week, Emirates, one of the biggest foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, stopped flight operations to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja with effect from October 22, 2016.
In another development, East African carrier Kenya Airways, has also announced that it will suspend flights to Abuja with effect from November 15, 2016 as part of its restructuring and loss saving efforts.
But Country Commercial Manager (Nigeria) for Ethiopian, Mr. Solomon Begashaw at a media briefing to mark the carriers 56 years of strong presence in Nigeria and 70 years of existence said, ‘’ As a veteran Pan-African carrier it has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent , Africa , both in good and bad times.”
He stated that the carrier’s presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960’s, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence from foreign colonization, stressing that Ethiopian has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of Nigeria as a country .
“Hence, the Management of Ethiopian Airlines wishes to clarify its stance of pursuing its operation to Nigeria and keep Nigerian travelers connected to five continents around the globe. As an indigenous Pan-African Carrier, Ethiopian airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 50 years.”
He disclosed that Ethiopian has been in the highs and lows of Nigeria; all through the crisis periods of Nigeria and also during the last Economic crisis , providing the link between Nigeria and the outside world there by showing its African solidarity . “
Currently, Ethiopian serves the Nigerian traveler from four Airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano. To reinforce its support to Nigeria; Ethiopian is offering to hire Nigeria pilots for its ever growing fleet of B777,B787,B737 and Dash 8 Q-400 Aircraft, train more Nigerians in its Aviation academy, which is the largest in Africa.
Besides, Ethiopian Airlines had always served Nigeria with the best Aircraft in its fleet like the A350 Airbus, B787 Dreamliner and the B777 wide body.
In the Spirit of African brotherhood, Ethiopian Airlines does not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good, rather, make sacrifices along with Nigerians in this trying time knowing that Nigerians are resilient and resourceful and will soon come out of the temporary recession.
As the Airline celebrates 70 years of existence, it has extended free tickets to Nigerians who liked Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria Facebook page.
From left, Snr. Sales rep., Nigeria, Ethiopia, Airline, Mrs. Adetola Alabi, General Manager, Nigeria, Ethiopia Airline, Solomon Begashaw and Sales Manager, Nigeria, Ethiopia Airline, Mr. Omerenna Elias at the Airline 70th press conference held today at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
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