Air Peace yesterday launched flight operations to Abidjan, the capital of Cote d’Ivoire, making it the ninth regional destination the airline will fly into in the nine years of its operation.
The airline’s inaugural flight P47770 on B737-500 aircraft piloted by Capt. Gerald NMorka touched down at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport also known as Port Bouët Airport in Abidjan.
The aircraft was welcomed with the ceremonial water cannon signaling the inaugural entry of Air Peace into the French-speaking country.
The management of the airline, led by the Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Augustin Kamano, was received by Ivory Coast’s airport authorities, the Nigerian embassy in Abidjan and the Nigerian community.
The director of flight operations reiterated the commitment of the airline under the chairmanship of Mr Allen Onyema to bridge the connectivity gap among West African countries and reduce the air travel burden for Africans.
He also hinted that the 10th regional flight to Cotonou, Benin Republic would begin on Monday, adding that passengers can also fly from Abidjan to Dakar, Senegal.
Capt. Kamano stated that the airline will soon be launching flight operations into Congo Kinshasa and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
He said, “We have a long-standing relationship with Ivory Coast and the launch of flights by Air Peace into Abidjan today will deepen commercial cooperation as well as solidify bilateral ties between both countries.
“Since we commenced operations in 2014, we have been on an aggressive but strategic route expansion mission, becoming famed for our no-city-left-behind initiative which goes beyond the West Coast to include international destinations.
“The airline is committed to providing increased connectivity across key cities in the West African sub-region and promoting economic prosperity for Africans. We want to make air travel easier for the collective development of all West African countries.
“We will continue to offer matchless flight services, with signature hospitality, first-grade customer service and inflexible adherence to established safety standards. Air Peace is also implementing a fleet modernisation programme.”
He added, “Also planned for launch very soon is London, marking our entry into the European continent. Finally, we must thank the Ivorian authorities, our partners here, and the Nigerian Government for making this possible, as we promise to work harmoniously with all the relevant aviation stakeholders to ensure this new route is maximised for both countries.”
The Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, Itam Akpama, said the flight operation is timely considering the ongoing African Cup of Nations Competition going on in Ivory Coast.
She said, “It is an honour to be here. This is a very timely flight considering the AFCON that is ongoing with an influx of Nigerians and other travellers in and out of Ivory Coast.
“You have the full support of the Nigerian Embassy and Nigerians in Côte d’Ivoire.”
On his part, the President of the Nigerian Community in Ivory Coast, Chief Michael Onwuchelu, commended the Chairman of Air Peace for his initiative to connect the African continent with air transportation.
“This is our own and we must especially support Air Peace. Côte d’Ivoire has been a hospitable country, we are all happy here. We will support our own,” he added.
Onwuchelu said a seamless air connectivity is critical for African integration and advised Air Peace to be consistent on the route.
“We only have Air Côte d’Ivoire that flies to Nigeria here and when the business is competitive, then people will want to make their choice. I want Air Peace to be consistent because we have had bad experiences with Nigerian airlines here like Nigeria Airways, Air Nigeria, Virgin Nigeria and so many of them.”
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