25th Wedding Anniversary : Royal Father's, Captains of industries fete Air Peace boss, wife

The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema and his wife, Alice,  over the weekend celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary amidst pomp and pageantry. 

The silver jubilee celebration is coming a few days after Air Peace took delivery of 
 its newly acquired Boeing B777-200 aircraft, becoming the first and only Nigerian airline to procure and register the brand of airliner in the country.

The elaborate ceremony which took place at the Harbour Points Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos was graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life both within and outside Nigeria. 

Among the distinguished guests of the Onyemas were the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty,  Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Alfred Achebe. 

Also in attendance were Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State,  Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman, UBA Group, Dr Ifeanyi Uba, Managing Director of Capital  Oil and Gas Limited and Mr Tonye Cole of Sahara Group. 

Others were Sen. Ita Giwa, Mrs Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, as well as Lagos socialite and businessman,  E-Money. 

The guests were entertained by top Nigerian artistes including K-Cee (Air Peace Ambassador),  Tiwa Savage, Tubaba and Flavour Nabania. 

Air Peace takes delivery of new B777 aircraft

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of one of its newly acquired Boeing B777-200 aircraft in preparation for its commencement of international operations. 

The 274 capacity  aircraft, christened "Ikechukwu ", touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International  Airport, Lagos at about 3.30 pm on Friday. 

The aircraft, which was flown in by Capt. Victor Efionu and his team, was received by the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema and other top aviation personnel. 

Onyema said Air Peace recently began flights to Banjul, Freetown and Dakar in the West Coast of Africa, stressing that it would soon start flights on international destinations including Dubai, Guangzhou-China, London, Houston, Mumbai and South Africa.

"Air Peace is ready to begin operations on these routes as soon as we get the cooperation of our aviation agencies, our home governments, and the outside governments of the countries we are going to .

As soon as we get their cooperation, we will make it happen, " Onyema said. 

According to him, what Air Peace has done in less than three years of operations shows clearly that Nigerian airlines can compete and even perform better than the legacy airlines if there is a level playing field. 

" This is the first time a Nigerian carrier is acquiring a B777. What we have had in the past is through leases which were not favourable to the airline operators. 

"So, I don't believe that Nigerian airlines cannot compete favourably with the others. What we have been lacking is the necessary support. 

"Within the last three years, we have been able to increase our fleet size to 24 aircraft. That is rapid growth and we are still growing stronger," he said. 

Onyema  further dispelled insinuations that Nigerian airlines were not safe, noting that Air Peace spent up to $2.5 million annually  in maintaining a single aircraft on its fleet.

"So,  in terms of safety,  we can assure our guests of the very best because even our technical partners is a firm from the United Kingdom.

"Air Peace  cannot be said to be weak or indebted and if there are airlines that are going through that, they should come out and name them instead of generalising, " he added. 

The Air Peace chairman also reiterated his opposition to the Single African Air Transportation Market (SAATM),   stressing that it was of little or no benefit to Nigerian airlines. 

He said currently, the treaty does not favour Nigeria because other countries use high charges to discourage Nigerian airlines from operating to their cities.

According to him,  when their own airlines come to Nigeria, they pay relatively less charges than what they level against Nigerian carriers.

Dana Air organises takes journalists, others to Akwa Ibom

As part of efforts towards developing tourism in Akwa Ibom State, Dana Air has announced that it will fly Travel agents, Tour operators and Media to the state on a 2-day familiarisation trip in partnership with Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort on Feb.  23.

 

The Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa who disclosed this to the media said, ‘we are supporting this fam trip as result of our firm commitment towards developing tourism in Nigeria and contributing positively to the economy of any state we fly.’’

 

Ezenwa said, ‘you cannot talk about tourism without aviation and vice versa, and it’s not just about flying to a state but helping to build the potentials of the state.’’

 

Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of Nigeria Travel Week, Mr Efetobo Awhana, said that the major objective of Nigeria Travel Week was to promote domestic and inbound tourism in Nigeria.

 

‘We are convinced that we have a huge market that can buy into domestic tourism with sustained and strategic promotion and we believe this fam trip will help travel professionals, and media to learn more about the destinations and make it easier for them to sell to their customers.’

 

 ‘We are grateful to Dana Air for always being committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility and Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort for supporting.’’

 

 Dana Air, the official carrier of Akwa United Fc of Akwa Ibom state, is one of Nigeria's leading airlines with over 27 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt , Uyo and Owerri. 

 

The airline is reputed for its innovative online products , world- class inflight service and unrivaled on time performance

Dana Air, Asky sign interline agreement for strategic partnership

Nigerian carrier, Dana Air has signed an interline agreement with top West African airline, Asky,  on strategic partnership to add some new generation aircraft to its fleet.

A statement issued by the  Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa,  on Sunday said the agreement was signed by both airlines on Saturday in Lagos. 

The Group Managing Director of Dana Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani , said the airline's strategic route and fleet expansion programme had received a major boost with the signing of the agreement. 

He said :"We have taken a bold step towards achieving our strategic route and fleet expansion program. With this partnership, we shall be adding some brand new aircraft to our fleet soon.

‘We have also had advanced talks with some other notable aircraft manufacturers and very soon, some of aircraft outside the country on maintenance will also be arriving.

" This is part of our desire to provide options for our guests who have also been requesting us to consider some under-served cities in Nigeria. 

"We want to assure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable, affordable and world-class air transport services in Nigeria."

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer  of Asky , Mr Ahadu Simachew , said Dana Air had survived the sundry issues in the aviation industry for ten years and was still waxing stronger.

"The airline appears to us as the most experienced and well-managed airline in Nigeria,  with a very strong, passionate  and creative management team. 

"We are happy to have reached an agreement and we believe this is good for Nigeria and Africa," he said.

Valentine : Dana Air unveils special promo…Celebrates less privilege

In the spirit of the valentine season, Dana Air, has unveiled a special valentine promo for its esteemed guests.

From Feb. 9 to 28, guests travelling with their spouse or partner will only need to book a return ticket to get another free.

The airline also partnered Divine Eagle Ministry, a non-governmental organization to put smiles in the faces of children from four orphanages – Ijamido orphanage, St Monica orphanage, Light for the lost orphanage and Favid orphanage with a facility tour at the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2, before treating the kids to good food and gifts.

 

The Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa while chatting with the children at the event said, ‘Dana Air is committed to giving back to the society and in spending time with our families and loved ones this valentine, we felt the need to also remember and show love to the less privileged in our society.’’  

 

Speaking further on the Valentine promo kingsley said, “Dana Air is enthusiastic about any initiative that unites the family or encourages love in the family and society. And the Valentine season provides the opportunity to further renew the bond of love in the family and between couples.’’

 

‘With our special valentine promo, we want to encourage our guests to fly with their loved ones to any of our existing destinations, and for them to avail the free ticket, they are expected to book a return ticket at any of our outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo or Owerri and send an email to reservations@flydanaair.com , with the details of the return ticket.’’ He encouraged the airlines' guests to also take part in the online giveaways to win exciting prizes.

 

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 in most parts of the world. It is a day when friends and lovers express their love for each other by exchanging cards, flowers, candies and confectionary.

 

Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines operating daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri. The airline is reputed for its efficient customer services, world-class in-flight services, on-time departures and arrivals, and innovative e-airline products  

Arik Air introduces ‘Super Saver’ fare on all domestic routes

Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest carrier has introduced a “super saver” fare which gives customers the benefit of making massive savings when they book early online to travel to any of the airline’s domestic routes.

To travel to any destination within Nigeria, Arik Air customers can buy a one-way ticket from N16,000 provided such booking is made at least seven days before departure at www.arikair.com

The super saver fare is aimed at enabling more Nigerians experience air travel and reduce the stress of traveling by road especially at night. 

It will also enrich family and friends visitation, while giving opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of the massive savings to enhance their businesses in the New Year. 

Commenting on the new fare, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu said: “We are constantly evolving ways of adding value to our services to be more customer friendly and responsive to the yearnings of the traveling public. 

"Air travel should not be an exclusive preserve and that is the reason for this low fare of N16, 000 aimed at making air travel more affordable.”

“Our promise this year is that there will be something great and of interest for every customer of the airline.”

The super saver dubbed “It’s your time to fly” is Arik Air’s way of enabling those who have never traveled by air to have a first time experience. 

Customers wishing to take advantage of the advance purchase fare are advised to visit www.arikair.com  to make their bookings as the fare is only available online and at least seven days before departure.

Air Peace takes delivery of 2nd Embraer 145 jet to boost connectivity in Nigeria

Nigerian carrier,  Air Peace, has taken delivery of its second Embraer 145 jet in nine days to boost connectivity within Nigeria. 

A statement issued on Sunday by the airline's Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah , said the aircraft , which arrived from the United States,  touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 7.10 pm on Friday.

Iwarah said the arrival of the new aircraft marked 5N-BVD and named Chinonye Ezeani (Nee Onyema), was another proof that the airline was serious about its pledge to transform air travel in Nigeria, the West Coast of Africa and beyond.     

According to him, the  airline received the first of six 50-seater new generation Embraer 145 jets it recently acquired on Jan. 31 and immediately set up a subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper to manage its plan to connect routes airlines in the country shy away from.

He said :" The arrival of Chinonye Ezeani (Nee Onyema ) has proved beyond doubt that we are indeed serious about our pledge to end the travel nightmares of the unserved and underserved cities of Nigeria. 

"It is our vision to democratise air travel in Nigeria. We are driven by the passion and belief that no one or city should be left behind.                                                      

"As soon as we secure the approval of the regulatory authorities, we will start flight operations with our Embraer 145 jets. "

Iwarah said Air Peace would operate into the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt and connect routes such as Enugu-Kano-Enugu, Benin-Port-Harcourt-Benin, Port-Harcourt-Kano-Port-Harcourt, Lagos-Warri-Port-Harcourt-Warri-Lagos and Lagos-Warri-Abuja-Warri.

He said the airline would also operate Lagos-Kaduna-Lagos, Lagos-Sokoto-Lagos, Abuja-Sokoto-Abuja, Abuja-Bauchi-Abuja, Lagos- Markurdi-Lagos, Lagos-Jos-Lagos, among others.      

                                                                          "It is a whole new experience we are bringing to air travel in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa. 

"We are pursuing our expansion project with a lot of grit. Our pledge to fix air travel in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa is not an empty talk.

"In three years, we have increased our fleet to a size of 24 aircraft. We are quite serious about our business model. It is both sustainable and economically impactful.                                                                                                                                  “We will continue to work flat out to deliver the best flight experience to our loyal guests and prioritise their safety and comfort, " Iwarah said. 

He said  the carrier was finalising arrangements for the launch of its flights to Kano and Yola on Feb. 12 and 15 respectively as well as Freetown, Banjul and Dakar on Feb. 19.         

Iwarah said  the  airline would soon start flights to Dubai, Sharjar, London, Houston, Guangzhou, Mumbai and Johannesburg.