Emirates, Nigerian carriers close to codeshare deal

Emirate Airlines is wrapping up discussions with some Nigerian carriers for a codeshare agreement, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said yesterday.

In aviation parlance, a codeshare flight is an agreement between airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights. It allows airlines flying to more destinations with the cooperating airlines typically sharing the revenue on that ticket.

The new deal, Keyamo said, is part of the agreement reached with foreign carriers flying into Nigeria.Speaking in an interview after Emirates Airlines operated their second daily flight into Lagos after a two-year hiatus, Keyamo said local carriers can now fly into any airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The minister said the return of the Middle East carrier will step up competition  among carriers, saying the arrangement will give Nigerian air travellers more flexibility on their choice of airlines.He said recent engagement with the UAE authorities will be a win-win for Nigeria as any indigenous carrier designated on the route could fly into any airport in the country.

Besides the re-commencement of flights by Emirates, Keyamo said the Federal Government has engaged international aircraft lessors and creditors on the compliance readiness of Nigeria and her operators for business.

He said the country has secured a new bilateral air services agreement with the UAE.“Our agreement with Emirates Airlines is that Nigerian carriers can fly into any airport in their country to ensure healthy competition. With the new arrangement now, passengers now have more options of airlines to choose from.

“We also secured an arrangement for codeshare agreement. If Emirates Airlines wants to enter into such an agreement, Nigerian carriers will have the right of first refusal .As I speak with you, I went to discuss with our local airlines and I can assure you many of them are already in discussion with Emirates Airlines. That is part of the benefits of the new deal. Nigerian carriers are free to fly into any airport in the UAE,” he said.

 Keyamo said the profile of the Nigerian aviation sector is rising, as the country and her operators comply with many international conventions.

Emirates Airline official delegation onboard  the return flight was led by Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia; David Broz, Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs and Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support.

Commenting on the return of services, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, Adnan Kazim, said: “This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are excited to resume operations to Lagos, helping reconnect travellers seamlessly to and through Dubai, coupled with a consistent, world-class experience onboard.

 “We would like to thank the Nigerian authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, as well as the UAE authorities including His Excellency Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Abuja, Nigeria and His Excellency Dr Abdulla Almandoos, Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in Lagos, for their support.

“We are committed to making this route a success and look forward to contributing to the Nigerian aviation industry’s growth and offering travellers and businesses more choice and connectivity to key destinations across our network.”

Emirates, Nigerian carriers close to codeshare deal - The Nation Newspaper (thenationonlineng.net)