TheCable

For the first time since it launched flight operations in 2006, an Arik Air plane on Monday flew from Lagos to Abidjan, capital of Cote d’Ivoire, with 16 passengers aboard.

The flight from Lagos to Abidjan touched the tarmac at exactly 4 pm and left for Lagos on return at 5.10 pm.

Ifeoma Akabogu-Chinwuba, Nigeria’s ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, commended the development, saying it would strengthen business interactions among businessmen and companies in both countries.

“Air Cote d’Ivoire already goes to Nigeria, now we have Arik. Asky Airlines also goes to Nigeria; the implication is that we now have choices. It is a good omen,” Akabogu-Vhinwuba told NAN.

Tola Gbadamosi, Arik’s vice-president for West and Central Africa, noted that the development was part of the company’s resolve to expand its operations.

“We are the largest airline in Africa; we are present in many countries. This development is just part of our resolve to continuously extend our services,” he said.

Gbadamosi pledged that Arik would continue to ensure optimal services to its passengers, saying: “Our policy of ensuring the best of services will be brought to bear in our operations here.”

Some Nigerians residing in Cote d’Ivoire expressed delight on the issue.

Ejike Williams, vice-chairman of the Nigerian community in the country, said the development would facilitate movement of people and goods.

“We used to have only Asky airlines, now we have Air Cote d’Ivoire and Arik all going to Nigeria. It will reduce over dependence on road transport, movement will be easier too,” he said.

“The Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire is large, so the presence of Arik is indeed a cheering news to us. It will facilitate movement.”

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire recently reviewed the Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) that existed between the two countries since 1964.

The review increased the number of flight frequencies from cities in the two countries, such as Abuja, Lagos, Yamoussoukro and Abidjan.