TheCable

Green Africa Airways, a Nigerian start-up carrier, on Monday, received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The airline further announced that it would start its first official commercial flight on Thursday, August 12.

With this certificate, Green Africa would be able to commence operations in accordance with its initial route network unveiled earlier in June.

The network focuses on its Lagos base and comprises six domestic destinations, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Akure, Ilorin, Enugu and Owerri.

In June, Green Africa had suspended ticket bookings due to the delay in the issuance of its AOC by the NCAA for its inaugural flights.

Sam Adurogboye, NCAA spokesperson, told TheCable that the issuance of AOC means that the airline can fully begin operations.

“We gave Green Africa its AOC today,” he said.

“This means they are free to start operations whenever they want. We have done our part.”

Checks by TheCable on Monday showed that the airline has two scheduled flights for Thursday — 14:40 and 21:20.

Speaking on the milestone, Babawande Afolabi, founder and chief executive officer of Green Africa, said: “This is a watershed moment in our journey to use the power of air travel to create a better future. Thanks to the NCAA, the Gteam, our investors, and other stakeholders, Green Africa is now set to start serving customers.”

Also commenting on the issuance of the AOC to Green Africa, Musa Nuhu, director-general of NCAA said: “We at the NCAA are impressed with Green Africa’s effort and commitment to safely connect many more people across the country and we look forward to the positive contribution that the new airline will bring to the Nigerian aviation industry.”

A review of the airline’s charges by TheCable shows that flight fees for Lagos and Abuja and vice-versa for the year is between N16,500 and N23,000.