TUE, JAN 23 2024-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, on Monday, launched flight operations to Abidjan, the capital of Cote d’Ivoire.
The airline’s inaugural flight P47770 on B737-500 aircraft piloted by Capt. Gerald Nmorka, touched down at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan and was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute.
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 officials in Abidjan and the Nigerian community.
Captain Kamano reiterated the commitment of the airline under the Chairmanship of Dr. Allen Onyema to bridge connectivity gap among West African countries and reduce the air travel burden for Africans.
He also hinted that the airline’s 10th regional route, which is Cotonou in Benin Republic, would be launched on January 27, 2024, adding that passengers can also fly from Abidjan to Dakar, Senegal.
He said, “Nigeria has 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”.
Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, Itam Akpama said the flight operation is timely considering the ongoing African Cup of Nations Competition going on Ivory Coast.
She said, “It is an honour to be here. This is a very timely flight considering the AFCON that is ongoing with influx of Nigerians and other travelers 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 specially support Air Peace. Côte d’Ivoire has been a hospitable country, we are all happy here. We will support our own,” he added.
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