…As Dana Dares Aero, Arik, Medview Airlines
…To Use In-Flight Service, Low Fare, On-Time Departure As Weapons
A stiff and fair competition among four Nigerian airlines is imminent following the commencement of flight operations by Dana Air at the weekend from the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA, Lagos to the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, the Ghanian capital
Aviation experts have described the Lagos –Accra as not only one of the routes that will be keenly contested by Nigerian carriers but where the airline that provides the best passengers friendly service would take a large portion of the market share.
The commencement of the commercial air war brings to four the number of Nigeria flag carriers that operate flight to Accra from Lagos.
Apart from the fact that the airline’s entry into the Accra aviation market would give passengers choice of airline, it would further bring about the stiff and fair competition which passengers from Lagos to Accra and Accra to Lagos have been looking forward to see.
From the look of things, Dana is set to use its arsenals which include low fare, comfort, friendly –in-flight service and on time departure to attract passengers to fly Dan Air.
Recalled that before now Aero, Arik and Medview had commenced flights on the regional route.
To further ensure that it secures part of the market share, the airline has pegged its introductory online fare at N22, 000 for one-way,a situation that would further endear passengers to the airline.
The airline which operated flight 9J-993 under the command of Capt. Segun Omole landed at Kotoka International Airport at about 6.50 pm.
Speaking shortly on arrival at Kotoka Airport, Dana Air Representative in Accra, Sukhjinder Mann, stated that he was very confident that with the performance, brand, products and services of the airline, it would compete favourably with other carriers operating the route.
According to him, “We are the fourth airline operating into Accra from Nigeria, the quality services that we offer stand us out, we have on-time performance, good pricing, we have come back with renewed package to serve, with good quality in-flight refreshment and excellent cabin crew members, we will surpass our competitors”, he said.
On his part, the airline’s Accountable Manager, Obi Mbanuzo, declared that it was the plan of the airline to make the fare low and that the airline would vigorously pursue its connectivity plans within the West-sun region.
He urged the airline loyal passengers to expect the best from the airline in terms of service delivery, adding that efforts have reached an advance stage to bring in new aircraft to boost the airline’s fleet.
In his words,” We will bring in different aircraft and our analysts are in the process of finalizing the exact fleet. We are also looking at other West-Coast operations and we are going to ensure that we build a network. Passengers are yet to experience Dana; they should expect to see the best airline in terms of performance and on-time delivery.”
Speaking on the possibility of the airline relocating its international operations from Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, he stated that the airline would study the situation and operate from passengers’ airport of choice.
It would also be recalled that there were insinuations that the airline’s operation to Accra will originate from MMA2 but this did not materialise, as investigation showed that the terminal has not been granted approval to that effect.
Accra, he pointed out is a preferred destination for Nigerian businessmen and women, adding the commencement of operations on the route by the airline would not only further boost investments in the city but that it would also improve the bilateral relationship between Nigerian and Ghana.
