By Adedapo Adesanya
Dana Air and Ibom Air have signed the first-ever domestic codeshare/interline agreement in the country as parts of plans to offer more route options, schedule options and easy connectivity for air passengers.
The deal indicates that the two airlines would work together to ensure that passengers are taken to their destination on time and there would be flexibility in the use of ticket of both airlines.
The signing took place recently at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, between the Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo and the Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi.
The airlines explained that the partnership was a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry, which would afford Dana Air and Ibom Air a business arrangement whereby both airlines jointly offer flights to common destinations while operating services to places that are not within each airline’s regular routes.
By so doing, both airlines expand their market presence and competitive footprint in the interest of the flying public.
The airlines also said the codeshare alliance would commence full service in June.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mbanuzo noted that the plan to sign the contract started a year ago, adding that it is a partnership for sustainable growth.
“The discussion started about a year ago and we are happy to be here today, formalising it. This is the first of its kind for domestic airlines in Nigeria and a huge step in the right direction for both Dana Air and Ibom Air.
“It is a partnership for sustainable growth and connectivity for the flying public as Ibom Air passengers can now fly Dana Air to Owerri and all other Dana Air destinations while our guests can now fly to Calabar and other Ibom Air destinations.
“Dana Air, like Ibom Air, is committed to the growth of the aviation industry and both airlines have shown great commitment to customer satisfaction, schedule reliability, operational efficiency, passion and innovation.
“We do hope that this partnership between Ibom Air and Dana Air will set a positive precedent for the greater good of the industry,” he said.
Also, speaking at the event, the COO of Ibom Air, Mr Uriesi, said the alliance would offer increased frequencies into common destinations as well as codeshare flights into destinations each airline does not operate into, providing more options for passengers and businesses retention for both airlines.
According to him, “With the initiation of this business alliance, both airlines have embraced a key global best practice. At Ibom Air, our business model and unwavering commitment remain schedule reliable, on-time departures and excellent service.
“Hence, we are constantly on the lookout for better and more effective ways to serve our customers.”
The code-share agreement helps the passengers by providing them clearer route options and allows them to book travel from one to three through point two under one carrier’s code.
This proves beneficial if the customer books from point one to two under one code and then from two to three under the other code.
Ibom Air operates multiple daily flights to Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Enugu and would be launching the Port-Harcourt destination from June 7, 2021.
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