29 November 09

NIGERIAN EAGLE AIRLINES SIGNS CODESHARE WITH ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Lagos, Nigeria: 29 November 2009: Nigerian Eagle Airlines (former Air Nigeria) and Ethiopian Airlines has signed a network wide codeshare and interline agreement.

The commercial agreement which was signed during the just concluded 41st Annual General Assembly of the Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Maputo, Mozambique was supervised by Jose Ricardo Viegas, Chief Executive of Mozambique Airlines and President of AFRAA. A codeshare is a commercial air pact between two airlines to offer passengers services on either airline.

Viegas noted that the codeshare was significant to the African continent, as it showcases two great nations cementing air pact which AFRAA had sought to foster among its members over the years.

Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Eagle Airlines, Capt. Dapo Olumide said the commercial agreement in Maputo was a progressive action which demonstrates that African airlines can progressively work together.

“This codeshare here in Maputo is an indication of the new spirit and commitment of the leadership of AFRAA to foster a progressive action such as this” he said.

He explained further that “It is significant that the relationship progressed from an earlier technical agreement to commercial agreement is a testimony that African airlines can work together on a number of areas in a win-win format”.

“We will continue to engage each other in a positive and forward looking discussion with airlines to draw our synergy together and offer our passengers better and greater benefit to a wide range of destinations and products, Olumide said.

Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Ato Girma Wake said the commercial agreement was an indication that Africa had come of age in a circumstance where two airlines in the continent could be driven by the desire to connect travelers with better connection schedule.

Wake said it was gratifying that African airlines were heeding the wake up call for greater cooperation, adding that it was progressive for both airlines to move from technical services to commercial agreements.  

This is coming just as Captain Olumide was elected as the second Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Pan African body.

David Tokoph, CEO of Interair of South Africa was elected as Chairman of the Executive Committee for two years. Mr Abderahman Berthe, CEO of Air Mali was elected 1st Vice Chairman. The election was in line with Resolution 41/1 of the Annual General Assembly.