Aviation
Emirates Holidays partners TBI in first Nigerian retail outlet
ABUJA – Emirates Holidays, the tour-operating arm of Emirates Airline, in partnership with Tour Brokers International (TBI) Ltd, has opened its first dedicated retail office and call centre in Lagos.
The opening of the dedicated Emirates Holidays retail office comes with the appointment of TBI, the operator of the retail office, also as Emirates Holidays’ preferred sales agent (PSA) for Nigeria.
The office features a call centre with staff trained to handle calls from consumers and the travel trade through an exclusive telephone number. The call centre facility will enhance and simplify the booking experience for both trade and consumers.
Speaking at the opening of the office, Fabio Prestijacopo, vice president, Business Support-Destination and Leisure Management at Emirates, said the appointment would enable Emirates Holidays to capitalise on Nigeria’s strong economic growth and potential for the increasing demand for travel from Lagos to Dubai and to other leisure destinations. The partnership with TBI and the opening of a dedicated retail outlet are part of Emirates Holidays’ long-term strategy to bring the brand to a wider audience globally, especially in key markets such as Africa.
“This partnership between Emirates Holidays and Tour Brokers International enables us to bring a strong product that will appeal to Nigeria’s discerning travellers, who seek memorable experiences that offer premium value as well as options to tailor-make their holidays,” said Prestijacopo.
While in Nigeria, Emirates Holidays will initially focus on select destinations – Dubai, the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Turkey, although its global portfolio of packages as well as bespoke holidays in more than 100 destinations will be available for purchase in Nigeria.
Olufemi Adefope, chairman, Tour Brokers International Ltd, said: “TBI brings to the table, its professionalism, years of experience, passion for tourism and knowledge of the vast Nigerian market. Our expectation is that in a couple of months, travellers from Nigeria will embrace Emirates Holidays as their first choice while planning their vacation. At TBI, we are confident of our ability to meet the needs of our clients as we share their enthusiasm for the travel experience we offer. TBI’s goal is not only to meet the discerning travel needs of its clients but also to proactively anticipate them.”
– BUSINESS DAY
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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