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Tag: Emirates

  • Ministry partners Emirates on tourism

    Ministry partners Emirates on tourism

    Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. It is to boost the nation’s tourism sector.

    The collaboration targeted at boosting inbound tourism to Nigeria will enable Emirates to leverage its extensive global network of over 140 destinations to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse natural attractions, and vibrant cities to international audiences.

    The agreement signed on Wednesday, underscores the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the President’s Destination 2030 Soft Power Initiative, a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a global hub for culture, heritage, creativity, and leisure travel.

    At the ceremony, the Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s tourism landscape, highlighting the partnership’s potential to drive economic growth, create new opportunities for local communities, and reposition Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa.

    “This partnership with Emirates is a pivotal step towards achieving our tourism development objectives. It provides a powerful platform to tell Nigeria’s story to the world — a nation of extraordinary culture, natural wonders, and unrivalled hospitality. By strengthening strategic international alliances, we are creating new opportunities for our local communities, driving economic growth, and repositioning Nigeria as the tourism heartbeat of Africa.”

    Read Also: Blue economy key to Nigeria’s economic growth through marine tourism – Minister

    Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, Adnan Kazim, emphasised the airline’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s unique attractions and warm hospitality to international travelers.

    “Since resuming operations to Lagos in October 2024, we have focused on deepening our strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors. This partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Ministry solidifies our commitment to driving international travellers to experience the country’s fascinating history, its urban cities, the untapped, stunning natural world and, of course, the warm hospitality that characterizes Nigerian culture.”

    The MoU outlines collaborative initiatives to attract visitors from key source markets, organize familiarization trips, offer incentives to trade partners and tour operators, and develop joint marketing programmes. The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) which is the Ministry’s tourism promotion agency, will spearhead these efforts as part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the tourism sector and diversify the economy.

    The MoU was formally signed by Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, and Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Sub-National Development and Tourism.

    In attendance was the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Dubai, UAE, His Excellency Zayyanu Ibrahim, Faiz Imam, Chief Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Programme Director for Destination 2030 Nigeria Everywhere Initiative, Boye Balogun, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management Nabil Sultan, the airline’s Country Director for Nigeria, Paulos Lagesse, and other senior officials and stakeholders.

    The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy remains committed to fostering international collaborations, investing in tourism infrastructure, and elevating Nigeria’s global profile as a preferred destination for culture, creativity, and leisure.

  • Emirates, Air Peace sign pact to link 13 Nigerian cities

    Emirates, Air Peace sign pact to link 13 Nigerian cities

    As part of a comprehensive Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirates Airlines and Air Peace have signed an interline pact.

    According to experts, the  move  would   enhance  connectivity for passengers travelling between Nigeria and UAE.

    The experts described the partnership as one of the major steps to drive collaboration between foreign carriers and indigenous operators.

    Emirates Airlines said in  a statement yesterday that    the  partnership would expand  its  footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria with frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.

    It explained  that travellers booked on flights from Dubai to Lagos can access more of Nigeria, with onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin  , Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri.

    The interline agreement will also benefit corporate travellers by  connecting them  to additional cities  like  , Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri.  .

    Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer said:   This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for corporate leisure, and travellers visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.’’

     Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide,  said: ,”We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travellers.

    ‘’ It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach. 

    “This partnership also reinforces Nigeria’s aviation sector by enhancing connectivity, efficiency and positioning our country as a critical hub for regional and global travel.’’

    Once the implementation begins, it would be easy for a traveller to book an Emirates’ international  flight from any of the 13 cities and be picked from the city by Air Peace to link up with Emirates Airline for the flight out of the country. 

    Nigeria and UAE are also set to commence a mutual air travel ties with the  signing of  an amended BASA between them.  

    Read Also: Viral video suggesting passengers’ rush into aircraft fake – Air Peace

     Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo  penned his name on behalf of Nigeria  and UAE’s Minister of Economy  Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri for his country.

    The ceremony took place  at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in  Abu Dhabi.

     Key areas agreed by both countries  include expansion of codeshare agreements, capacity building and technical support, especially   safety, airport facilitation and security.

    Keyamo, in  a statement yesterday  by  his Media Aide, Tunde Moshood, emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE  with a focus  on  interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.

    The minister also advocated a review of UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians. He  stressed that easing the current conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes and benefit both nations.

     Keyamo  reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the UAE to implement the agreement and ensure both countries  maximised  the economic and operational benefits of a strengthened partnership.

  • Emirates, Nigerian carriers close to codeshare deal

    Emirates, Nigerian carriers close to codeshare deal

    Emirate Airlines is wrapping up discussions with some Nigerian carriers for a codeshare agreement, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said yesterday.

    In aviation parlance, a codeshare flight is an agreement between airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights. It allows airlines flying to more destinations with the cooperating airlines typically sharing the revenue on that ticket.

    The new deal, Keyamo said, is part of the agreement reached with foreign carriers flying into Nigeria.

    Speaking in an interview after Emirates Airlines operated their second daily flight into Lagos after a two-year hiatus, Keyamo said local carriers can now fly into any airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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    The minister said the return of the Middle East carrier will step up competition  among carriers, saying the arrangement will give Nigerian air travellers more flexibility on their choice of airlines.

    He said recent engagement with the UAE authorities will be a win-win for Nigeria as any indigenous carrier designated on the route could fly into any airport in the country.

    Besides the re-commencement of flights by Emirates, Keyamo said the Federal Government has engaged international aircraft lessors and creditors on the compliance readiness of Nigeria and her operators for business.

    He said the country has secured a new bilateral air services agreement with the UAE.

    “Our agreement with Emirates Airlines is that Nigerian carriers can fly into any airport in their country to ensure healthy competition. With the new arrangement now, passengers now have more options of airlines to choose from.

    “We also secured an arrangement for codeshare agreement. If Emirates Airlines wants to enter into such an agreement, Nigerian carriers will have the right of first refusal .As I speak with you, I went to discuss with our local airlines and I can assure you many of them are already in discussion with Emirates Airlines. That is part of the benefits of the new deal. Nigerian carriers are free to fly into any airport in the UAE,” he said.

     Keyamo said the profile of the Nigerian aviation sector is rising, as the country and her operators comply with many international conventions.

    Emirates Airline official delegation onboard  the return flight was led by Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia; David Broz, Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs and Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support.

    Commenting on the return of services, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, Adnan Kazim, said: “This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are excited to resume operations to Lagos, helping reconnect travellers seamlessly to and through Dubai, coupled with a consistent, world-class experience onboard.

     “We would like to thank the Nigerian authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, as well as the UAE authorities including His Excellency Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Abuja, Nigeria and His Excellency Dr Abdulla Almandoos, Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in Lagos, for their support.

    “We are committed to making this route a success and look forward to contributing to the Nigerian aviation industry’s growth and offering travellers and businesses more choice and connectivity to key destinations across our network.”

  • NAHCO welcomes Emirates back to Nigeria

    NAHCO welcomes Emirates back to Nigeria

    • Airline to resume flight Oct.1

    The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has secured the bid to provide passenger and cargo ground handling services for Emirates Airlines at Lagos International Airport as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier ramp up efforts to resume flights into the country.

    Emirates Airlines halted flights into Nigeria in October 2022 because it could repatriate funds accruing from ticket sales held in the country.

    The carrier will resume flight on October 1, 2024 after a two-year hiatus.

    A statement signed by its Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Tayo Ajakaye, said the renewed contract underscores the company’s unrelenting commitment to delivering exceptional ground handling services and highlights its role as a critical partner in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

    The agreement with Emirates Airlines, Ajakaye said, reinforces NAHCO’s position as the trusted service provider to some of the world’s leading airlines.

    Read Also: Yusuf signs law establishing three second class emirates in Kano

    “We are honoured to welcome Emirates Airlines back to Nigeria and to continue our longstanding relationship with this important Airline. Securing this renewal is a testament to NAHCO’s consistent quality of service and the trust our partners place in us.

    We look forward to further strengthening valued partnerships and continuing to set the standard for ground handling in Nigeria,” Chairman of NAHCO Plc, Dr. Seinde Fadeni, said.

    Group Executive Director – Commercial & Business Development at NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi,   said: “Our successful renewal of this contract with Emirates Airlines is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire NAHCO team. We are proud to be the preferred ground handlers once again for Emirates as they resume their flights to Nigeria. Our focus remains on delivering world-class services that meet and exceed the expectations of our airline partners,”

    Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO PLC, Mr. Indranil Gupta, noted that it was a privilege to have been chosen once more by Emirates Airlines for their ground handling needs at Lagos Airport, and to extend the company’s successful partnership with one of the world’s leading Airlines.

    He expressed optimism about the company’s future and reaffirmed NAHCO’s commitment to supporting the growth of the company’s airline partners in Nigeria.

  • Emirates to resume flight operations to Nigeria soon

    Emirates to resume flight operations to Nigeria soon

    Emirates Airlines has told the Federal Government that it will soon resume flight operations in Nigeria.

    The assurance came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, met with officials of the airline to discuss the resumption of flights.

    The airline also confirmed that the Emirate’s Government had approved Nigeria’s carrier, Air Peace, to fly directly into and out of Dubai.

    A statement in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, said the resolution was reached when Keyamo attended this year’s Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The airshow started on November 13 and ended on November 17 with participants from around the world, including leading aviation and aerospace industry specialists.

    Keyamo visited the pavilions of leading aviation and aerospace industries in the world to inspect modern technologies that could be useful in driving his Five-Point Agenda for the aviation industry in Nigeria, particularly for the improvement of infrastructure and promotion of innovation and creativity in cutting-edge technologies to boost civil aviation.

    Read Also: Emirates On Fire Can Arteta stop Pep  this time around?

    The minister also had useful discussions with the representatives of the companies that shared their insights and showcased the latest technologies their companies could offer.

    During the airshow, Keyamo also met with the management of Airline Executive, led by its CEO, Dana Hatcic, a company that indicated interest in establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.

    Following the fruitful deliberations they had, Keyamo invited them to Nigeria for follow-up on their business plans.

    The minister expressed the possibility of a maiden edition of the Nigeria Airshow in November 2024, thereby becoming the first African country to organise such an event.

  • Ten-man Fulham draw Arsenal 2-2 at Emirates Stadium

    Ten-man Fulham draw Arsenal 2-2 at Emirates Stadium

    Joao Palhinha secured a point for 10-man Fulham in an entertaining Premier League draw away to Arsenal.

    Palhinha’s first-time finish from a corner earned the away side a share of the spoils.

    The Cottagers had Calvin Bassey sent off in the 83rd minute after fouling Eddie Nketiah on the counter attack.

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    Andreas Pereira got Fulham off to a flying start, scoring after just 57 seconds.

    Bukayo Saka equalised from the spot for the Gunners after Fabio Vieira was caught by Kenny Tete in the box.

    Nketiah scored Arsenal’s second as they came from behind to take the lead, before Fulham had the final word.

  • Emirates: operating environment tough

    Global largest long haul carrier, Emirates Airline,  at the weekend, said operating in the country over the last 15 years has come with a huge challenge because of infrastructure deficit.

    Its Regional Manager, West Africa Commercial Operations, Afzal Parambil, who spoke with reporters during an interactive session to mark the 15-year operation of the carrier in Lagos, said it has done well nonetheless. He said it is not easy for businesses to be successful in the country because there are lots of challenges in the operating environment.

    The Dubai based airline said the country’s aviation industry is not yet a mature market, stressing that there are a lot of growth opportunities for carriers to explore.

    Parambil said: “Emirates has enjoyed a strong relationship with Nigeria, and remains deeply committed to the market. Over the past 15 years, we have not only seen our operations grow, but our product develop to cater to the taste and requirements of our Nigerian customers. We constantly strive to provide our passengers with an unforgettable travel experience, and our growth is a testament to the fact that we are on the right track.”

    He said the airline started operations in the country with flights to Lagos in 2004, a key gateway to West Africa, with four flights per week from Dubai to Lagos linked with Accra in Ghana, operated by the A330-200 aircraft.  The following year, he said it increased its services from four to six flights a week, and following further demand, it became a daily operation in October 2005.

  • Emirates adjusts schedules

    Emirates has announced adjustments to its operational schedules in 2019 to minimise the impact of the closure of Dubai International Airport’s Southern Runway in April and May 2019 as well as response  to global travel demand trends. The airline also outlined its fleet plans for the year.

    This is just as the airline said it will introduce three additional flights  on Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Abuja effective from June 1,  2019, thereby  increasing the frequency to the nation’s capital city to seven.

    Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark, said: “At Emirates, we pride ourselves on being a customer-focused airline with a commercially-driven business model. We invest in a modern and efficient aircraft fleet so we can offer industry-leading comforts to our customers, and we are agile in deploying our aircraft to destinations where it best serves customer demand.

    “The changes we are implementing to our network schedules in 2019 are in line with this approach, taking into consideration global market dynamics and operational limitations, including the maintenance work on Dubai Airport’s Southern Runway. Through the year, we will continue to keep a close watch on global markets and will maintain our flexibility to optimise the usage of our aircraft assets.”

    A significant number of scheduled Emirates flights will be impacted by the closure of Dubai International Airport’s Southern Runway for maintenance work between April 16 and May 30.

    Given the limitations around operating flights, using a single runway at its hub, many Emirates flights will be cancelled, re-timed or have the operating aircraft changed in order to reduce impact on customers. This will result in up to 48 Emirates aircraft not being utilised, with a 25 per cent reduction in the overall number of flights operated by the airline during the 45-day period.

    Emirates will deploy additional flights in several markets in Africa, starting in June 2019. The additional services will satisfy the increased demand that the airline has witnessed in these markets, and will offer customers even more seamless connections between these destinations and Emirates’ global network through Dubai. Cities in Africa that will be served by additional Emirates flights include: Casablanca, Morocco: Emirates will operate a second daily flight starting 01 June 2019 to Casablanca.

    Emirates will also augment its current flight frequency to the Ghanaian capital with four additional Boeing 777-300ER flights a week, bringing Emirates’ total service to 11 weekly flights to Accra effective from June 2, 2019.

    Conakry, Guinea and Dakar,  capitals of Guinea and Senegal, will be serviced by one additional linked flight every week, starting from June 1, 2019 on Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

    Multiple destinations across Europe will also be served by additional Emirates flights during peak travel season leading up to and lasting through the summer of 2019. These destinations include:

    Emirates will also deploy a second daily flight in Athens between March 31 and October 26, 2019. The service will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft between March 31 and April 15, 2019 and between October 1 and October 26, 2019. During the busy summer months from 31 May to 31 September, Emirates will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft to meet additional demand. Emirates will not operate the second daily flight during the period of closure of Dubai Airport’s Southern Runway (April  16–May 30, 2019).

    The Italian capital will be served by three daily Emirates flights between March  31 and October 26. The third additional flight, operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, will be suspended during the Dubai Airport Southern Runway closure.

    Emirates will provide additional capacity to Sweden during July and August 2019 with a double daily service on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This will allow additional passengers to travel to and from the Swedish capital during the peak summer season.

  • Emirates Group declares $14.8b profit

    The Emirates Group has declared its half-year results for 2018-19, posting a profit of $14.8 billion in the first six months. This represents 10 per cent higher the figures of same period last year.

    The Group saw steady revenue growth compared to the same period last year. However, profits were impacted by the significant rise in oil prices, and unfavourable currency movements in certain markets, amid other challenges for the airline and travel industry.

    The Emirates Group revenue was $14.8 billion for the first six months of its 2018-19 financial year, up by 10 per cent  from $ 13.5 billion  during the same period last year.

    Profitability was down by 53 per cent  compared to the same period last year, with the Group reporting a 2018-19 half-year net profit of $296 million.

    The profit erosion was primarily due to the significant increase in fuel prices of 37 per cent  compared to the same period last year, as well as the negative impact of currencies in certain markets.

    The Group’s cash position on  September 30, 2018 was $ 5.9 billion compared to $ 6.9 billion as at March 31, 2018.

    Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman/Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates and dnata grew steadily in the first half of 2018-19. Demand for our high quality products and services remained healthy, as we won new and return customers across our businesses and this is reflected in our revenue performance. However, the high fuel cost as well as currency devaluations in markets like India, Brazil, Angola and Iran, wiped  from our profits.’

    “We are proactively managing the myriad challenges faced by the airline and travel industry, including the relentless downward pressure on yields, and uncertain economic and political realities in our region and in other parts of the world.”

  • Emirates braces for Bahrain Airshow

    Emirates is set for its largest participation yet at the 2018 edition of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIA) taking place from November 14 to 16.

    This is the first time the airline will showcase its 100th A380, which is emblazoned with the HH Sheikh Zayed decal as a tribute to the late founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

    The aircraft on display will allow both trade visitors and the general public to explore all the features on this latest generation double-decker, including Emirates’ refreshed OnBoard Lounge.

    The Emirates Flight Training Academy, which was inaugurated one year ago at the Dubai Airshow, will also participate at this year’s Bahrain Airshow with an Embraer Phenom 100EV jet on display, one of the Academy’s twin-engine training aircraft.

    The Emirates Flight Training Academy is a facility that was developed by Emirates to meet the global aviation industry’s requirement for skilled commercial pilots. The Academy provides advanced learning technologies and training aircraft that provide opportunities for training cadets to develop and sharpen their flying knowledge and skills.