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In the quest to offer more route options, schedule options and easy connectivity for the flying public, Dana Air and Ibom Air have announced the first-ever domestic airline codeshare agreement. The partnership, which will be referred to as the Dana-Ibom Air Alliance, was signed at the Corporate Headquarters of Ibom Air, at the Victor Attah International Airport Uyo, on Friday the 21st of May, 2021.
This partnership, which is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry, affords Dana Air and Ibom Air a business arrangement whereby both airlines jointly offer flights to common destinations while operating services to destinations that are not within each airline’s regular routes. By doing so, both airlines expand their market presence and competitive footprint in the interest of the flying public.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Accountable Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo said, “This 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, Uyo 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.”
Also speaking at the event, the COO of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, said “the alliance will 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 business 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.”
Ibom Air operates multiple daily flights between Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Enugu and will be launching the Port Harcourt destination from 07 June, 2021. Having commenced operations in June 2019 using CRJ900 aircraft, an additional two brand new Airbus A220 aircraft will be joining the fleet this month, bringing the number of aircraft in the fleet to 7 and making it one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing airlines. Ibom Air has delivered a consistent average of 95% schedule reliability and on-time performance since its inception.
Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with a mixed fleet of 9 aircraft and daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Owerri. The airline is reputed for its world-class in-flight service, innovative online product and services and top-notch on-time performance.
The Codeshare alliance will commence full service in June 2021.
