By Jude Michael
Nigerians have been advised to stick to Air Peace as their choice airline, even as the fare war between foreign airlines and Air Peace continues.
There has been a serious competition between Air Peace and some foreign airlines operating in Nigeria since the Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London route, which came with a decrease in price, compared to those of other established airlines.
Media adviser to Mr Peter Obi, Mr Valentine Obienyem, who spoke on the recent drastic reduction of their Lagos-London fare by other airlines as a way to get at Air Peace, said the reduction was temporary as those airlines would triple them once they frustrated Air Peace out of the route.
He said: ‘Nothing gladdens my heart like the resumption of the Nigeria-London direct flight by a Nigerian airline, Air Peace. I recall with pride my frequent trips to London with Arik Airlines.
‘There is a concerted effort against Air Peace, aiming to frustrate its Nigeria-London route. Some airlines have slashed prices unrealistically, possibly intending to force Air Peace out and then revert to their usual exorbitant fares, potentially doubling them to recoup losses.
‘My plea to Nigerians is to stay united. Even if other airlines offer free flights at this time, let us be mindful that it is a Greek gift concealing many hidden agenda. Therefore, I urge Nigerians to patronize Air Peace and overlook other flight options.’
Obienyem said he previously questioned why the federal government had not adopted Air Peace as a national carrier and offered it all necessary support.
‘The federal government should intervene and support Air Peace so that Nigeria becomes its hub, connecting other flights. In fact, we need Air Peace’s direct flights to important world destinations. If the UK flights are already fully booked, let the federal government secure more slots, possibly implementing three slots per day to London,’ he said.
He recalled frustration faced by Nigerians in the hands of foreign airlines.
‘About two years ago, when Bishop Ebele Okpaleke was created a Cardinal, I was saddened by the array of flights arranged for the journey to Rome. As usual, they exploited us because we did not have any Nigerian airline as an alternative.
‘My wife and I initially booked with Lufthansa, and because she did not have a Schengen Visa, we ended up using Ethiopian Airlines. I am still awaiting reimbursement from Lufthansa more than a year after the trip,’ he said.
