Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace
Development, has received the Air France-KLM team, urging the airline to offer
low-priced ticket fares to Nigerians.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tunde Moshood,
Special Adviser to the minister on Media and Communications, on Monday in
Lagos.
According to Moshood, the team was led by the Country
Manager, Christine Quantin; Key Account Manager, Commercial Division, Antonia
Umunna; and Deputy Station Manager, Damilola Ogunseye.
He said that the delegation expressed gratitude for the
minister’s support and discussed several key initiatives aimed at elevating
aviation services in Nigeria.
Moshood noted that during the meeting, Air France-KLM
expressed appreciation for the improved facilities at Murtala Muhammed
International Airport, particularly acknowledging the enhanced experience at
Wing E.
He said the airline also extended gratitude for the
minister’s leadership in fostering a smoother relationship between their team
and various aviation regulatory agencies.
Moshood said the airline announced the launch of a new
Airbus A330/A350 aircraft, emphasizing its dedication to deploying modern and
improved aircraft services on routes within Nigeria.
This initiative, he said, aligned with its overarching goal
of providing Nigerian travellers with a superior journey experience.
He said Air France-KLM, thereafter, commended the minister
for his intervention and successful facilitation of funds repatriation,
showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges
within the aviation sector.
Keyamo, while welcoming the team, emphasised the importance
of equitable pricing for Nigerian travellers, urging the airline to consider
offering lower-priced ticket fares to ensure parity with fares in neighbouring
regions.
The minister, further, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to
fostering partnerships within the travel industry, specifically the
government’s open-door policy and willingness to collaborate with airlines to
enhance travel accessibility and affordability for Nigerians.
“The courtesy visit
by Air France-KLM exemplifies the mutual commitment to advancing the aviation
sector in Nigeria.
“It lays the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at
delivering unparalleled travel experiences to passengers across the nation,” he
said.