The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), has described XEJet’s commencement of scheduled operations as an indication of the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Keyamo made the remark during the inaugural Abuja to Lagos flight of the airline on scheduled operations, with its CRJ200 all Business Class, on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline took off after a short ceremony in Abuja and landed in Lagos where it held a brief ceremony before making the turn around back to Abuja.
The minister, represented by Mr Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Airworthiness, Ministry of Aviation, said XeJet’s entry into the market would bring a new level of service, comfort, and safety for Nigerians.
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“Today’s flight from Abuja to Lagos signifies more than just the beginning of a new airline; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of Nigerian aviation, as well as the new opportunities ahead.
“Every new route and aircraft launched strengthens our air network, enhances passenger convenience, and drives tourism and business across Nigeria,” Keyamo noted.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, XEJet, Mr Emmanuel Iza, said the airline had taken delivery of an Embraer E190 which was undergoing inspections, and hoped to commence operations with it on Nov. 7.
Expressing his confidence in XEJet’s service, commitment to safety and comfort, Iza said: “For us at XeJet, it is not about the seating size.
It is about the safety, the comfort, luxury and the kind of service that we provide.
“So be it, whether it is the big 22-inch seats on the CRJs that will provide prime premium or the Embraer 145 with about 16 -18 inch wide on the seats, for us, our service stands out,” he noted.
Speaking on the airline’s trajectory and expansion plans, Iza said: “For me, I believe in numbers; this is a project today, and we will let the numbers direct our next move.
“Believe me, these routes are not politically driven. As you can see, we have our shareholders here today. They are watching, they are looking at how their numbers will grow up.
“So, if I see numbers going to Maiduguri, I will follow. If I see numbers going to Benin, I will follow. So it is about numbers.”
Also, the Chief Operating Officer, XEJet, Mr Sukh Mann, commended the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for the seamless certification process.