April 11, (THEWILL) – The immediate past President of Aviation Round Table (ART), Dr. Gabriel Olowo, has called on Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, to collaborate or interline with other foreign airlines to take passengers beyond London.
Interlining, also known as interline ticketing and interline booking, is a voluntary commercial agreement between individual airlines to handle passengers travelling on itineraries that require multiple flights on multiple airlines. Such agreements allow passengers to change from one flight on one airline to another flight on another airline without having to gather their bags or check in again.
With over 60% or more of the traffic from Nigeria going beyond London, Olowo said it would be better for Air Peace to interline with other foreign airlines.
Dr. Olowo, in a chat with journalists on Wednesday, said such collaboration would be a good move by Air Peace, just as he saluted Air Peace in blazing the trail to London.
He, however, reminded the airline of the understanding of massive aeropolitics, calling on the airline to understand that it is key in the international airline business and be prepared to handle it maturely while seeking for government’s support.
He disclosed that the defunct Bellview, Medview Airlines and Arik Air had their baptism of fire before they all went bust, stressing that Air Peace must be determined to make a difference.
He said to sustain the struggle, Nigeria should immediately add one or two other flag carriers on the route, hinting that would settle the argument for a national carrier.
Having three flag carriers on the lucrative London route, the expert noted, w remove monopoly status on none of the carriers and ensure the players understand the operational politics while enjoying the strong support of various government agencies.
“The Nigeria Airlines, including Air Peace, must collaborate or interline with other foreign airlines as passengers going beyond London make more than 60% or more of the traffic from Nigeria.
“When you’re not a monopoly, the game changes and you endeavour to satisfy the customer non-stop. Foreign airlines are also put in maximum check as their excesses could have untold economic disadvantages.
“BellView Airlines, Arik Air, and MedView had their baptism before they all went bust. Air Peace must be determined to make a difference. They must be reminded that understanding aeropolitics is key and be prepared to handle it more maturely while enjoying the government’s support,” he said.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
