Chinedu Eze
Global major carrier, Emirates Airlines has expanded its China destinations by adding Guangzhou to its routes.
The new Country Manager, who is also the Regional Manager for West Africa, Mr. Afzai Parambil made this known during media briefing in Lagos recently.
Parambil, who disclosed that he had travelled to 130 countries in the world, said he Nigeria is a major market for the airline, which at a time had about 36 percent of the of the Nigerian market and expressed the hope that soon the airline would resume its operations to Abuja and second flights to Lagos, which it discontinued at the beginning of this year.
He said the airline, which before then operated 21 frequencies a week, said it took critical economic decision by suspending the two operations but expressed the hope that as Nigeria’s economy grows, Emirates would resume the flights.
Parambil, who said that Nigeria has a huge potential market for air travel, noted that in the past only traders used to travel to China, but recently in addition to business travel, many Nigerians also travel to destinations in China for leisure, tourism and others and many also embark on family trips.
“China is very popular for visitors from across the world, including Nigeria, not just for leisure travellers, but also for business and trade. Our network in Asia including China is extensive. We fly to over 20 destinations in 13 countries, some of which include Beijing, Shanghai Guangzhou, Yinchuan, Zhengzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many others.
He said that many of these cities are major business and trade hubs and are also served by multiple Emirates’ flights a day, ensuring the airline’s customers have more choice and convenience when planning their travel.
“Many of our Asian destinations are served by Emirates’ Iconic A380 double decker aircraft, which is very popular amongst our customers. Destinations to which we fly the A380 include again Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei and Hong Kong, as well as Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur. As Emirates we’re able to offer Nigerians real global connectivity with just one convenient stop at our modern hub Dubai.
“Part of my role is to ensure that Emirates is the airline of choice for Nigerian travellers and that we offer the best possible experience in the air and on the ground. As an award winning airline, including being named the world’s best airline according to TripAdvisor 2017, Emirates offers its customers’ value for money with excellent products and services, and a global network that currently extends to 156 destinations in 84 countries,†he said.
Parambil added that Emirates is the world’s only airline to operate an all Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet with 97 A380s and 165 B777s in service.
“When it comes to travel from Lagos to the East, Emirates has travellers covered with an extensive network and multiple flight options to key cities, allowing for shorter connectivity and convenience. As I’ve mentioned, Emirates offers its customers value for money. When travelling with us customers enjoy an array of award winning products and services, and includes,†he said.
