Virgin Nigeria Airline gets U.S. Permit for Direct Flight

In what can be seen as a big breakthrough for the ‘open skies’ agreement between Nigeria and the United States, Virgin Nigeria was yesterday granted approval by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to commence direct commercial flights from Lagos to various destinations in the U.S.

The carrier thus becomes the first to achieve that, seven years after Nigeria and the U.S. signed the bilateral air services agreement.

Other Nigerian carriers designated to operate to the U.S., but which are awaiting approval by the American government, are Arik and Bellview.

While Bellview is expected to service Newark, New Jersey, Arik is expected to operate to Atlanta, Georgia.

Two American carriers, North American Airlines and Delta have already been servicing the Nigerian route since 2006 and last year.

Although North American Airlines has ceased operations to Africa, Delta has consolidated on the route described as lucrative.

Signed by the Director Office of International Aviation, Mr. Paul Gretch, the approval confirms that Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited (Virgin Nigeria) has formally been granted the foreign air carrier permit and is financially and operationally qualified to perform the services authorized.

The DOT approval authorizes Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited to use aircraft wet-leased from a duly authorized and properly supervised U.S. or foreign air carrier.

The Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Nigeria, Mr. Conrad Clifford described the approval for the commencement of direct flights to America as a boost for the Nigerian aviation industry as a whole.

He also noted that prior to now, Virgin Nigeria had gone into partnership with a marketing company, Discover the World, to sell Virgin Nigeria in the United States as well as its existing interline agreements.

Virgin Nigeria, in December 2005, filed an application with the US Department of Transport to provide scheduled passenger air transportation between the United States and Nigeria and has vigorously pursued the process in the last two and half years.

Source: Guardian.