NAN-H-65
Anniversary
By Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Oct.24, 2016 (NAN) The General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Mr Solomon Begashaw, says the economic recession in Nigeria was temporary.
Begashaw made the assertion at the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the airline’s operation in Lagos on Monday.
Begashaw assured its passengers in Nigeria that it would continue its scheduled operations to the country in spite of the recent withdrawal by some airlines from the Lagos and Abuja routes.
“As veteran pan-African carrier, it has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent, Africa, both in good and bad times.
“Our presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960’s, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence from foreign colonisation.
“The airline has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of Nigeria.
“The management of Ethiopian Airlines wishes to clarify its stance of pursuing its operation to Nigeria and keep Nigerian travelers connected to five continents around the globe”, he said.
According to him, as an indigenous pan-African carrier, Ethiopian airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 50 years.
Begashaw said the airline had been in the highs and lows of Nigeria and had been providing the link between the country and the outside world.
He said: “Currently, Ethiopian Airlines serves the Nigerian traveler from four airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano.
“To re-inforce its support to Nigeria; Ethiopian Airlines is offering to hire Nigerian pilots for its ever growing fleet of B777,B787,B737 and Dash 8 Q-400 Aircraft and also train more Nigerians in its aviation academy, which is the largest in Africa.
“Besides, Ethiopian Airlines had always served Nigeria with the best Aircraft in its fleet like the A350 Airbus, B787 Dreamliner and the B777 wide body.
“In the spirit of African brotherhood, Ethiopian Airlines does not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good.
“Rather, we are ready to make sacrifices along with Nigerians in this trying time knowing that Nigerians are resilient and resourceful and will soon come out of the temporary recession.”
The country manager said “as the airline celebrates 70 years of existence, it had extended free tickets to Nigerians who liked Ethiopian Airlines’ Nigeria Facebook page. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/EAL/IEA
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Idahosa Asowata
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