The agreement was part of plan to offer more route options,
schedule options and easy connectivity for the flying public.
The agreement indicates that the two airlines would work
together to ensure that passengers are taken to their destination on time and
there would be flexibility in the use of ticket of both airlines.
The signing took place at the Victor Attah International
Airport, Uyo, between the Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager of
Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo and the Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George
Uriesi.
The airlines explained that the partnership was a
significant milestone for Nigeria's aviation industry, which would affords Dana
Air and Ibom Air a business arrangement whereby both airlines jointly offer
flights to common destinations, while operating services to destinations that are
not within each airline's regular routes.
By so doing, both airlines expand their market presence and
competitive footprint in the interest of the flying public.
The airlines also said the codeshare alliance would commence
full service in June.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbanuzo noted that the plan to
sign the agreement started a year ago, adding that it is a partnership for
sustainable growth.
"The discussion started about a year ago and we are
happy to be here today, formalising it. This is the first of its kind for
domestic airlines in Nigeria and a huge step in the right direction for both
Dana Air and Ibom Air.
"It is a partnership for sustainable growth and
connectivity for the flying public as Ibom Air passengers can now fly Dana Air
to Owerri and all other Dana Air destinations while our guests can now fly to
Calabar and other Ibom Air destinations.
"Dana Air, like Ibom Air, is committed to the growth of
the aviation industry and both airlines have shown great commitment to customer
satisfaction, schedule reliability, operational efficiency, passion and
innovation.
"We do hope that this partnership between Ibom Air and
Dana Air will set a positive precedent for greater good of the industry,"
he said.
Also, speaking at the event, the COO of Ibom Air, George
Uriesi, said the alliance would offer increased frequencies into common
destinations as well as codeshare flights into destinations each airline does
not operate into, providing more options for passengers and businesses
retention for both airlines.
According to him, "With the initiation of this business
alliance, both airlines have embraced a key global best practice. At Ibom Air,
our business model and unwavering commitment remains schedule reliability,
on-time departures and excellent service.
"Hence, we are constantly on the lookout for better and
more effective ways to serve our customers."
The code-share agreement helps the passengers by providing
them clearer route options and allows them to book travel from one to three
through point two under one carrier's code.
This proves beneficial if the customer books from point one
to two under one code and then from two to three under the other code.
Ibom Air operates multiple daily flights between Uyo, Lagos,
Abuja, Calabar and Enugu and would be launching the Port-Harcourt destination
from June 7, 2021.