Nigerian Government on Thursday confirmed the appointments of three heads agencies in the aviation sector in the country following the successful completion of the Abuja runway which was closed for repairs for six weeks.
The airport which was closed on March 8, 2017 was opened with fanfare with Ethiopian Airlines launching its brand new Airbus A350-990 for the first time on the route.
According to tribuneonlineng.com, the countries President, Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the appointment of Engr Saleh Dunoma as the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Also confirmed are Captain Mukhtar Usman as the Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Captain Fola C. Akinkotu as the Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, on Thursday in Abuja.
Stakeholders in the aviation industry have continued to commend the aviation bosses for beating the deadline set for the reopening of the airport.
Since the reopening of the airport, airlines in the industry have resumed their Abuja operations.
According to atqnews.com, Ethiopian Airlines’ A350 airplane will start the scheduled service on the Addis Ababa- Abuja route.
Following this move Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked; “As a veteran Pan African airline, it has always been our source of pride to connect our beloved continent Africa together and beyond. Our presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960’s, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence from foreign colonization.
We have always given our best to Nigeria at all times, both at good and challenging times, and we have been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always consider ourselves as vital partners in the history and growth of Nigeria as a country.
The A350 is yet one of the landmarks in our 70 years proud history; providing exceptional levels of luxury and reliability for a totally unique passenger experience. Hence, with the reopening of Abuja Airport, the extra features of our game changing fleet, Airbus A350, will be awaiting for our esteemed Nigerian travellers. We shall continue to avail critical air connectivity options and connect African countries together and far beyond.”
Ethiopian currently operates 20 weekly flights to four Nigerian cities; Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano; offering hassle free connectivity to its worldwide network spread in five continents.
Passengers aboard the flight will enjoy the extra features of this latest flying machine:
amazing cabin interior features with the latest high-definition touchscreen, personal monitors with a higher selection of movies, wider seats and windows, the lowest twin engine noise level, advanced air conditioning technology, full LED mood lighting.
It is to be recalled that Ethiopian has been the first in Africa to own and operate the A350 in African skies. Among a total of 14 orders, Ethiopian currently has three of them in operation.
