Airline operators have continued to condemn the multiple taxes levied on them by several aviation agencies in Nigeria.
The latest outcry is by Chris Ndulue, managing director, Arik Airline, who in condemning the trend, said the lack of a business-friendly environment had continued to hinder the growth of most domestic airlines.
Ndulue, who spoke at his firms’ launch of a Frequent Flyer Programme, tagged ‘Arik Affinity Wings,’ said if provided the enabling environment, the domestic airlines could favourably compete with their foreign counterparts.
“This is an industry that the government needs to support. The challenges we are facing here can be reduced by 70 percent. Even if the government did not support us 100 percent, they (government) should make the environment better,’’ he said.
According to the managing director, he company’s Frequent Flyer Programme is a well thought out initiative designed to reward customers for their loyalty by giving them the opportunity to earn miles on domestic, regional and long-haul flights.
Once redeemed, miles can be used to fly to any destination on Arik Air’s roster. Furthermore, Affinity Wings membership is free and members will automatically be entitled to exclusive benefits, such as extra baggage allowance, access to Arik Air’s business lounges and priority check-in at the airport.
Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik Air’s global CEO, reiterated that Arik Air had been the success story of Nigerian commercial aviation and was delighted to be able to rewards the loyalty of its customers by offering them a frequent flyer programme.
“Affinity Wings is just one in a long line of upgrades to our customer offering and we plan on announcing a number of additional benefits to the programme over the coming months. As the number one airline in Nigeria, we have an obligation to ensure we constantly strive to enhance the service we offer travellers who fly with us,” Arumemi-Ikhide said.
“As a consequence, this programme serves as an important vehicle via which we should seek to appreciate and reward our valued guest for their continued loyalty and affinity with Arik Air,” he said.
ODINAKA MBONU
