Emirates airline have commenced flights from Nigeria to Asia (China) just as Nigeria has continued to experience an increase in businesses and investments opportunities in China.
As the federal government reels out more plans to support the Made-in-Nigeria products, China lends itself to partnerships with small and medium businesses in Nigeria who buy machineries and raw materials for local production in Nigeria.
In addition to this, China is also positioning itself as a tourist attraction for families and tourists to explore during holidays.
China is by far the biggest destination for importers all over the world. Different kinds of goods ranging from personal effects to industrial machinery are manufactured and sold very cheap in China.
Speaking during a press conference to announce the airline’s commencement of the Nigeria-China destination, Afzal Parambil, Emirates country manager, and regional manager for West Africa said more people are now going to China from Nigeria for both business and leisure purposes.
“Families are now travelling to China. This tells you that people are now trying to understand China from a different perspective. We want to ensure that we are in the forefront to take the market share.
“China is very popular for visitors from across the world, including Nigeria, not just for leisure travellers, but also for business and trade.
“Our network in Asia including China is extensive. We fly to over 20 destinations in 13 countries, some of which include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Yinchuan, Zhengzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many others.
“Many of these cities are major business and trade hubs and are also served by multiple Emirates’ flights a day, ensuring our customers have more choice and convenience when planning their travel,” Parambil said.
He disclosed that many of the airline’s Asian destinations are served by Emirates’ Iconic A380 double decker aircraft, which is very popular amongst its customers, adding that destinations to which the airline flies the A380 include again Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei and Hong Kong, as well as Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur.
“At Emirates we are able to offer Nigerians real global connectivity with just one convenient stop at our modern hub Dubai. Part of my role is to ensure that Emirates is the airline of choice for Nigerian travellers and that we offer the best possible experience in the air and on the ground.
“As an award winning airline, including being named the world’s best airline according to TripAdvisor 2017, Emirates offers its customers’ value for money with excellent products and services, and a global network that currently extends to 156 destinations in 84 countries.
“Emirates is the world’s only airline to operate an all Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet. We currently have 97 A380s and 165 B777s in service,” Parambil explained.
He disclosed that when it comes to travel from Lagos to the East, Emirates has travellers covered with an extensive network and multiple flight options to key cities, allowing for shorter connectivity and convenience.
He listed some of the products and service of the airline which customers enjoy on-board. Some of them include: More than 2500 channels of on demand audio and visual entertainment on Emirates ice system, from the latest movies, music, games and audio books and luxurious private suites in first class, spacious and flat seats in Business Class and extra legroom in Economy Class.
In addition to these, the airline offers fresh, chef prepared gourmet meals, representing regional and international menus for all classes of travel, including free beverages and service and hospitality from its highly trained, multi-national and multi-lingual cabin crew from over 130 countries.
First class and business class passengers have access to our exclusive Emirates Lounges at 41 international airports (including seven in Dubai). Emirates also offers allowances for checked baggage for travel from points in Africa, including Entebbe
Emirates also offers a range of family friendly travel services and products, such as free toys, dedicated entertainment channels and meals for children.
These are all designed to make the travel experience for families easier and convenient.
IFEOMA OKEKE
