Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has called on Air France-KLM to make its lower-priced tickets available to Nigerian travelers, emphasizing the importance of fairness in ticketing.
Keyamo also highlighted his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy and willingness to collaborate with airlines to improve travel accessibility and affordability for Nigerians.
His remarks came during a meeting with Air France-KLM’s Country Manager, Christine Quantin; Key Account Manager, Commercial Division, Antonia Umunna, and Deputy Station Manager, Damilola Ogunseye.
Foreign airlines, including Air France-KLM, had suspended their low-priced tickets on Nigerian routes over 26 months ago, following the trapping of ticket revenue worth hundreds of millions of dollars in Nigeria.
In March, these airlines began unblocking their low-priced fares after the Central Bank of Nigeria completed the payment of a backlog of about $7 billion, including over $700 million in unremitted ticket revenue.
Air France-KLM expressed appreciation for Keyamo’s intervention and successful facilitation of fund repatriation, noting his commitment to addressing challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The airline also praised Keyamo’s leadership in fostering a more positive relationship between their team and aviation regulatory agencies in Nigeria.
In a statement, Mr. Tunde Moshood, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Minister Festus Keyamo, praised Keyamo’s leadership for improving the relationship between the aviation sector and regulatory agencies in Nigeria.
“During the meeting, Air France-KLM expressed appreciation for the improved facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, particularly acknowledging the enhanced experience at Wing E, the statement said.
They also expressed gratitude for the Minister’s leadership in cultivating a more harmonious relationship between their team and various aviation regulatory agencies.
“Highlighting their commitment to innovation and service excellence, Air France-KLM announced the launch of their new Airbus A330/A350 aircraft, emphasising their dedication to deploying modern and improved aircraft services on routes within Nigeria. This initiative aligns with their overarching goal of providing Nigerian travellers with a superior journey experience.”
