Various travel industry leaders have called for stronger technology adoption and improved airline distribution capabilities as Finchglow Travels intensified efforts to prepare travel agencies for an evolving aviation marketplace. The company brought airline representatives, travel professionals and technology specialists together in Port Harcourt for PartnerPlus Connect Live (PPC Live), an engagement focused on Winning with AI, NDC and Smarter Airline Retailing.
Held on October 23, the event highlighted the growing pressure on travel businesses to modernise their operations. It also examined how artificial intelligence, New Distribution Capability (NDC) and improved airline retailing could reshape commercial relationships across the travel ecosystem.
Travel Industry Leaders confront technology transition
At the centre of the engagement was a growing recognition that traditional airline distribution models are changing. Artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for business automation, customer engagement and operational efficiency. However, travel agencies must develop the knowledge and capabilities needed to benefit from these changes.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, Ezekiel Ikotun, said improving the capabilities of travel agencies would ultimately translate into better services for travellers. He explained that Finchglow operates within a wider distribution network, making airline products available to other travel agencies.
According to him, equipping these businesses with better industry knowledge, technology and commercial capabilities remains essential. This would strengthen their competitiveness while improving the experience delivered to customers.
Ikotun also disclosed that Finchglow Travels was developing a more robust technological framework to improve access to travel products and services. The initiative aims to simplify business processes, support automation and strengthen the company’s distribution ecosystem.
He further stressed that artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly important to travel businesses. Therefore, agencies must understand emerging technologies and adopt solutions capable of improving operational efficiency and commercial performance.
Four industry partners strengthen PPC Live engagement
The gathering attracted contributions from professionals representing airline operations, international airline sales and travel technology. Their participation provided different perspectives on the commercial and operational changes confronting the industry.
Representing Lufthansa German Airlines, Account Manager Chigozie Nnah shared insights from managing travel agency and corporate accounts across Port Harcourt and South-Eastern Nigeria. His experience includes commercial negotiations, sales opportunities and account performance.
Meanwhile, Air Peace aviation operations professional Abdulrahman Adamu brought an operational perspective shaped by experience in passenger services, flight turnaround coordination, station management, training and network expansion.
From the technology and distribution sector, Sales Manager at Amadeus Marketing Nigeria Limited, Ikechukwu Nwadialo, examined developments influencing airline retailing. His experience spans more than two decades across airline sales, travel distribution, corporate travel and digital transformation.
His professional expertise includes Global Distribution Systems (GDS), NDC, application programming interfaces (APIs) and online travel solutions. These technologies are increasingly relevant as airlines and travel agencies explore more flexible distribution arrangements.
Ethiopian Airlines welcomes regional engagement
PPC Live received participation and support from four confirmed industry partners: Lufthansa, Amadeus, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace. Qatar Airways also supported the gathering as its Supporting Partner.
Country Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, commended Finchglow Travels for creating a platform that connected airline representatives with travel industry leader. She acknowledged the support of travel agencies across the region and welcomed the airline’s expansion into Port Harcourt.
Mekonnen noted that Port Harcourt had become Ethiopian Airlines’ fifth destination in Nigeria. The development further strengthened the significance of regional engagement between airlines and travel businesses.
The participation of the airline partners also demonstrated the importance of collaboration across different segments of the travel industry. Their contributions provided opportunities for direct interaction, knowledge-sharing and discussions about emerging commercial opportunities.
Finchglow deepens commitment to travel trade development
Beyond the presentations, PPC Live provided an opportunity for travel industry leaders to engage directly with airline representatives. Participants exchanged experiences, raised questions and strengthened relationships within the regional travel market.
Through PartnerPlus Connect, Finchglow Travels continues to promote engagement, knowledge-sharing and stronger commercial relationships across travel industry leaders and players.
The Port Harcourt gathering comes as artificial intelligence and evolving distribution technologies increasingly influence how airlines sell products and serve customers. For travel agencies, the challenge extends beyond understanding these developments to identifying practical ways of incorporating them into everyday operations.
