Air Peace’s London Gatwick debut on March 30 coupled with intervention from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority may have swiftly compelling ticket price adjustments by foreign airlines.
Ticket Comparison:
Two days ago, Air Peace unveiled Return Economy Class Tickets at 1,200,000 naira and Return Business Class Tickets at 4,000,000 naira, coinciding with the Civil Aviation Authority’s directives.
These combined factors may have triggered a ripple effect in the market, evident in British Airways’ revised fares for Lagos-London and Abuja-London routes.
British Airways now offers tickets at 5,800,000 NGN from Lagos and 5,400,000 NGN from Abuja for April 1-June 2024, ending sales by March 22, 2024.
Similarly, Turkish Airline and Royal Air Maroc adjusted their fares to 1,026,051 NGN and 1,925,586 NGN respectively.
NCAA’s Directive:
A statement attributed to Captain Najomo on the astronomically high flight ticket prices charged Nigerians was described as discriminatory.
“ We cannot continue to pay higher fares compared to other countries in the sub-region that have similar distances, using the same operating aircraft. We have the market and in some cases we have more liberal taxes,” Egua, who represented Najomo at the meeting held between February 12 and 13, 2024, in Abuja, said.
“For instance, a distance of six hours from Ghana to London may sometimes cost about $800 while a similar distance with similar operating aircraft cost over $2000 in Nigeria,” he further stated.
According to the CAA following its instruction Lufthansa German Airlines, KLM, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways, Royal Air Maroc, RwandAir, and Turkish Airlines have all released all categories of low inventory tickets while Air France has failed to comply with the directives.
Meanwhile, stakeholders expressed surprise at British Airways’ delayed response, highlighting disparities in pricing strategies for different markets.
They feel British Airways’ decision to lower prices came after Air Peace’s market entry, marking a significant shift in the industry landscape.
Stakeholders also view this as a unique opportunity for a Nigerian carrier, reminiscent of Nigeria Airways’ legacy, to thrive in that market.
Support for Nigerian Carriers:
Avaero Capital’s Managing Partner, Sindy Foster believes Nigerians will rally behind Air Peace amidst this pricing competition, emphasizing national support over individual interests.
She emphasizes the importance of collaboration among Nigerian airlines, advocating for interlining agreements to enhance connectivity and customer satisfaction.
Nigerian airlines can now use this as an opportunity to interline their passengers to London via Air Peace. This should be seen as an opportunity for Nigeria and Nigerian aviation. We must end this cycle of going to London and fail….”
“Instead of it being seen as Air Peace against all the foreign airlines by itself, it would be better for Nigerian airlines to also align with the struggle and both support Air Peace, their customers and in doing so protect Nigerian aviation.”
Foster muses that a passenger should be able to book Ibom Air Uyo to London by Ibom Air interlining with Air Peace.
“And if Air Peace also interlines with other carriers using even virtual interlines in theory an Ibom Air Passenger can fly Uyo-Lagos-London-Atlanta. That way the passenger connection will be protected. Self connections missed is one of the reasons people have been saying they would not choose Air Peace.”
“ So instead of only Air Peace selling tickets, Nigerian airlines can sell tickets which will give more reach for sales. And means you get the customer for the entire journey.” While acknowledging the need for market confidence, Foster believes consistent performance will drive sustained growth.
Other stakeholders advocate for a “FlyNigeria Act” to prioritise domestic airlines for government travel, fosteringindustry resilience and accountability.
