Etihad Airways has appointed APG Nigeria as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nigeria, entrusting the company with leading the UAE national carrier’s commercial activities ahead of its return to Lagos in 2027.
The appointment is a major boost for APG Nigeria and underscores Etihad Airways’ confidence in the Nigerian aviation market. It also forms part of the airline’s wider strategy to deepen its commercial presence across Africa by partnering with an experienced airline representation company.
APG Nigeria to drive Etihad Airways’ commercial growth
The partnership was formally sealed through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) at the Legend Hotel, Lagos, on July 25, 2026. Senior executives from Etihad Airways and APG Nigeria attended the ceremony, describing the agreement as the beginning of a long-term strategic relationship.
Representing Etihad Airways were Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution, Javier Alija, and Regional General Manager- Sales, Digital and Distribution, Khaleefa Mohamed Al Hammadi. The APG Nigeria delegation was led by Group Chairman, Olufemi Adefope, alongside Group General Manager – Commercial, Christopher Isaiah, and General Manager, Gloria Atumu.
The appointment places APG Nigeria at the centre of Etihad Airways’ commercial expansion in West Africa, leveraging Nigeria’s position as the region’s largest aviation and business travel market. The company will oversee sales development, trade engagement and market expansion as the airline prepares to resume scheduled services.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Javier Alija said Nigeria remains a key market in Etihad Airways’ African growth strategy.
“Nigeria represents one of the most important aviation markets in Africa, and we are delighted to partner with APG Nigeria as we strengthen our commercial presence.”
He added that the airline was confident APG Nigeria possessed the expertise and market knowledge required to support its ambitious commercial plans.
Responding, Chairman of APG Nigeria, Olufemi Adefope, described the appointment as a significant endorsement of the company’s reputation for delivering commercial success to international airlines.
“We are honoured by the confidence Etihad Airways has placed in our organisation. This appointment reinforces our position as Nigeria’s foremost airline representation company, consistently delivering commercial excellence for leading airlines.”
Adefope said APG Nigeria would focus on expanding Etihad Airways’ visibility in the Nigerian market while building sustainable long-term value for the airline.
Meanwhile, Group General Manager – Commercial, Christopher Isaiah, said the company had developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure Etihad Airways quickly establishes itself as a preferred airline among Nigerian travellers.
“Etihad Airways is one of the world’s most respected premium airlines, renowned for innovation, service excellence and global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.”
He added:
“Our commercial strategy will focus on building strong relationships with the travel trade, corporate organisations, government institutions and key travel management companies while delivering measurable revenue growth and market share to Etihad.”
Etihad Airways is scheduled to commence daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos on March 18, 2027, using the Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner. The service will offer seamless one-stop connections from Lagos to more than 120 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.
Therefore, industry stakeholders expect the partnership to expand travel opportunities for Nigerian passengers while creating new business prospects for travel agencies, corporate organisations and government institutions. It also reinforces Etihad Airways’ long-term commitment to Nigeria, one of Africa’s most competitive aviation markets.
For APG Nigeria, the agreement further strengthens its standing as one of the country’s leading airline representation companies. The company said it remains committed to delivering operational excellence, commercial growth and measurable business results for its airline partners while supporting Etihad Airways’ ambitious expansion plans in Nigeria and across West Africa.
