Air Peace, Azman: Nigerian Airlines in Desperate Race to Buyoff Passengers

Air Peace, Azman Air, Green Africa, and other Nigerian airlines are in a hot race to please their passengers by all means. They are wooing them with various loyalty programs, all in a bid to scale revenue that had been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and flight restrictions.

Despite the lifting of flight restrictions and signs of recovery, the global airline industry would still record severe revenue losses in 2021, according to Airports Council International (ACI). The industry has been estimated to lose $94 billion by the end of the year.

Another reality in Nigeria is the spiral downtown across the social-economic verticals – resulting in job losses, inflation, and more – which means less purchasing power for consumers. This is in addition to the fear of contracting coronavirus amid the meager availability of vaccines in the country. 

A combination of this is believed to have discouraged interstate travelers, who prefer air transport, from traveling by air. Instead, some settle for road trips, which are cheaper but riskier in the wake of worsened security challenges across Nigeria.

As a result, airlines that have the best ticket prices and other incentives get the most passengers. And the air brands are competing stiffly, offering customers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) cards, ticket price cuts, utility accessories, and more.

Here are some of the airlines offering incentives:

Air Peace

In April, Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier owned by Allen Onyema launched an initiative tagged “random act of love”. The campaign gifts passengers various items including thermos bottles, food flasks, diaries, remote organizers, and HMO cards.

The gift cards are randomly placed on seat pockets. While in the air, passengers are instructed to check their seat pockets to see if they have won a gift.

Air Peace spokesman, Stanley Orisa, said the initiative is “an extension of the airline’s Random Love Act campaign, aimed at demonstrating a customer’s love for flying with the airline. Also with the card, you enjoy certain Business Class privileges when flying.”

Azman Air

Established in 2010 by Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, Azman reduced its airfare upon resuming operations last week after it was temporarily suspended by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the apex regulator of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

Azman’s flight from Lagos to Kano, which was N72,458, was reduced to N52,983. The airline also rewards its passengers with free ticket upgrades from Economy to Business Class.

One of Azman’s passengers who benefitted from the offer excitedly tweeted; “@AzmanAir is back and stronger. I also wish to thank you for the free upgrade to business class”.

https://twitter.com/DanBorno/status/1394613124355985419

Green Africa

A newbie with a lot to prove, Green Africa is positioning as a game-changer in the Nigerian air transportation business. Founded by 38-year-old Babawande Afolabi, the airline recently announced a 10% discount on its first bookings.

According to Green Africa, its first flight is expected to take off on June 24, 2021.

“To mark this major milestone, we are offering the gFlyer Community 10% off their first booking with us. We are crafting a network plan that will afford more customers the opportunity to pursue their economic interests or simply spend more time with family & friends,” the airline wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Babawande Afolabi: 7 Things You Should Know About this 38-Year-Old Nigerian Airline Owner

To mark this major milestone, we are offering the gFlyer Community 10% off their first booking with us.

A unique code to claim the offer will be shared with each gFlyer. #goGreen2021 #CloserToYourDreams

— Green Africa (@greenafrica) May 20, 2021