‘Government, stakeholders’ partnership needed for safety in aviation’

George Mawadri is the general manager of Etihad Airways in Nigeria, tasked with the responsibility of growing Etihad Airways’ relationships with its travel trade and corporate customers while furthering the development of the airline’s commercial strategy in Nigeria. In an interview with Ifeoma Okeke, Mawadri gives an insight of how business has been on the Lagos-Abu Dhabi route, especially at a time when airlines are downsizing and the airlines’ unique offerings.

You have been in the market for over four years. Can you give us an insight of how business has been for you on the Lagos – Abu Dhabi route?

Etihad Airways current four-times-per-week service between Lagos and Abu Dhabi is operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured to carry 20 business and 240 economy class passengers. We launched our service in July 2012, and business has been good due to the large number of passengers regularly travelling between Nigeria and key business and leisure capitals around the world.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the Nigerian aviation industry has great potential for growth and development to meet the demand for international travel as foreign investment in the country, and the West African region, continues to grow.

However, it is always going to be competitive due to the number of carriers in the market. This is only to be expected, and we welcome competition because it enables us to differentiate ourselves from other carriers through the quality of our services, and the innovative products we offer on-board and on the ground.

What is your disposition on the challenges local airlines are going through in Nigeria?

I think the aviation industry generally faces the same problems in the country. The fuel shortage recently was a problem. We also struggled with fuel shortage but I am glad to mention that there are steps that the government is taking with reference to short comings that we have at the moment within the market. Fuel and infrastructures were part of the issues mentioned at the stakeholders’ conference in Lagos. At the international airport, there are a lot happening and we appreciate what the aviation ministry is doing to make it easier for us as operators. It will make Nigeria a better destination.

You are operating in Nigeria at a time when many local airlines are undergoing challenges and downsizing. How have you managed to retain and grow your business performance?

We focus on providing our guests with innovative products and services, both in the air and one the ground. Understandably, Nigerian travellers want the best, and we are committed to providing it to them. We have also built close working relationships with our corporate and travel trade partners here in Nigeria. Thankfully, they have been very supportive of our business and I am confident this will continue in the future.

What are some of those unique things travelers can lookout for in Etihad Airways?

In January 2014 the U.S. Transportation Security Administration opened a Pre-Clearance facility in Abu Dhabi, which enables Etihad Airways passengers from Nigeria travelling onwards to New York, Washington, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to arrive in the US as a domestic traveller, and able to leave the airport quickly without having to wait in long queues. Being able to clear immigration, security and customs checks in Abu Dhabi makes the travel process very efficient and hassle free for our guests, and the feedback to-date has been extremely positive. Over the last year Etihad Airways has brought new levels of luxury and comfort to travellers with the introduction of our Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft which feature the airline’s ground-breaking cabins.

Also, guests who fly on Etihad Airways’ long-haul routes from Abu Dhabi can experience award-winning premium products and services. For discerning guests, the ultimate experience is The Residence aboard our fleet of A380 aircraft. This is a luxurious private three-room suite in the sky which offers the same levels of comfort that can be found in some of the world’s leading hotels and restaurants, with private shower and a personal butler, allowing them to relax, dine and sleep in the ultimate of settings.

Available on our next generation A380 and B787 aircraft is the First Apartment, which offers a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and a full-length ottoman which opens up to become a separate 80.5 inch long fully-flat bed. Other unique features include a chilled mini-bar, a personal vanity unit, and a swivelling 24” monitor. A fully equipped shower room is also available on the A380 for exclusive use by first class guests.

What do you regard as the key operating challenges in Africa today?

Africa is the world’s second fastest growing destination for international air traffic, but greater synergies are needed by governments and industry partners to ensure safety standards are enhanced, operating efficiencies are realised and there are more qualified people to join the workforce across the continent.

Share with us your expansion plans in Nigeria, West Africa region and Africa?

Etihad Airways has steadily grown its network in Africa and currently operates scheduled services from 10 destinations including: Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Khartoum, Casablanca, Rabat, Lagos, Cairo and Mahé in the Seychelles.

We have also been able to significantly extend this reach to a total of 23 destinations across the continent by entering into codeshare partnerships with kulula, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and strategic equity partner Air Seychelles.

In the circles of the Nigerian government, there are considerations to revive Nigeria Airways, the national carrier what are your thoughts on this?

We would welcome it. As I mentioned previously, competition benefits travellers and provides them with greater choices; it drives up the standards of the products and services on offer, and at greater value.

Ifeoma Okeke