ValueJet, Nigeria’s newest domestic airline led by gaming mogul Kunle Soname, is slated to launch operations this week, with flights scheduled to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, and Jos, some of Nigeria’s major commercial hubs, in addition to Lagos, the country’s financial capital.
The airline firm announced during its launch celebration in Lagos that its first flights will take place on Mon., Oct. 10.
The announcement comes nearly six months after it received receipt of a fleet of aircraft, some of which were newly purchased (CRJ-900s with the registration, 5N-BXS, and 5N-BXT).
As part of the process to commence regional flights this week, ValueJet has completed all necessary demo flights and has now been issued the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which enables it to conduct certain commercial air transport operations.
“ValueJet is hardly a stranger in the industry and all operational insights from previous partnerships have been applied in building our business plan and propositions,” Soname, chairman of ValueJet, said in response to a question about the upcoming debut.
In spite of the rise in operating costs for commercial aviation operators as the price of aviation fuel soared to record levels, Soname, who is also the chairman of Bet9ja, a betting platform headquartered in Lagos, reaffirmed that the airline has identified a niche in the sector and the need for fair pricing.
He added that when its fourth and fifth aircraft arrive, ValueJet will enhance its routes and flight frequency as part of its strategy to expand its operations in the fiercely competitive Nigerian aviation market.
Soname’s move into the aviation sector is consistent with concerted efforts to lower the cost of airline tickets for Nigerians and to generate profit for investors in a sector beset by operational challenges and a steady rise in operating costs.
Only about five percent of Nigerians, according to available statistics, can presently afford a plane ticket. ValueJet aims to significantly increase that number through creative fare pricing that would make flying more accessible and affordable for every air traveler in the Nigerian domestic air travel market.
