Gambia Bird begins flights services between Banjul and Lagos

The West African region is witnessing growth in the aviation sector. More airlines are showing keen interest in serving Nigeria. These airlines believe that with launch of services here they would see a major turnaround in their businesses.

This year a new airline forayed into Nigeria. The latest entrant is Gambian carrier ‘Gambia Bird’. The airline launched its flights services to Lagos, a key Nigerian city and the country’s former capital, on March 30, 2014. The flights are departing from Gambian city of Banjul.

A top official of the airline said that its prime focus is on flight operations to vibrant and attractive cities in Europe and West Africa. The official also said that the airline was informed that if it is operating in Africa and doesn’t include Nigeria’s key cities Lagos or Abuja, then its operations is said to be incomplete. Acknowledging that the market in Nigeria was huge, it became pertinent for the airline to first begin its services to Lagos. After few years the airline is also considering to launch operations to Abuja as well.

Gambia Airline was founded in October 2013 and has since been serving many destinations in Africa and other countries. Germania Airline owns 80 percent stake in the airline. It has been into operations for the past 30 years.

Presently, Gambia Bird is operating two newly-acquired Airbus A319 aircrafts on the routes in West Africa. The airline has also wet leased a Boeing 757 aircraft for international operations. The airline is offering two classes of travel – Economy Class and Premium Class.

The passengers traveling in Economy Class would be allowed to carry up to 5 kg of hand luggage and free checked baggage of up to 30 kg. This is applicable for travel on Airbus A319 aircrafts. However, those traveling on Boeing 757 flights would be allowed to carry checked baggage of up to 46 kg. The passengers booking tickets in Economy Class would be offered legroom of at least 31 inch. They will also be provided complimentary meals as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Gambia Airline’s Premium Class is equivalent to Business Class. Apart from the usual benefits as provided in Economy Class, the passengers traveling in Premium Class would be permitted to carry a hand baggage of up to 7 kg. The premium passengers would also be able to carry free checked baggage of up to 40 kg. The passengers would also be provided various amenities as well. These include among others complimentary blanket, pillow and headset. Apart from this, a wide selection of magazines and newspapers will also be there for them to keep engaged during the course of their flight. The airline will also serve Deluxe 3-course meal along with a wide choice of beverages.

The airline said that the airfares provided to the passengers would be affordable and competitive. The airline also promises to provide good customer service to its customers. Gambia Airline is offering introductory roundtrip fares between Lagos and Banjul starting at $500, while roundtrip fares for flights between Lagos and Accra starts from $280.