Africa’s most successful carrier, Ethiopian Airline has announced the recommencement of flight service to Singapore from June 1, 2017.
The airline said the decision was in response to demands from its numerous Nigerian and other travellers from the continent whose business takes to Far East and while on the trip could take out time to enjoy the beauties of Singapore.
The General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Solomon Begashaw, said all arrangements have been concluded to ensure a five weekly flights for a start, adding that all its customers stand to benefit hugely from the code-share agreement on which the flight is being initiated, so that travellers could be taken to farther destinations.
According to Begashaw, in addition to the 53 destinations that the airline operates to, customers would have access to other destinations that Singapore Airlines serves, being a member of Star Alliance and code-share partner.
In other words, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian would take travellers to different destinations in the Far East with flights that emanate from its operational hub in Addis Ababa.
“We have series of innovative products to offer our customers on these routes like we have done over the years. They now have unlimited access to destinations covered by these Star Alliance airlines”, he said.
Begashaw disclosed during the meeting that Ethiopian Airlines projected $10 billion revenue by 2025 is still realistic as everything is geared towards actualizing that goal.
This is evidenced by the massive investment going on in the company, including expansion of airports and terminal facilities and the acquisition of more aircraft, as Bagashaw disclosed that the airline was ready to reopen its Singapore route because it has the equipment to operate the destination.
“At that time, we were not operating then with the right equipment. Then our orders were on the line, some of the airplanes we planned to use had not arrived then. Now, everything is in order, opening Singapore direct to Addis and also, we have the right equipment, the right resource to restart this market”, he added.
Also speaking, Mohamed Firhan Abdul Salam, Area Director, Middle East and Africa International Group Singapore Tourism Board, described Singapore as a magical country boasts exciting and alluring places.
Abdul Salam assured Nigerian travel agents and other who expressed misgivings about the difficulty in obtaining Singapore visa that there have been positive efforts being made to the Singaporean government to relax the visa rules, adding that the tourism board was dialoguing with its Embassy to see how genuine travellers can easily procure visa to Singapore.Toursim
“Ware already in dialogue with the Singaporean Embassy in Nigeria and I can assure you that it will be sorted out, people can travel seamlessly. I don’t think people coming to Singapore will face any challenges. Moving around in Singapore is very easy. You can move around in public transport or in your own vehicle. People are friendly. I have not heard of a lot of people having obstacles, challenges once you are in Singapore. I don’t foresee Nigerians having problem when you are in Singapore while you are enjoying your holiday”, he said.
He disclosed that the Changi airport, which is now ranked the 6th best in the world, play host to over 400 retail outlets, including shopping malls, swimming pools and other sites.
The airport, he said currently has three terminals with numerous city links, adding that the fourth terminal is under construction, bearing capacity development in sight, adding that in 2015 Singapore recorded 16.4 million visitors.
