Air Nigeria, (formerly Virgin Nigeria) was established in 2004 when the Federal Government of Nigeria and Virgin Atlantic Airways signed a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (MMU) that gave birth to the airline. Air Nigeria, then trading as Virgin Nigeria Airways started operating on 28th June, 2005 with flights to London Heathrow, Johannesburg as well as regional and domestic flights using Airbus A340-300 and A320-200 aircrafts. The airline quickly endeared itself in the minds of consumers as a result of its excellent customer service delivery and safety standards (being the first West African carrier listed on IOSA directory).
Air Nigeria currently operates domestic and regional flights that cut across 15 locations in Nigeria and in the West and Central African region. From its operational base at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, Air Nigeria operates to Benin City, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano and Sokoto on the domestic routes while it also operates to Brazzaville, Accra, Douala, Dakar, Monrovia, Cotonou, Banjul, Libreville and Abidjan with further plans to extend services to more African destinations, Europe, Asia and America. Air Nigeria is currently pursuing its new focus and vision to dominate the domestic and regional markets.
Following the airlines’ acquisition by Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim of the NICON Group in April 2010, the airline is vigorously pursuing its vision of being the leading African airline with exceptional travel experience as well as making Lagos, a major hub in the sub-Saharan region. Air Nigeria has within a space of five months, progressively embarked on an ambitious plan of fleet growth that now accounts for the actualization of its short term plan of having 10 aircrafts in its fleet before the end of 2010.
The airline is 100% e-ticketing compliant across her network and is the first Nigerian airline and first in West Africa to be listed on the IOSA Directory as it adheres strictly to the International Civil Aviations Organization’s safety regulations and standards. Its registration on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry places it at par with the best airlines in the world having shown its commitment and demonstration to airline safety standards
Air Nigeria since inception, has always been in the vanguard of constantly reviewing its product offering to meet the demands of passengers. It offers a frequent flyer programme known as eagleflier® that seeks to reward passenger loyalty.
Air Nigeria continually strives to offer its passengers a unique customer experience from the point of first contact and on until they disembark from their flights. Both English and French speaking passengers’ needs are catered for as Air Nigeria’s crew are well trained to handle such needs.
Air Nigeria Vision
To be the leading African airline with exceptional travel experience.
Mission Statement
• Consistently delivering quality service that exceeds our customer’s expectation.
• Sustaining shareholder value.
• Providing employees with an enabling environment to achieve excellence and build careers they enjoy.
Values
• Safety First
• Authentic
• Resourceful
• Hospitable
Awards and Accolades
Air Nigeria has, in the course of its operations, received numerous accolades including
➢ THISDAY Award for 2006 Airline of the year
➢ Nomination for 2006 African Airline of the year by ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents)
➢ Best Airline based in Africa by the Official Airline Guide (OAG).
➢ Best Airline in West Africa by Africa Travel Quarterly (ATQ) in January 2009
➢ Best Security & Safety conscious airline in West & Central Africa by Africa Security Watch, September 2010
