Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest airline, has announced a reduction in domestic airfares to a minimum of N80,000 across all its routes for the festive season. This initiative, which will run until January 2024, is aimed at easing travel costs for Nigerians during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, the airline’s Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, described the price slash as a gesture to give back to customers and alleviate the financial burden of holiday travel.
“We understand the economic hardships Nigerians are facing, especially with rising ticket prices. In the spirit of Christmas, we’ve introduced pocket-friendly fares starting from N80,000 to all our destinations. This will help families reunite without excessive costs,” Sanusi said.
As of Tuesday, Aero’s economy class ticket for Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class stood at N189,167. Despite the reduced fares, Sanusi assured customers that Aero Contractors remains profitable, having factored in current market conditions.
Sanusi highlighted the airline’s ongoing recovery, revealing a 14% year-to-date profit, marking a turnaround from a negative 69% position in 2022. He attributed this success to strategic reforms, including a 33% reduction in liabilities and near-completion of overdue salary payments.
As Aero Contractors seeks new investors, Sanusi emphasized plans to maintain a modest fleet of three aircraft while exploring long-term growth through a potential expansion to 10 aircraft.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering affordable travel while ensuring operational reliability. We encourage other airlines to also give back to their customers during this festive season,” he added.
The price reduction underscores Aero’s dedication to supporting Nigerians during challenging times and contributing to the aviation sector’s growth.
