Rano Air has finally made its debut flight operations, becoming the latest addition to the Nigerian aviation industry. The airline on Sunday, May 7, 2023, operated its inaugural flight to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja, Lagos, amid fanfare. The inaugural flight conveyed 35 passengers from Kano State.

The aircraft, an Embraer E145, a 50-seater commercial aircraft, was greeted with a water canon upon arrival at the MMA2 Apron. This symbolic act could be interpreted as a welcoming blessing for the safety of flight operations and an act of baptism into the trade.

There had been reports that the airline had earlier secured four EMB-145LRs aircraft, which cost an average of $2,395,000 (N1.09 billion) for one, in preparation for the commencement of operations

The Pilot, Captain Moses Egbekun who was received by the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, jointly led by its Acting Chief Operating Officer, Tosan Duncan, and Head of Operations, Blessing Ewah, looked excited at the warm reception put together.

Speaking on the development, Ewah, said the latest addition to the fleet of airline companies plying their trade with MMA2, “is the manifestation of BASL’s commitment to upholding global best practices on providing a conducive environment for business, comfort, safety, and security of airlines, passengers, vendors, and other terminal users.

“This is a further validation of our success in the construction and management of airport infrastructure, making it a safe zone for airlines to do their business and serve the flying public,” he added.

The airline which will be the first to offer a direct connection from Maiduguri to Kano, is also expected to offer flight services between Lagos and Abuja, as well as to Kano, Maiduguri, and Sokoto.