The Inquirer (Monrovia)
10 December 2008
Virgin Nigeria, one of Africa's most reliable airlines has launched its flights to Liberia at an elaborate ceremony held at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
Speaking at the launching ceremony held in the VIP Lounge of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), Vice President Joseph Boakai lauded Nigeria for her numerous assistance to Liberia especially during the war days. The Liberian Vice President said the relationship subsisting between Liberia and Nigeria is not a mere friendship but that which has now transformed to the level of brothers and sisters relations.
Veep Boakai said that up to presence, Nigeria continues to contribute significantly to Liberia's development especially at the level of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the united national Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Banking Sector, saying "the coming of Virgin Nigeria Airways would add to Nigeria continued Contribution in the area of Air travel."
He used the occasion to commend the Government and People of Nigeria for their assistance and cooperation to Liberia's development efforts, stressing, "Anytime I see Nigerian Investment, I am happy and I'm happy to see Virgin Nigeria."
Deputy Transport Minister, Dr. Mohammed Sheriff who deputized for Minister Jackson Doe pledged the Liberian government's commitment to enhancing the air travel industry and extended a big welcome Virgin Nigeria.
A Liberia Travel Agency, known as the Liberia Travel Services (LTS) would serve as agent for Virgin Nigeria Airways.
LTS Chief Executive Officer Mr. Randolph C.J. Cooper told journalists that Virgin Nigeria is Nigeria's premier airline that has a reputation for safety and currently operates twelve aircrafts. The Nigerian Government and Virgin Atlantic Airways signed an agreement on September 28, 2004 to establish a new airline for Nigeria, to be called Virgin Nigeria Airways.
Nigerian institutional investors, according to report, own 51 percent of the company and Virgin Atlantic Airways owns 49 percent respectively. The airline inaugural flight began on 28th June 2005 from Lagos to London Heathrow using an Airbus A340-300 aircraft. Virgin Nigeria has now become one of Nigeria's largest airlines carrying its 1,000,000th passenger and 4,000th ton of freight within two years of operation.
The airline has also received accolades including 'THIS DAY Awards 2006' Airline of the year and a nomination for 2006 African Airline of the year by THE Association of South African Travel Agents(ASATA).
The company is a member of IATA and has interlined agreements with thirty eight other airlines.
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