Lagos — In order to strengthen its operations in Africa, the former Virgin Nigeria Airways, now Nigerian Eagle Airlines, yesterday signed a code-share agreement with major regional international airline, Kenya Airways.

The agreement is to enable the Nigerian carrier take a passenger to any Kenya Airways destination network through the partnership.This is coming barely after a month the Nigerian carrier signed a technical service agreement with another African carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, thus entrenching itself as strong continental airline.Signing the agreement at the Nigerian Eagle head office in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Dapo Olumide, explained that the pact was a significant achievement for the airline because of Kenya Airways route network, both in the region and beyond.

He noted that the agreement with one of Africa's most viable airlines would pave way for the future of aviation in the continent."This is a significant achievement for us. We cannot think of a better airline than Kenya Airways because of its route network. This code-share agreement will pave way for the future of aviation in Africa. I have passion for African aviation, which I know will only be developed by Africans, " Olumide said.

Also speaking, Chief Operating Officer of Kenya Airways, Titus Naikumi, who signed on behalf of the East African company, described the pact as the historical moment for the two airlines, noting that the deal was a milestone.

"If you want to do business in Africa, you must do business in Nigeria," he said, adding that the airline had longed to have a partner in Nigeria and expressed satisfaction at the partnership with the nation's most promising young airline.