Neos Air, the latest airline to join the airlines plying The Gambia Wednesday evening made its maiden landing at the Banjul International Airport.

The aircraft Boeing 737-800 with 184-seat which directly flew from Milan, Italy, to Banjul, carried on board top officials of the airline, two Italian tour operators, Alpitour and I Viaggi di Atlantide respectively, and some other Italian entrepreneurs among other officials.

Neos is owned by Alpitour S.P.A, a major tour operator in Italy with a good record in the Africa market. The airline has been flying destinations like Senegal and Kenya over the years and is now convinced that the Gambia could be a valid new destination in Africa since Italians love to spend their holidays in African countries like The Gambia.

Receiving the flight, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, the minister of Tourism and Culture, welcomed the management of the Neos Air and its shareholders to Banjul. She said the airline will operate weekly flights that will fly-in from Milan to The Gambia on a regular basis from now till April 2013. "Neos Air will fly directly from Milan via Dakar - Banjul," she added.

Minister Jobe-Njie said this is a good initiative that is important for the development of The Gambia, given the fact that the country is a tourist destination and business centre. She also assured them of government and her Ministry's support at all times.