Nigerian airline operator, Dana Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 aircraft as part of its fleet renewal exercise.
Nairametrics had earlier reported that the company promised to increase its fleet and intensify expansion of its routes.
The new aircraft with registration number 5N-DNA and a configuration for 143 passengers arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, Lagos from Italy. It was reportedly received with water cannon showers from men of the firefighters of the Federal Airport Authority Nigeria.
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While speaking about Dana Air’s strategic route expansion plan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Jacky Hathiramani said the airline was committed to its strategic route expansion, fleet renewal plan, and its desire to continue to provide unmatched on-time performance, world-class in-flight services and seamless air travel to its teeming guests.
“Earlier in the year, we noticed that there were fewer aircraft in the country and less capacity to meet the demand at the time, so we decided to assure our guests that we will acquire some Boeing 737 aircraft to ensure that they travel at ease without having to worry if they will get flights to certain destinations even at peak periods.
“The arrival of the first of our recently acquired 737 aircraft is a firm confirmation of our resilience, operational efficiency, deep passion, and our commitment to continue flying safe.
“It also underscores our mission which to earn the loyalty and respect of our customers by consistently demonstrating our commitment to service, and providing affordable regional air transport services that focus on innovation, quality and service excellence,” Hathiramani said.
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Hathiramani also stated that with this expansion plan, more Nigerian pilots and engineers would be given the opportunity to be gainfully employed. He said the aircraft would be deployed to strengthen existing route network while new routes would be announced soon in line with the airline’s methodical route and fleet expansion project.