Turkish Airlines Lands Maiden International Flight in Port Harcourt * Wike, FAAN to partner for more international flights

 

Turkish Airlines on Tuesday landed its maiden flight from Istanbul, Turkey, to Port Harcourt International Airport in River State.

This is as the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, said the state would partner the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure that there were more international flights to and from the state.

Turkish Airlines, which prides itself as the airline that flies to more destinations in the world, has promised that passengers from Port Harcourt would experience the airline’s multiple fleet, on board hospitality, and lounges four times a week through the new route.

With this flight, Port Harcourt has became the fourth destination in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano and Abuja where the airline has operated from.

Addressing a press conference at the Port Harcourt International Airport to mark the inaugural flight, Turkish Airlines Senior Vice President of Sales (2nd Region), Kerem Sarp, described the Garden City as an important city in Nigeria, adding that its addition to its flight network makes it the global carrier’s 56th destination in Africa.

He said adding Port Harcourt to the list, has increased its flight network to 311 destinations.

"By starting our Port Harcourt flights, we added a new milestone to Turkish Airlines’ mission of growth in Africa. With Port Harcourt as our fourth destination in Nigeria, Turkish Airlines continues to be the bridge between cultures. We are happy to add Port Harcourt to our flight network, and enable our passengers in here to experience a seamless flight journey with Turkish Airlines privilege," he said.

Sarp said that Turkish Airlines is committed to improving social and economic connections  in different  parts  of the world.

"We are recognised for our unique flight services.  We will continue to grow and this is an important destination," he said.

He said that the Port Harcourt route would link India, United States, China and other important global  destinations.

Meanwhile, Wike, has stated that the commencement  of Turkish Airlines Flights  to the Port Harcourt International Airport would lead to greater economic development for the state.

Speaking at the conference, Wike said  Rivers State Government was ready to partner with FAAN for more airlines to operate International flights from the state.

He said: "We are happy  that Turkish Airlines is now operating  from the Port Harcourt International Airport.  This will positively  impact  the economy  of the State.

"Outside  Lagos and Abuja,  Port Harcourt International Airport should be the next destination  for international flights and other business opportunities.  The Rivers State Government is willing to partner  with key stakeholders to ensure that more Airlines  operate from the state".

He said Rivers State has great economic  opportunities  that will be beneficial  to investors. He noted that the economy of the state can sustain itself.

The governor reiterated his approval for the dualisation of the road leading  to the Port Harcourt International Airport,  saying  that  engineers of the State Ministry of Works took road measurements  on Tuesday.

Managing Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Group Captain Usman Sadiq, said the Port Harcourt International Airport deserves more flights. He said FAAN  would continue  to work towards more flights  for the state.