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.
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