Qatar Airways inaugural flight on Thursday landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwe, Rivers State amidst excitement from aviation stakeholders.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed at the airport at 11:15 a.m and was welcome with a ceremonial water shower by officials of the Aerodrome and Fire Rescue Service of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The Rivers State Governor, Gov. Nyesom Wike, commended the management of Qatar Airways for the good initiative towards bringing the airlines to the economy hub of Nigeria.
Wike who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr, Ipalino Harry-Banigo said the airlines will further boost the economy activities of Rivers State and the Nigeria at large.
He said that this will also bring more foreign investments into the country, adding that the State has developed ease of doing business and sustainable policies that will enhance business operations in Rivers State.
According to him, “Today, l offcially received the flagged off of Qatar Airways from Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
” I commended the airport authorities and Qatar Airways management for choosing Port Harcourt as part of the their commercial operations.
” This will aid the development of the State and we will also support Qatar operations, “he said.
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Qatar, said the airline made a wise decision by accepting his request to expand its operations to major commercial cities in Nigeria.
He said Port Harcourt was among the economy hub and oil producing cities in the country.
He said :“As Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the State of Qatar, it is part of my cardinal responsibilities to promote political, economic, and socio-cultural partnerships that will lead to the realisation of mutual benefits.
“I have no doubt, the milestone we are celebrating today will bring the people of Nigeria and Qatar closer.
” This will therefore give them the opportunity to interact and explore areas of common interests. With such interactions, strong bonds are bound to flourish.”
The Ambassador also said since the beginning of his diplomatic assignment in Doha, he has received several enquiries from both Nigeria and Qatar about various fields of human endeavours, adding that such curiosity would certainly lead to only one thing – establishment of sustainable win-win cooperation.
In his speech, Hendrik Du Preez, Qatar Airways Vice-President, said the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, today, marked the start of three new weekly services to Nigeria.
Preez said that the airline is one of the modern aircraft in Qatar Airways fleet, adding that it offers 22 seats in business class and 232 in economy.
According to him, “The new routes will connect Port Harcourt, via the world’s best airport – Hamid International Airport to more than 140 destinations across Qatar Airway’s network.
” Port Harcourt is an important economic hub for Nigeria, and we hope these new flights, linking it to the world’s financial and petrochemical capital.
” Will contribute to its ongoing success and pave the way for future growth. We anticipated good reciprocal demand between Port Harcourt and destinations in the USA and UK, he added.
Preez said : With the launch of our new service to Port Harcourt, Qatar Airways’presence in Nigeria now covers four key markets and is a real affirmation of our commitment to the country.
The Vice-President said that in Nigeria, the airline offers double – daily flights to Lagos and steady steadfast in its commitment to Africa throughout the pandemic.
Africa Update gathered HRM King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, and other officials of the Rivers State Government, were amongst dignitaries who welcomed the Qatar Airways flight to Rivers State.
