EGYPTAIR elevates presence in Nigeria, opens new office in Kano, unveils GSA partnership
Africa’s pioneer airline, EGYPTAIR has enlisted the expertise of a General Sales Agent (GSA) and inaugurated a new office in Kano in a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in the Nigerian aviation sector.
In a statement made available to DAT, the airline said it has teamed up with Elite Tours, a highly regarded GSA firm known for its exceptional airline sales and marketing services in Nigeria, backed by its parent company, Master Travels, an Egypt-based Travel and Tourism Management Organization.
As part of its revamped marketing strategy, EGYPTAIR celebrated the opening of its new office in Kano on December 4, 2023.
The event drew the attendance of distinguished personalities from the aviation and allied industries, including His Excellency, Mr. Khalil A. Muselmani, the Honorary Consul of Lebanon to Nigeria; Mr. Ahmed Dauda Bagari, Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service; and Dr. Mohamed Abdeldayem, Chairman of Master Group.
Notable figures from top-flight tour operators in Kano, VIPs, and Corporate Clients also lent their support to the occasion.
Managing Director of Elite Tours, Mr. Mohamed Said, highlighted the company’s rich history in Egypt, stating, “The company has a strong history in Egypt. We are one of the top tour operators in Cairo, with a mother company in Egypt known as Master Travels.”
Mr. Muharram Abdelrahman, General Manager of the GSA in Nigeria, emphasized the significance of this milestone for EGYPTAIR, marking over 45 years of operations in Nigeria.
Abdelrahman outlined the role of the GSA in coordinating operations, ensuring high-quality service, and enhancing the airline’s presence in the Nigerian market.
“This is a significant milestone in the history of EGYPTAIR in Nigeria since the airline started operations in Nigeria more than 45 years ago. During this time EGYPTAIR used to carry out its business in Nigeria by itself through its offices in Lagos, Kano and Abuja. In order to get more quality service, the airline took a decision to have a GSA in Kano and Lagos in order to satisfy the customer needs and to be closer to the customers.
“We help in the coordination of EGYPTAIR operations with the Management of the airline here in Nigeria and have held different meetings with our ground handling agent, also with the catering company so that we can be sure that high quality service is getting to EGYPTAIR customers.
“Also, we recently enhanced our product in Kano with our brand new A321. Also, we need to concentrate more on the cargo business especially in Lagos to bring more flights and aircraft to cover the high demand for cargo. These are different ways we are trying to enhance our services to the Nigerian market,” said Abdelrahman.
Mr. Mohamed Farahat, General Manager of Investment, explained that investing in a GSA allows EGYPTAIR to enhance its products and services, a crucial step as the airline explores new destinations and expands its operations.
“Sometimes the airline needs an investor to invest some money so that they can enhance all their products and services. That is why they are looking for a GSA who can do this service. So, we are investing some extra money to get a better service which EGYPTAIR is trying to enhance,” said Farahat.
EGYPTAIR Country Manager, Mr. Amr Basha, shed light on the decision to operate through a GSA, emphasizing efficiency and expansion.
Basha shared plans for charter flights to Sharm El Sheikh, tourism-focused initiatives, and collaborations with EGYPTAIR Hospital for medical tourism packages.
Discussing the benefits of the GSA partnership, Basha highlighted the extensive capabilities of Elite Tours in organizing travel packages, foreseeing increased success in the market through this collaboration.
“The airline tends to operate through a GSA in order to make its operations more efficient. EGYPTAIR is now trying to expand to many other new destinations. So, instead of building or renting their own staff and offices, we contract with a GSA with more experience in the market. And that is probably why they chose Mr. Muharram Abdelrahman as GSA Manager because he is very experienced and has a strong knowledge about aviation in Nigeria.”
“We are also concentrating on tourism because the GSA, which is Elite Tours, is one of top tour operators in Egypt. Also, we are planning to have charter flights from here to Sharm El Shiek during Easter holidays and summer holidays.
“We also have plans for medical tourists. We have a package for medical tourists in coordination with EGYPTAIR Hospital. We have also planned for several packages for travel agents with aviation ticketing courses, airline marketing and sales as well as other related fields in coordination with EGYPTAIR Training Centre,” said Basha.
Addressing the challenge of blocked funds, Mr. Basha acknowledged the impact on EGYPTAIR’s operations but emphasized the airline’s commitment to serving the Nigerian market despite the financial constraints.
“We have the issue of blocked funds like the majority of airlines operating here in Nigeria but it didn’t affect our operations. We are flying daily from Lagos and 4 times from Abuja and 4 from Kano..
“We are affected because we cannot take our money out, but we remain in the market because we have a good relationship with the Nigerian government as well as with our customers and we need to serve the Nigerian market in spite of the fact that we are affected by this problem,” he said.
EGYPTAIR’s strategic moves underscore its dedication to providing enhanced services, expanding its reach, and navigating challenges in the dynamic Nigerian aviation landscape.
