Virgin Atlantic To Resume Nigeria Flights Amidst Fall In Disposable Income

As Nigeria announces resumption of international flights, foreign airlines are preparing to begin operation in the country's airspace. One of the foreign airlines set to begin commercial operation is Virgin Atlantic. The company is resuming amidst falling disposable income in Nigeria.

AllNews had reported that several sectors went placed on lockdown since March 2020. While some sectors resumed operation in May, the domestic airlines resumed operation in July, while International flights waited for about five months, as the Federal Government scheduled August 29 for resumption of foreign flights.

In a statement from Virgin Atlantic, the company said it will resume Lagos to London trip on September 10, “Economy and premium economy customers will now enjoy a ‘Fly safe, eat well’ meal box, which incorporates a choice of two hot meals, cheese and biscuits and a dessert pot washed down with a choice of wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water.

“Upper-class customers will receive a choice of three hot meals, desserts, including cheese & biscuits and a ciabatta roll, all delivered to their seat on a tray. All customers will receive a second meal service which, on day flights from the UK, includes the delicious Mile High Tea in collaboration with celebrity pâtissier Eric Lanlard.” Virgin Atlantic said in 

While speaking on the resumption, Virgin Atlantic’s commercial manager, Justin Bell, said, “We are delighted to be able to relaunch flights between Lagos and London Heathrow, showcasing our brand new A350-1000 aircraft.

“We will always ensure that health and safety remain our number one priority, whilst keeping our signature Virgin spirit and our teams have been working tirelessly to implement new measures and evolve our customer experience. We are looking forward to welcoming customers back on-board, taking them to the skies safely and in true Virgin Atlantic style.”

“The health and wellbeing of our customers and crew is at the centre of all our operations and that includes social distancing at the airport and on-board wherever possible, meticulous cleaning of the aircraft and individual health packs for all customers, containing medical-grade face masks, hand sanitizer and surface wipes.”

How Will Resumption Affect Airlines

The pandemic has severely affected household income and revenue of companies, which has resulted to job loss and salary cut. This has reduced the number of disposable income population in Nigeria, with many now cutting down on their spending.

And with most airlines expected to raise ticket fee, this might affect the number of bookings and reservations that will be recorded in the third quarter and fourth quarter of this year. It will also reflect on the revenue of domestic and foreign airlines. Note that the Aviation sector, according to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, had lost about N20 billion every month of the lockdown.