…Airline Warned to Stay Out of Media Spotlight Amidst Price War Challenges
Air Peace’s entry in Lagos-London route sparked excitement with its affordable fares, challenging the foreign carriers’ monopoly.
However, the response has been fierce – foreign airlines slashing prices to compete. This raises a crucial question: can Air Peace survive this price war?
Many are urging government intervention. But what can they do? In an interview on the price war on the Lagos London route, Former President, Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative ASRTI, Dr. Gbenga Olowo is of the view that Air Peace has the ability to survive amidst competition.
He acknowledges the challenges as part of the airline’s journey and emphasizes the need for mature handling.
“So it’s part of the politics that they must get ready to handle very maturely and stay off the TV, off the media. It is the challenge of the business and they must be ready to tackle it”.
“It’s expected they will overcome it. The airlines that tried the route in the past, Bellview, Medview, Arik, they all had their baptism and they went under, I pray that they will not go under. They should be able to understand the challenges and get ready to handle it very firmly. It’s as simple as that”.
Government support, including fuel subsidies, is crucial, but he highlights the importance of the carrier’s own efforts in maintaining operations.
“Government has done its very best with the support it gave in endorsing the flag carrier, that is very good, that’s commendable, it’s now left for the carrier to pull its worth to post on time departures and make sure they sustain the flight”.
Dr. Olowo, believes the recent drop in fares is influenced by multiple factors, including the resolution of trapped funds and Air Peace’s entry.
He suggests that additional carriers entering the route could ease concerns about a national carrier.
The Economist and Administrator encourages collaboration among airlines to address the diverse needs of passengers beyond London.
“Air peace and any other carrier should note that they have to interline, they have to collaborate, especially with our African partners, South Africa, the Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan airways and the big carriers”.
No carrier can do it alone. It depends. Air peace is encouraged to partner, to interline for the success of London route.
Despite challenges, he sees Air Peace as a trailblazer that should inspire other domestic airlines to pursue international routes rather than deter them.
