Air Canada says it plans to commence scheduled flights to Lagos in 2027.
The plan follows the expansion of the air transport
agreement between Canada and Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, the airline welcomed the
Canadian government’s announcement of the agreement and said it has begun the
process of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to operate commercial
flights to Nigeria.
Mary-Jane Lorette, vice-president of revenue management,
partnerships and international affairs at Air Canada, said the airline looks
forward to launching the service next year.
“We welcome this expanded Air Transport Agreement and look
forward to obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin service to
Lagos, Nigeria in the coming year,” Lorette said.
The development comes hours after Nigeria and Canada signed
an expanded air transport agreement that allows direct scheduled air services
between both countries.
One of the highlights of the agreement includes allowing
Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services
between the two nations.
Speaking on the development, Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s
minister of transport, said the agreement would create new opportunities for
airlines while giving travellers more options.
“The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement
will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and making (sic)
it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” the
transport minister said.
Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s minister of international trade,
also said the agreement would strengthen commercial and people-to-people ties
between both countries.
“I have met many Canadians of Nigerian descent who have long
called for greater connectivity between Canada and Nigeria, and I know more
flight options will be welcome news,” Sidhu said.
“Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies. A direct
connection to Lagos brings Canadian exporters closer to that market while also
bringing families, communities, and partners closer together.”
Air Canada said details of the flight schedules and aircraft
will be announced in due course.
But this remains subject to government approvals and the
completion of operational requirements in Nigeria, the aviation firm said.
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