Etihad Airways Names APG Nigeria as General Sales Agent
L – R: Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President, Global Sales & Distribution, Etihad Airways; Mr. Christopher Isaiah, Group General Manager – Commercial; Mrs. Gloria Atumu, General Manager, APG Nigeria; and Mr. Olufemi Adefope, Chairman of APG Nigeria.
By Admin, Lagos
Etihad Airways has appointed Air Promotion Group (APG) Nigeria as its new General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nigeria, a move aimed at strengthening the airline’s commercial presence in one of Africa’s largest aviation markets ahead of its planned Lagos operations.
The appointment was formalized through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Lagos with senior officials from both organizations in attendance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution, Javier Alija described Nigeria as a strategic market for the airline.
“Nigeria represents one of the most important aviation markets in Africa, and we are delighted to partner with APG Nigeria as we strengthen our commercial presence. We believe APG Nigeria has the expertise and market knowledge to support our long-term growth ambitions in the country,” he said.
Reacting to the appointment, APG Nigeria’s Chairman, Olufemi Adefope, said the partnership underscores the company’s reputation as a leading airline representation firm in Nigeria.
“We are honoured by the confidence Etihad Airways has placed in our organisation. This appointment reinforces our position as a trusted airline representation company, and we remain committed to growing the Etihad brand, expanding its market reach and delivering sustainable value,” Adefope stated.
Christopher Isaiah, Group General Manager (Commercial), said the collaboration would focus on strengthening relationships with travel agencies, corporate organisations, government institutions and travel management companies.
“Etihad Airways is globally recognised for its premium services, innovation and extensive international network through Abu Dhabi. Our goal is to position the airline as a preferred choice for travellers to and from Nigeria while driving revenue growth and expanding its market share,” he said.
According to the airline, Etihad is scheduled to begin daily flights between Lagos and Abu Dhabi on March 18, 2027, using the Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner.
The new route will provide passengers travelling from Nigeria with one-stop access to more than 120 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.
Industry observers say the appointment of APG Nigeria is expected to strengthen Etihad Airways’ commercial operations, improve engagement with travel partners and widen international travel options for Nigerian passengers.
The partnership also reinforces APG Nigeria’s growing role in airline representation and commercial support services within the country’s aviation industry.