VIRGIN NIGERIA has been formally announced (see ABTN 6 September), with Nigerian institutions taking 51% and Virgin Atlantic the balance. With a start-up date yet to be announced, but thought to be early next year, the new airline will initially concentrate on domestic and regional routes. Clearly there will be a feed from Virgin Atlantic”s Lagos and Port Harcourt services from London. The importance of the new operation was highlighted by the personal appearance at the announcement of Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Virgin involvement will bring back credibility to the Nigerian airline system, severely dented by the failure of Nigeria Airways last year.
http://www.virgin.com