Advertisement
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Ibom Air travel agents’ engagement took center stage this week as the airline revealed that trade partners contributed 6% of its total revenue, barely six months after onboarding. Simultaneously, the airline announced plans to join the Global Distribution System (GDS) by December 2025, a move that will expand its global booking reach — though Acting Managing Director George Uriesi expressed hopes this could happen as early as October.
“As of the end of June, the business coming from you is already 6% of our revenue,” Uriesi disclosed. “That’s phenomenal in such a short time.”
He added, “Getting on the GDS is a critical next step in expanding our visibility, and we’re working hard to make that happen.”
The landmark event, held in Lagos, marked Ibom Air’s first formal trade partner forum, bringing together travel agents, aviation stakeholders, and leaders of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).
The informal but strategic session was designed to strengthen collaboration, exchange feedback, and improve service delivery — a key part of the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
“This is six years into our operation, and we’re now fully engaging with agents because we followed a deliberate growth strategy,” Uriesi said. “As of the end of June, the business generated by you accounts for 6% of our revenue. That’s impressive for such a short time.”
“We have ambitious growth plans,” Uriesi noted. “But we prefer organic expansion — increasing frequencies, consolidating our domestic footprint, and ensuring service reliability before adding new destinations.” He said that the airline was looking at turnover nearer to N150b in 2025, from its turnover of N96b in 2024.
Long-Awaited Industry Engagement
Amaka Echetabu, Head of Commercial at Ibom Air, welcomed the gathering warmly, acknowledging the travel agents’ patience and expectations over the years.
“This meeting has been long overdue,” she said. “We didn’t want to start on shaky ground. It took us time to prepare the right framework, and we appreciate you for sticking with us.”
She highlighted that agent onboarding officially began in December 2023 through Ibom Air’s dedicated agent portal.
“We wanted to get it right so when we started, it would be upward from there,” she said.
The informal, solutions-focused forum allowed agents to air concerns and suggest ways to improve partnerships.
FTAN and NANTA Back Strategic Alignment
President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, praised Ibom Air for its professionalism and reliability, stating it is crucial to Nigeria’s tourism growth.
“With three daily flights from Uyo to Abuja and Lagos, Uyo has become one of Nigeria’s most accessible destinations,” Onung said. “This makes us more optimistic about developing Akwa Ibom as a strong African destination.”
Onung called for sustainable collaboration, adding, “We don’t want a seasonal relationship — we want a developmental one.”
President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Yinka Folami, on his part commended Ibom Air for its thoughtful engagement with travel agents, describing the initiative as the result of a well-planned, two-year journey.
“This has been a journey of about two years,” he said. “And I must commend Amaka and the team — the composition is very good.”
Folami urged the airline to treat every piece of feedback from agents as a gift and a guide toward better service.
“Akwa Ibom is known for hospitality,” he noted. “What I advise is simple — bring that same hospitality into your service.”
He emphasized that embracing customer feedback and reflecting the state’s reputation for warmth will set Ibom Air apart in the aviation sector.
Agents Demand Competitive Rates, Expanded Access
Participating agents shared feedback and called for open inventory systems, discounted fares, and broader agent inclusion. Celestine of Call to Fly urged Ibom Air to focus on service delivery, allowing certified travel agents to handle ticket sales.
“Let Ibom Air concentrate on flying — allow agents to handle the ticketing,” he said.
Others called for NANTA and NCAA-certified agents to be fully onboarded, asking for more flexibility and competitive fare structures.
Similarly, NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, commended the progress and vision of the airline, urging Ibom Air to strengthen ties with NANTA members.
“Please don’t close the door on NANTA,” Folami appealed. “Just give five registered agents a chance — onboard them and let us show you how professional we are becoming.”
He announced that NANTA has restructured its compliance and training committees and would ensure that only certified agents operate under its umbrella going forward.
“Your goal shouldn’t be just to win as an airline,” Folami said. “Let Ibom Air help Nigerian and African aviation succeed as a whole.”
The event offered an opportunity for agents to interact directly with Ibom Air’s executive team, who emphasized openness to feedback and continuous improvement.
Highpoint: Rewarding Excellence
The highlight of the day was the recognition of five top-performing travel agencies. Ibom Air awarded them with six months of round-trip tickets and shopping vouchers. Recipients included South Oak, Super International Travel, Touchdown Travels, Bon Voyage, and Call to Fly.
“This is just the beginning,” Echetabu assured. “We are here to grow with you.”
With Ibom Air travel agents engagement gaining momentum, stakeholders left the forum optimistic about deeper collaboration and improved access to domestic and continental air travel.
Advertisement
