Airlines - The sky is not the limit but just the beginning

No doubt, traveling by airline remains the best means of transportation, this is because it is not only convenient and comfortable but also covers a wide range of distances within a short period compared to other means of transportation known.

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There is this popular maxim that says"The sky is not the limit but it's just the beginning". This maxim connotes the ability to persevere and push ahead, allowing no limitations or barriers to achieving our target goals in life. It is surprising how this maxim is associated with the sky or space, most times we are limited and think of the impossibilities rather than focus on the many possibilities and opportunities ahead of us.

This maxim well describes the situation in Nigeria before the launch of Air Peace Flight (a private Nigerian airline). The chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, saw beyond the limitations and impossibilities of launching the flight to London from Lagos. The Air Peace airline was founded in 2013 but had its first launch from Lagos to London in 2024.

Competitive Pricing Strategy

Usually one of the greatest challenges of airlines is the high cost of flight tickets recently report shows that when the Nigerian Air Peace Airline on the 30th day of March 2024 launched its first trip from Lagos state to London which is about 6 hours flight and it's price for a round trip economy ticket was at 1.2 million Naira as against other foreign airlines that charge about 3million Naira to fly passengers on the same route.

It was discovered that after the Air Peace launched trip, foreign airlines drastically reduced the cost of flight tickets and this development makes one wonder if these foreign airlines have been taking advantage of their flight passengers, especially Nigerians. I guess, we shall soon find out if this act is to encourage more travel through airlines or a hidden malicious thought against the Nigerian Government and its citizens... The good news is that there is competition in the aviation business these days.

Understanding Flight & Services

Before one travels on an airline, it is important to know the basic requirements needed such as the details of your passport, travel date and time, details of flight and passenger, payment information, choice of destination airport and the different flight classes, and the services they provide: there are three of such classes; the first class, the business or executive class, and the economy class.

In the Economy class which happens to be the basic and cheapest flight amongst others. There are two categories under this class; the regular economy class (R.E.C) and Premium economy class (P.E.C), although the difference between these two, is the seat spacing accommodation for leisure travelers and the quantity of items available on the menu provided. Economy flight classes are usually best for short flights for both domestic (local)and international flights.

The second which is the Business or Executive class is less expensive compared to the first class and this category is usually intended for business travelers who are provided with high-quality accommodation and pleasant journeys for long flights. Finally, the First class which is the most expensive amongst the others, provides the most comfortable accommodation and extravagant services to its passengers, especially celebrities and wealthy passengers.

Economic & Social Significance

The Airlines business has been a source of income and revenue for the Nation's economic growth amongst other avenues for economic growth and development. Airline passengers like tourists, businessmen, women, entertainers, academic scholars, religious and political leaders, etc. from all over the world can comfortably and conveniently travel from one location to another without many hitches. Even Health matters that require immediate attention can also be handled especially those that need traveling out of the country to where proper and better medical services are provided.

Risks & Maintenance Considerations

The risk factor associated with airplanes is aviation accident, collisions, or air crashes. This crash may occur as a result of technical or mechanical faultings and because aircraft uses volatile chemical substances or fuel called Jet fuel and AVGAS, these petroleum products burn out easily in the air, it only takes a matter of minutes for the aircraft to be consumed by fire. The only precautionary measure in this circumstance is to jump out of the plane with the aid of a parachute and land at a safe location.

The maintenance of an aircraft is very expensive and that's why only a fewer number of individuals own them compared to the world population we have, some airlines have also stopped operations because of the huge financial implications involved in running them. It is important to have aircraft checked properly, especially after each trip to detect technical or mechanical issues before the next trip. Passengers should also ensure that they observe airline guidelines to avoid mishaps and enjoy a pleasant and comfortable trip to their destination.

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