Arik Air, a demestic airline on November 29 made history being the first Nigerian airline to fly this route after the demise of Nigerian Airways about a decade ago. However, not a few Nigerians have entertained fears on the sustainability of this route, while some believe that the achievement of category one aviation status by Nigeria early next year will boost the operations, reports PEARL NGWAMA.

THE Mercedes E-Class, comprising the Saloon and E-Coupe currently takes lead in the luxury vehicle market having recently been adjudged one of the best selling models in the upper range segment worldwide.

ROUNDING off its expo with an award ceremony, the AKWAABA Travel Market 2009, a travel and tourism trade exhibition held at the Expo centre of Eko Hotel and suites in Lagos recently rated Emirates airline best airline into Africa.

IN line with its route expansion, Overland Airways has commenced flight operations to Katsina State effective November 2.

TO further strategise the airline for growth and development, Arik Air recently strengthened its executive team with the secondment of two executives from Arik International SA.

AKWAABA African Travel Market [AFTM], a three-day event, which attracted exhibitors from within and outside Nigeria, created a rare avenue for tourism and travel experts to cross-fertilise ideas on new areas of investment opportunity, and how to sustain business network and innovation through a unified forum has come and gone.

INTERNATIONAL tourist arrivals worldwide are estimated to have declined by 7  per cent between January and August 2009. Destinations worldwide recorded a total of 600 million arrivals, down from 643 million in the same period of 2008.

THE recent introduction of the air passenger duty (APD) for departures from United Kingdom airports to long haul destinations is causing jitters within the tourism industry, with players fearing that they could lose British tourists.