This is war! Power tussle on the Nigerian international route
Dear Allen Onyema/Airpeace,
So much is being discussed about the plans of your competitors on the international route and I feel you should know this. This is war, and I mean that in the literal sense of the word.
These guys have been balling on that route forever, making a kill, and you think they'd fold their hands and watch as you dilute their market share? Especially with the emotional support of Nigerians in favour of their own, and your penetration pricing strategy? Naaaa, it's not going to be that easy. They'll fight with every drop of blood in their system to reenforce their superiority on that route and edge out competitors without bating an eyelid.
Wonderful enough, you still hold the Ace, and can still do well on the route if you're ready for the game. Long haul flights are not for the faint hearted, and I believe you know this too, you've been in this business for a while and can tell.
However, with competitors throwing everything into the ring to entrench themselves as the only players in the game, the dynamics can be played in your favour. You can achieve this by introducing some perks and packages to your service offerings.
- Shuttle service within London, especially since Gatwick is farther out than the preferred Heathrow airport
- Increased baggage allowance
- Impressive customer service (food, boarding, crew, check in staff etc)
- Timely departures ( it's very important as your competitors are on point with this)
- Clean aircraft (Cleanliness is next to godliness, and for international passengers, they want to start feeling like they're already abroad from the aircraft)
- Seamless transitions for passengers going beyond Lagos (baggage, people)
- and so many more.
No matter the temptation, never ever drop the standard, Nigerians are quick to walking away for the slightest reasons.
I and millions of Nigerians believe in this laudable project and are willing to stick with our own, but the conditions must be favourable.
I wish you the best, cheers!
🎉 Congratulations on the expansion, Carvago.com!