The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo today held a strategic meeting with a high-power delegation from Turkish Airlines insisting that the airline must consistently respect Nigerian passengers.
The delegation, led by the airline’s Vice President in Charge of Africa, Hilemet Mesut Turkseven, included General Manager, Lagos, Lokman Balkan, General Manager, Abuja, Akin Carleal, and the Turkish Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Imdat Karakoc.
A statement signed by the SA Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,Tunde Moshood and made available to Aviation Correspondents, informed that at the meeting, the Minister emphasised the need for Turkish Airlines to consistently respect Nigerian passengers.
He addressed concerns about reported instances of disrespect during flight operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards of customer service and dignity for all passengers.
The Turkish Airlines delegation conveyed the regards of its Chief Executive Officer, Bilal Eksi, to the Minister, expressing gratitude for his intervention during the recent disruption of its operations by the union.
Vice President Turkseven thanked the Minister for his support and reiterated the airline’s commitment to Nigeria, highlighting their 18 years of service since commencing operations in 2006.
He praised Nigerians for their unwavering support and emphasised Turkish Airlines’ commitment to cooperating with the Nigerian government and its agencies to foster further growth in the country.
Responding, Keyamo assured the delegation that there would be no further disruptions to their flight operations, given that the matter is currently before an industrial court.
He urged Turkish Airlines to continually uphold respect and dignity for Nigerian passengers.
The Minister critiqued the airline’s communication strategy during the union actions, attributing the issues to the attitude of the Country Manager.
“I had to advise your authorities to issue a press statement to calm troubled nerves,” he noted.
The Minister also put forward three key demands to the Turkish Airlines team, which includes aircraft upgrades, requesting for an upgrade to the aircraft used for flights to Nigeria.
He also wants the Turkish Airlines authorities to address the issue of Transit Visa causing Nigerians to be stranded in Istanbul, seeking a resolution and support for local in-flight caterers:.
Keyamo advised the airline to support local caterers by serving Nigerian cuisine on return journeys.
On his part, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Imdat Karakoc, assured the Minister that he would discuss these issues with the Turkish authorities back home and promised necessary adjustments.
He said that the airline is committed to improving the quality of aircraft used, despite stating that the current airplanes are not specifically directed against Nigeria.
The meeting is part of efforts of a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between Turkish Airlines and the Nigerian aviation sector, ensuring better service and mutual respect for all passengers.
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