Lagos, Nigeria - US airlines United made its inaugural flight from Houston to Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday, joining Delta Airlines on the US-Nigeria route. United Airlines operated a Boeing 777 on the inaugural flight, which touched down at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

Speaking at the occasion, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, said the Nigerian Airspace was available for exploration by genuine foreign airlines, but closed to exploitation by those with diabolical intentions.

'The Nigerian government would kick against any discriminatory fare hike policy from foreign airlines and those out to abuse the Nigerian market,' he said, in an apparent reference to the ongoing spat between the Nigerian government and two British airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways, over alleged price-fixing.

Dr. Demuren said the federal government would continue to defend the interest of  its flying public and encourage genuine foreign investors to invest in Nigeria

Also speaking at the occasion, the US Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr Joseph Stafford, said the flight operations would further strengthen existing strategic partnership between Nigeria  and the US, and encourage growth in exchange of people and goods.

Experts said the launching of the flight was the dividend of the Category One status which Nigeria achieved some months ago.

'No American airline would have wished to fly to Nigeria if there are no safety measures put in place by the regulating aviation body in line with  international standard. None of them would fly to any country unless such a country has attained the category One status,' Dr. Demuren said.

Pana 19/11/2011