Dana Air - Nigeria’s Best ICT-Driven Airline for 2009
Since Dana Air announced their commencement of commercial flight operations on November 10, 2008, following the award of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authorities, the new airline has proved that they can become Nigeria’s first new world carrier.
Dana Air was recently awarded Best ICT-Driven Airline of the year 2009 at the National ICT Merit Award (NIMA) held at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites on Thursday, April 9, 2009. NIMA is an annual ICT award organised by Technology Africa in recognition of individuals and organisations that are at the forefront of technology deployment and adoption in the country.
Why Was Dana Air Awarded Best ICT-Driven Airline?
According to Mr. Don Pedro Aganbi, Managing Consultant of Technology Africa:
Dana Air was chosen as the recipient of the Best ICT Driven Airline award, despite being a new entrant in the aviation industry, because of its early deployment of ICT solutions. The introduction of e-booking and payment services by the airline is proof of the airline’s commitment to passenger convenience and comfort, and deserves to be complimented.
Dana Air currently has a fleet of three Boeing MD83 aircrafts (4th one to join soon) which have a higher number of passenger seats and a larger cargo capacity than currently available. The airline offers a two class service, with 12 seats in their dedicated “Smart Class” business cabin, and 128 seats in the spacious “Traveller class” economy cabin.
At present, Dana Air operates eight flights daily on the Lagos–Abuja–Lagos route and the Lagos–Enugu route. Apart from Enugu, the airline also intends to extend its operations to the cities of Kano and Port-Harcourt in the next couple of months.
Dana Air recently unveiled a new fare for NYSC Students, University Students and Senior Citizens (above 60 years) for N 9,990 One Way and N 19,980 Return Trip on the LOS-ABV route. Dana Air’s round trip flight costs between N 27, 000 and N 50 000 for economy class depending on the flight schedule and period.
Dana Air is a division of Dana Group, a three decade old conglomerate based in Nigeria with presence in a variety of Industries including Pharmaceuticals, Plastics, Automobiles, FMCG, Industrial Chemicals, Electronics, Steel, etc.
My take
Great achievement for Dana Air! With barely 5 months of commercial operations, they have shown that they can become a leader in the aviation industry. I personally haven’t flown with Dana Air, but since they seem to be more technology-driven, it’ll be nice to see what their in-flight entertainment looks like.
Perhaps we can get in-flight WiFi internet connection on their flights soon, just like American Airlines provides. That will be a great initiative and will definitely increase the airline’s customer base. But maybe airline customers are more interested in safety than surfing.
Who wants to die?
Its not really clear what distinguishes DANA Air’s ICT from the others? Last I checked Aero, Virgin, Arik, etc all have “e-booking and payment services”.
I reserve my comments about this “National ICT Merit Award (NIMA)” ceremonies - just like I reserve comments about “honorary degrees”
My comments on this are at http://digitalcrossings.blogspot.com/2009/04/dana-air-best-ict-driven-airline.html
@Dej - Thanks for posting such interesting perspectives on your blog. I’ve commented on your blog and have reposted it here…
Dejo - thanks for the fantastic analysis! Maybe we should get you on board Startups Nigeria:-)
Here are my thoughts, so please listen.
Awards, esp. those given by any organization, company or individual, are usually biased. As long as users did not vote, we are forced to accept their judgments.
I could have done a critical analysis in my post to bring out different perspectives (like you’ve done), but I reasoned:
What’s the point debating after decisions have been made?
It’s interesting to analyze and I do that most times, but for me it’s best saving time and energy for other important things.
Really enjoyed your article, but please don’t wait for me to post before you blog again
crap…it’s just a commercial stunt!
VirginNigeria pioneered e-ticketing in Nigeria!!
Hello Loy,
Thanks for stopping by Digital Crossings. I’m certainly involved in your job offer! :-). I get your point about debating stuff after it’s a fait accompli. However, my blog does those kinds of debates to stimulate thought about technology. Especially among people less technology oriented than the readership of StartUps Nigeria might be.
Don’t worry, Ideas dey yanfu-yanfu (or however that is spelt) so I won’t be dependent on your posts!
Dejo.
I meant “interested” not “involved”
Dej - I’d say you’re doing well with your blog. All the best!:)
Just as every body is skeptical about the so called award. Just a marketing gimmick from one dubious setup. The time is the greatest teacher. I would not be surprised if they fold up and go within the next 5 years. Hit as every body is by the economic turbulence, and DANA AIR is no island of cash that it can sustain for the next 5 years to become economically viable. Lest some MD’s ego comes and runs a loss making proposition and in turn drag the whole group / investors to bankruptcy. I am sure that there would be some Nigerian investors also involved in the setup. Poor them, they con the world with the INTERNET scams now DANA has scammed them into investing in Airline business. May be its lord’s way of judgment day. Amen.