May 04, 2006

VIRGIN NIGERIA BEGINS DIRECT SERVICE TO KANO

4 May 2006, Lagos, Nigeria: Virgin Nigeria, the country's private sector flag carrier, has commenced direct flight operations on the Lagos-Kano and Abuja-Kano routes

The introduction of direct flight service to the ancient city of Kano on Tuesday, 3 May brings to three domestic routes currently serviced by the airline. The launch comes on the heels of the recent commencement of direct domestic flights from Abuja to Port-Harcourt as well as the launch of regional operations to Dakar, Senegal.

Head, Public Affairs of Virgin Nigeria, Mr. Larry Agose, who announced the commencement of flight operations in Lagos, said: "The launch of direct flights operations from Lagos to Kano and from Abuja to Kano has further opened up the commercial city of Kano by providing choice for customers on that route," stressing that, "our goal at Virgin Nigeria is to enhance the service options available to the travelling public throughout Nigeria."

Virgin Nigeria will operate a B737-300 five times a week on non-stop flights from the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and also, direct flight operations between Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

It will be recalled that Virgin Nigeria recently announced plans to flag off thrice weekly flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting from June 2. The airline will fly an A340-300 from Lagos to Dubai direct on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday leaving Lagos at 22.30 and arriving in Dubai at 09.20 the following morning. The return flights from Dubai to Lagos direct will be on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, departing Dubai at 11.20 and arriving into Lagos at 16.20 the same day.

About Virgin Nigeria:
Virgin Nigeria is the registered, fully private sector flag carrier of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, owned 51% by Nigerian Institutional shareholders and 49% by Virgin Atlantic.

The airline operates the following

intercontinental services:
Lagos to London: Daily
Johannesburg: Three times a week
Dubai: Three times a week

Regional services:
Accra: Daily
Douala: Two times a week
Dakar: Two times a week

Domestic services:
Lagos - Abuja: Six times daily
***Lagos - Port Harcourt: Four times daily now temporarily cancelled
***Abuja - Port Harcourt: Once daily now temporarily cancelled
Lagos - Kano: Five times a week
Abuja - Kano: Five times a week

For reservations, call (01) 460 0505; (01) 271 1111; (09) 461 0505; (084) 460505

For all press enquiries, please contact: corporatecommunications@virginnigeria.com

For media information in Nigeria only, please contact Corporate Communications, 3rd floor, Ark towers, Plot 17 Ligali Ayorinde Street, VI, or corpcomm@virginnigeria.com; 234 -1 – 2711144

For media information in the UK please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747 373.