DUBAI: The Nigerian carrier Med-View Airline has announced on Sunday that it has started its operation from Lagos to Dubai via Abuja.

The launching ceremony was held in Dubai graced by high-level aviation dignitaries and trade officials from Nigeria. The airline will operate three weekly flights from Lagos via Abuja to Dubai.

Nigeria aviation industry is key to its growing tourism sector and this new service will accelerate the growth, said Alhaji Muneer Bankole, Chief Executive Officer, Med-View Airlines. He said, the UAE is hub for aviation sector and Dubai is a preferred tourist destination.

Bankole said that this new service will boost tourism in both countries.

He added that we are having 6 aircraft at the fleet at the moment and in talks with Boeing for two long-haul carrier, and hopeful to finalise the deal in the first quarter of 2018.

We are looking for local and international partners for $500 million funding to increase the size of our fleet.

About the expansion plan, he said that the airline has operation in Saudi Arabi and London and gradually expanding to new markets. The company has no plan of expansion in the GCC market at the moment.

Al Maha Travel and Tourism and Air Cargo Trader are the airline partners to promote its passengers and cargo business in Dubai.

Bankole said the airline package for tourists to Dubai include air fare, visa, accommodation and tour guides at reasonable rates.

He added that the airline is offering various packages for traders and business travellers.

Economy passengers will enjoy a two-piece baggage allowance of 25 kg each, while Business Class will have three-piece baggage.

Med-View Airline was founded in 2007 as a charter airline, mainly operating Haji flights, and has offered domestic passenger services since November 2012. It has since expanded into regional and long-haul scheduled passenger routes.