By TesfaNews,
Nova Airways (O9), Sudan’s second largest carrier, began flights to Asmara today, ahead of Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways who have announced to make similar moves in the coming months.
Eritrean Minister of Tourism, Ms. Askalu Menkerios, inaugurated the launching of the direct flights to and from Asmara – Khartoum – Juba, as well as Kassala city.
Speaking during the ceremony that was held at the Asmara International Airport, Omar Mahjub, Legal Counsel of Nova Airways, said the launching of flights underscores the growing relations between Eritrea and Sudan.
According to state media, the airliner will fly “Asmara-Khartoum twice a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, while there will be one more weekly flight every Tuesday to Kassala city. The Asmara-Khartoum-Juba flight is scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays.”
Nova Airways fleet operates with one Boeing 737-500 and four Bombardier CRJ200ER aircrafts.
Currently the airline operates a scheduled and charter services, passengers and cargo within Sudan and plans to expand services to different African and Middle East countries including but not limited to Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha and Dubai, Addis Ababa, Entebbe, Nairobi, Bangui, Nianey, N’Djamena, Cairo, and Tripoli.
It is to be recalled that during his recent visit to the Republic of Sudan, the Eritrean President said the door is widely open for Sudanese private sector to invest in Eritrea. He also disclosed that his government will provide special privileges and incentives for Sudanese investments in the country.
In an apparent attempt to seize the opportunity, Nova Airways opens its liaison office in Asmara weeks after the president’s call.
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