17:04:09 KAZEEM JAMES wrote: www.africaoilgasreport.com
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Magdy Zakhary, Country Manager of Egypt Air (the first state operated airline in Africa and in the Middle East) Lagos, enjoys the calm of Sharm El Sheikh but is charmed by Lagos city.
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Q:
How does EgyptAir rank among airlines with international flights from Lagos?
A:
We have been in the Nigerian market for about 47 years now and within that time we have been able to grow our presence in the market steadily. Our major goal is to always ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers and to give them the highest quality of service.
Q:
Which are your airline’s biggest routes?
A:
We currently fly to all points around the world. In cooperation with Star Alliance, we connect to 970 destinations globally through our hub in Cairo international and beyond. In Europe we connect our customers to important cities like Rome, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow and Budapest. In the Middle East we fly into Jeddah, Riyadh, Amman, Damascus as well as Beirut. Within the Gulf Region we have connections to places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi , Sharga etc. In the Far East we have flights to Bangkok, Tokyo and Guangzhou.
Q:
Since the arrival of Qatar Airways, Emirates and China Southern Airlines into Nigeria, your market seems to have reduced, since their prime destinations are comparable to yours. How are you coping with this new competition and what are you doing to increase passenger size?
A:
The Nigerian market has a lot of choices and this is not different from any other market.
On our part, we compete on the basis of our strengths which are in the areas of safety, hospitality, excellent onboard services and a fleet of recent and modern aircraft. And contrary to the comments in your question, our passenger numbers to the Far East have increased significantly in recent times and not on a decrease. This, I believe, is an evidence of our passengers’ satisfaction with our service. I must state clearly at this point that we are happy with competition because it helps us to stay at the top of our game and ensure our products and services compare and even surpass those of our competitors.
Q:
What is the size of EgyptAir’s Nigerian market compared with the overall EgyptAir market: 2%, 10%, 20%?
A:
In the Nigerian market, EgyptAir operates out of Lagos and Kano which is a part of the overall EgyptAir network. Our operation out of Nigeria is a significant contribution to the entire network. I can’t tell you the actual level of contribution we make to the global network in terms of percentages, but I can assure you that it is a big piece of the cake.
Q:
When did EgyptAir first come to Lagos?
A:
EgyptAir has been operating into Nigeria now for 47 years making us one of the early airlines to fly into the country and one of the few that has remained consistent to date.
Q:
Let’s talk about you, Mr Magdy: Where were you born?
A:
I was born in Upper Egypt at a place called Sohag.
Q:
What is your background; where did you study?
A:
I graduated from the Civilian College, Cairo from the faculty of Commerce. I also served as an Officer in the Egyptian Army from 1979 - 1983 before joining EgyptAir in 1983. I believe my experience in the army helped to equip me with the skills of how to lead and deal with people who require one form of service and assistance or the other. I am married with two children; one daughter in college and a son in the secondary school. My wife is a Pharmacist and she is very supportive. In fact, she is a part of my success.
Q:
Where else have you worked for EgyprAir before you came to Lagos?
A:
Before I was transferred to Lagos two years ago, I had served with EgyptAir for 25 years in various capacities. My last position just before coming over to Lagos, I was the Duty Manager at the Cairo Sales Office at Cairo International Airport. I had served in this position for about five years before being asked to come to Lagos.
Q:
What is your favourite Egyptian City: Cairo, Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada?
A:
For me, my favourite Egyptian City is Sharm El Sheikh because it is a virgin land with a calm atmosphere. It is a marvellous place to visit with the mountains, beaches, diving activities at the Red Sea. The water is so pure you can actually see fishes swimming underneath. Sharm El Sheikh is like a true paradise. I invite tourists to pay a visit to Sharm El Shiekh for their pleasure and relaxation and to see for them selves.
Q:
What’s your favourite African City outside of Egypt: A:
A:
Marrakesh, Rabat, Algiers, Tunis, Johannesburg, Abidjan?
Lagos! My favourite city outside Egypt is Lagos because it is my second home. I enjoy Nigerian food and the people are very warm and pleasant. Lagos is my next favourite city in Africa next to Sharm El Sheikh.
Q:
If you were not working for EgyptAir who would you be working for?
A:
If I wasn’t working with EgyptAir before now, I would most gladly want to and will be working with EgyptAir. I enjoy working with the company very much. Like I said earlier, I have been working for the airline now for over twenty-five years. That should tell you that I really enjoy what I am doing and find a lot of fulfilment and satisfaction where I am working.
Q:
What does EgyptAir have that others don’t have? What endears you to EgyptAir?
A:
That is the secret of our success and I can’t tell you. But our passengers are in a better position to tell you why they always love to travel with us..............
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