Bellview Airlines Back In View

Bhisham Mansukhani - Mumbai

After a temporary withdrawal in 2001, Bellview Airlines relaunched its services in India this June. It will be operating flights to Lagos and will provide onward connections to West African destinations. It plans to offer onward connections to European countries in future as well.

The airline has a total fleet of 14 Boeing 767-200 long-range aircraft with a configuration of 18 business class seats and 182 economy class. It will use two aircraft for the Lagos route operating every Tuesday and Saturday.

Ofuokwa Ben N, country manager of Bellview Airlines Ltd, said, "Our positioning remains that of a full service premium airline. We offer direct flights with quality service without trying to be price-sensitive. Charging lower fares raises questions about aircraft maintenance and passenger servicing. This is predominantly a business traveller route." The airline plans to offer Internet access on board in the future. But for now it will offer a promotional fare with a certain period of validity.