How To Start Air Travel Agency In Nigeria
Business Overview
Air travel agency business concerns itself the provision of air travel agency services such as the selling of airline tickets, although it has more to it than that. But primarily, that’s what it is. You really do not require many certifications to start this business.
You can work as an entrepreneur or as a staff in an airline company, local or foreign. This guide is a business plan on air travel agency services in Nigeria.
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Profitability
Air travel agency business is a highly profitable business with many income/revenue channels. The demand for air travel in Nigeria is on the increase because many people prefer to travel by air these days due to the safety and comfort.
These include businessmen and businesswomen, entertainers, diplomats, tourists, civil servants, clerics etc. virtually all classes of people use the air for travel.
In the process, they need someone or a company to handle their booking, movement, logistics etc. that is where the profitability of the business lies.
Air travel agency business, just like any other kind of agency business has its earnings by way of commission on fees paid by travelers et al. for service rendered.
The exception is the case for air travel agencies who are directly affiliated with airlines and other companies. Additionally, you can work for an airline as an air travel agent and earn a juicy salary from that.
Since not everyone is knowledgeable in airline operations in Nigeria, the need for an airline travel agency is there to help.
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaAs a specialist in this business line, your capacity to provide a competent and efficient service is the hallmark of meeting good fortune in the business. As you can see, the market is there and it is free.
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Certifications & Licensing
It is essential that an air travel agent has basic education, at least a diploma. Being IATA certified is an added advantage. Certifications in related fields will go a long way in boosting your career success.
Training
A diploma or even a degree in aviation or any other field is good. However, you need some level of experience on how the Nigerian air travel works.
This, you cannot get from books but from internship under a veteran in the industry. So, getting trained or retrained on the wherewithal of this business is a must.
To operate a successful airline travel agency in Nigeria, you should be fluent in written and spoken English. It is also good to be versed in at least one of the main Nigerian languages (Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba). Having a good communication skill will help you relate better to your clients and customers.
Job Specifications
Below are some of your job specifications in the airline travel agency business in Nigeria:
Customer Service Delivery
It is your duty as airline travel agent to ensure that customers’ needs are attended to, daily. That is why possessing good customer relationship skills is a must in this business.
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Selling And Scanning Of Tickets
You will equally be selling airline tickets. In this respect, you may have to access the boarding gate to scan and collecting the airline tickets for your clients. Little wonder then why airline travel agents have been nicknamed, “airline gate agents”.
An airline travel agent also helps on allocating seats at airline boarding gate.
Lifting Heavy Luggage
Part of the job roles of an airline travel agency is the lifting of customer’s luggage to and off the conveyor belt. Some of this luggage could be heavy or contain fragile items like glass, medical equipment, laptops etc. So, you should be fit and careful while doing this.
Book Reservations
It is part of the job of an airline travel agency to book or cancel airline ticket reservations. You can handle this in-person, through a phone call or online.
The airline travel agency would confirm reservations and cancellations on behalf of the customers and clients and ensure there are no mix-ups whatsoever.
Salary and Payment
If you chose to work for an airline company as an air travel agent, understand that the salary varies across airlines. Some pay hourly, an average of N4,400 per hour.
That roughly about N3.7 million Naira monthly and is an estimate for international airlines. Local airlines pay about N300,000 monthly.
Read Also: 20 List of Airlines in Nigeria and Their Websites [DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL]
Business Registration
To start an air travel agency in Nigeria, the first port of call for registration is the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC). This is the relevant agency of government in charge of business registrations in Nigeria.
Finance/Startup Capital
Air travel agency in Nigeria does not need much capital to start. you can even run the business from home if you choose to operate the business online.
As such, you do not have to waste money in renting an office space. But should you want to do that, get such a one that that is of moderate cost and close to an airport, a hotel, commercial center etc.
Tools/Equipment
Irrespective of your operational base, below are some of the things you need to run air travel agency successfully:
1. A functional email address.
2. A functional mobile phone & number.
3. A website.
4. Complimentary cards
Strategies For Productivity and Sustainability
Since this is a business about the airline industry in Nigeria, forming a working relationship with different Airports and Airlines such as the Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) is a must.
Additionally, affiliate with Hotels and car rental companies. For business efficiency, do not operate alone; partnership is the key here.
Network with other airline travel agents in Nigeria too. The benefits of these profitable alliances are numerous and far-reaching.
Read Also: The Obligations of Airlines in Nigeria and Passengers’ Rights
Conclusion
An airline travel agent is more of a professional airline travel services scouter. Understanding the basic requirement in air travel agency business requires knowledge of many things. You need to identify the need of customers and how to satisfy them.
Your job description revolves airline ticket and services brokerage. A fast and enviable growth rate is anticipated if you follow the guidelines inherent in this article and elsewhere. The reverse is the case when there is no quality preparation to meet pending opportunities.
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