Leading American carrier, World Airways has explained the rationale behind its recent special "reparation" flight to evacuate the United States-bound passengers who were stranded at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos following a face-off between the airline and Ritetime Aviation and Travel Services Inc.

The airline stated that it was in furtherance of its resolve to demonstrate "to your community" and show that it is a responsible member of the international aviation community.

The sole purpose of the January 19, 2004 flight from Lagos to New York JFK Airport, it maintained, was to transport "those passengers still finding themselves stranded as a result of the suspension of the Ritetime Aviation and Travel Services, Inc. flight program".

The airline added that it operated the flight in question without payment from passengers on board or from Ritetime Aviation Services Inc.

"The sole purpose of the flight was as a result of the suspension of the Ritetime Aviation and Travel services Inc., flight program. World Airways operated this flight without payment from the passengers on board, or from Ritetime Aviation and Travel Services, Inc. World Airways flew this flight, as it was the proper thing to do.

"It is hoped that this gesture brought some small degree of normality back to those passengers affected by the suspension of flights. We recognise that Nigeria deserves direct, reliable, and affordable air services. This is what World Airways has done exceptionally well for over 55 years.

"World Airways, now in its 55th year of operation, is a quality and professional U.S. air carrier. We have been in business all these years because we are a reliable and serious company and we live up to our obligations. Although we do all possible to ensure that our customers share the same business philosophy and values as we, there are those situations where to it unfortunately does not turn out as we had hoped.

"World Airways' sole responsibility is to provide you, the passenger, with an enjoyable in-flight experience, which is safe, reliable, and on time", the airline said in a statement.

It would be recalled that direct flights between Lagos and some American cities under the World Airways/Ritetime Aviation arrangement recently suffered a severe jolt resulting in a situation where Nigerians who visited home for the Christmas festivities were stranded for several weeks and could not return to their American base.

Direct flights between both countries which ceased in 1994 resumed on May 29, 2003 following the World Airways/Ritetime Aviation accord.