Sesema PR wins Etihad Account In a keenly contested marketing communications industry where accounts are hard to come by, Sesema PR, a Lagos-based public relations consultancy agency with a –UK based associate, has clinched the mouth-watering Etihad Airways public relations account. A statement on the agency’s website reads: “Sesema PR is delighted to announce that the agency has been awarded the PR contract for Etihad Airlines, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, ahead of its launch in Nigeria, in July 2012.” When contacted, the Managing Director of the Sesema PR, mrs Alima Atta confirmed the development and added that “In an effort to consolidate the brand strategy of global penetration, Etihad Airways, decided to pick Lagos as it first entry point into the West Africa market. Sesema PR would be expected to support the airline’s PR activity in Nigeria, and promote its hub in Abu Dhabi and its global network to African leisure and business travellers wishing to fly to key North and Southeast Asian destinations and markets in the Indian sub-continent and Australia. The direct flights will link Abu Dhabi and Lagos six times a week and will be operated by a two class A330-200 aircraft with 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy seats”. Lagos becomes the 83rd destination in Etihad Airways’ global network and the return flights will create a new link between Nigeria, Africa’s third largest economy, and the United Arab Emirates. Following the launch of services to the Seychelles in November 2011, Tripoli last month and Nairobi in April, the addition of Nigeria marks another milestone in Etihad Airways’ African expansion plans.