Azman Air’s Airbus A340-600 Only Two Business Class Seats Impacting Charter Travel in Nigeria and Shaping the Future of Aviation in Africa

Published on December 14, 2025

Azman Air’s decision to reconfigure an Airbus A340‑600, now offering only two business class seats, has made waves across Nigeria’s aviation scene, particularly in Kano, the airline’s home base. While the move has garnered attention from both industry experts and travellers, it also raises questions about the airline’s strategy and what it means for passengers. The reconfigured aircraft, which was acquired from Virgin Atlantic, marks a significant departure from conventional widebody aircraft configurations, particularly those commonly found in commercial long‑haul flights.

A Unique Acquisition and Configuration: What Azman Air is Offering

Azman Air, a Nigerian carrier with a growing fleet, made headlines when it acquired the Airbus A340‑600 from Virgin Atlantic. Originally used for long‑haul flights, the aircraft has since been stripped down and reconfigured for Azman Air’s charter operations, a move that set the stage for an entirely new approach to flying. The reconfigured A340‑600 now features a staggering 411 economy seats and only two business class seats at the front of the cabin, making it a highly unusual configuration for a widebody aircraft.

This configuration choice, while unconventional, is a result of Azman Air’s focus on charter operations. The aircraft is well‑suited for high‑density passenger services, such as pilgrimage flights or large‑scale charters, which are common in the Nigerian aviation industry. However, it raises the question: what does this mean for the future of passenger experiences on Azman Air’s long‑haul and charter services?

The two business class seats provide a stark contrast to the norm seen in most airlines that operate A340s or other widebody aircraft. In most long‑haul flights, business class cabins are spacious, offering a variety of amenities such as fully reclining seats, meal services, and private space. In Azman Air’s A340‑600, the business class seats are more basic and do not provide the full range of comfort and services associated with premium cabins. Passengers looking for luxurious, high‑end services may find this configuration disappointing, but the aircraft still offers an interesting value proposition for large group and charter travelers.

Azman Air’s Charter Focus: Impact on Travel in Nigeria

The aircraft’s new configuration is not just an example of a strategic fleet reorganization – it highlights Azman Air’s growing influence in charter aviation within Nigeria. With the A340‑600, Azman Air positions itself as a key player in the Nigerian charter market, which often requires high-capacity aircraft for events like the Hajj pilgrimage, sporting events, and other large-scale charter services. For instance, pilgrimage flights require an efficient solution to move large numbers of passengers quickly, and Azman’s A340‑600 provides just that, albeit with limited premium seating.

Beyond religious pilgrimages, the aircraft could also serve a variety of corporate and leisure travel needs, including large conferences, group tours, and exclusive corporate retreats. The two business class seats may appeal to a small segment of affluent travellers who need to travel in a more private setting. However, the lack of additional premium seating options means Azman Air may need to rethink its approach to attracting premium passengers for long‑haul commercial services in the future.

Official Airline Certifications and Compliance

Despite the unconventional seating, Azman Air’s Airbus A340‑600 complies with all necessary aviation safety standards as outlined by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The airline, which has worked closely with Nigeria’s aviation regulatory bodies, received the appropriate certifications to operate the aircraft for commercial and charter missions. According to the NCAA, Azman Air has fulfilled all necessary technical and operational requirements to fly the A340‑600, ensuring safety and efficiency for its passengers.

Azman Air has made significant strides in building its fleet with international-standard aircraft, and this acquisition only reinforces its ambition to cater to a diverse range of travel needs within Nigeria. However, the aircraft’s unique configuration also signals a shift in how airlines view the value of premium seating in a world where charter aviation is becoming more important. For passengers, this change highlights a new era in Nigeria’s aviation industry, where premium seating might be seen as an afterthought in some cases, with an emphasis on mass transit.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

For the everyday traveller, the reconfiguration of Azman Air’s Airbus A340‑600 represents a dramatic shift in what might be expected from Nigeria’s airlines, particularly in terms of charter services. Passengers opting for charter flights with Azman Air can expect a more affordable, high-density seating arrangement, but with limited premium amenities. The impact on the broader travel market in Nigeria remains to be seen, especially with competition heating up in the international aviation space.

This unique reconfiguration could have mixed implications for both tourism and business travel in Nigeria. For travellers seeking luxury, comfort, and premium service, Azman Air may need to consider expanding its premium offerings in the future. However, for charter operators and pilgrimage groups, the A340‑600 is a well-suited aircraft that can efficiently accommodate large groups. The addition of two business class seats could also indicate a willingness by Azman Air to cater to a select group of affluent travellers, though the minimal seating remains a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other airlines.

What’s Next for Azman Air?

Looking ahead, Azman Air’s growth trajectory will be crucial in determining whether it can continue offering both affordable and premium travel options for Nigerian and international passengers. The airline’s focus on high-density seating might appeal to certain markets, but its long-term success will depend on how well it balances charter operations with premium service demands.

In the meantime, travellers in Nigeria should watch for new flight offerings and expanded services by Azman Air as the airline aims to position itself at the forefront of the nation’s charter aviation industry. Whether or not Azman Air can pivot to offer a more comprehensive, luxury-focused experience will depend on the evolving demands of both the domestic and international travel markets.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Approach to Air Travel

In conclusion, Azman Air’s Airbus A340‑600 represents a new frontier for charter flights in Nigeria, though its two business class seats may not be for everyone. For those seeking an efficient, high‑capacity aircraft for large-scale travel events, Azman’s latest addition makes perfect sense. However, passengers with higher expectations for luxury air travel may find the reconfiguration a bit too limited. The future of this aircraft, and Azman Air’s overall strategy, will be shaped by how well the airline navigates the changing dynamics of Nigerian aviation and international competition. One thing is clear: Azman Air is marking its place in the skies.