FLIGHT REVIEW: ValueJet: Lagos to Banjul

FLIGHT OVERVIEW

Date: 15 May, 2025

Route: Lagos - Banjul

Flight number: VK 110

Equipment: Bombardier CRJ-900ER

Scheduled Departure Time: 9:00 pm

Actual Departure Time: 9:20 pm

Scheduled Arrival Time: 11:30 pm local time

Actual Arrival Time: 11:35 pm local time

Cruising Altitude: 34,000 feet

Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN

This was ValueJet's inaugural flight from Lagos to Banjul, the Gambia. It was a regional service. According to ValueJet's conditions of carriage, check-in counters open 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. And check-in closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for regional flights. ValueJet is known for its impressive on-time performance and schedule reliability. With that in mind, I left for the airport early enough, as I didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

From my ticket, which I received barely 24 hours before the flight, I discovered that the flight was going to be operated from the old Terminal 1 of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. This was an unpleasant surprise, as the airline’s press release, announcing the launch of the new route, had mentioned that the service would operate from the new Terminal 2. I had looked forward to immersing myself, once again, in the new and improved passenger experience offered by the new terminal. But that wasn't to be.

I arrived the terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos at about 5:30 pm. After getting my bag scanned, I proceeded to ValueJet's check-in area where the predeparture ceremony was already going on. Check-in counters formally opened after the brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. I was profiled and checked in around 6pm, as a priority passenger.

At the check-in counters, ValueJet's staff were cheerful and in high-spirit, but also a little overwhelmed. Being the very first flight to the Gambia, they didn't get everything right, as it was still a learning process for everyone. This was understandable. They were ready and willing to assist passengers at every point, and apologised when necessary.

Barring the very short period of network downtime, the check-in process was smooth and seamless. With my bag properly tagged and checked in, and with my boarding pass in my hand, I made my way to immigration desk and security post. Although only one scanner (out of several others) was in use at the time (I'm not sure why), going through security didn't take long. And with that sorted, we began the long walk to boarding gate D34.

BOARDING AND DEPARTURE

First boarding announcement was made at 8:22pm. We didn't board via an aerobridge, and there was a little confusion about the exact access gate to the airside. This, inadvertently, caused a little delay in the process. But, as I later understood, this wasn't the airline’s fault. Anyway, that was quickly sorted out and the passengers were bussed to the waiting aircraft on the ramp.

We were warmly welcomed onboard by the cabin crew who wore unmistakable genuine smiles. At least, that was my experience. Boarding was in no particular order, but it was well coordinated, despite the usual chaos associated with inaugural flights.

With boarding completed and the aircraft’s door armed and cross-checked, we pushed back at 9:11pm and began our taxi to runway 18R. After lining up on the runway, the aircraft’s General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofan engines revved up to full power, and the Bombardier CRJ-900ER rattled down the runway and gently took off at 9:20pm. It was an easterly departure. Take off was at a comfortable angle and the climb out was smooth. And soon after, we levelled off.

THE AIRCRAFT AND THE SEAT

Flight VK110 was operated by 5N-BXS - a Bombardier CRJ-900ER aircraft. This particular aircraft was delivered to ValueJet in May 2022. It is configured with 90 seats in an all-economy class layout. Although the airline markets the first few rows of seats on the aircraft as premium seats which come with additional pecks, including greater ticket flexibility, more baggage allowance, and lounge access.

The aircraft cabin was cozy, very clean, and well tidied up. There were no tattered seats or broken armrests. Neither were there misaligned headrest covers nor unresponsive buttons. Everything appeared to be in its right place and in the right shape.

My seat was 12A – a window seat. During check-in, I had asked the agent for a window seat. She kindly obliged me. After locating my seat, I quickly settled in, fastened my seat belt, and looked forward to takeoff. I didn’t get to precisely measure the seat dimensions, but the aircraft offered impressive seat width and generous leg room - better than the industry standard. And to make good things even better, the seats were made of leather, taking seat comfort a step higher.

With a standard 4-abreast economy class configuration in a 2-2 layout, the CRJ-900 is one of the most comfortable narrow-body aircraft in the skies today. There are no middle seats - just aisle and window seats. Except there's a last-minute switch, this aircraft type is, for the foreseeable future, rostered on the Lagos-Banjul service.

IN-FLIGHT CATERING

A little less than 10 minutes into the flight, the captain turned off the 'fasten your seatbelt' sign, indicating that the cabin crew could commence in-flight service. It came as a relief to passengers. Being the inaugural flight, we had been visible excited and also quietly anxious, not knowing what the in-flight catering would be.

As an appetizer, we were given 'Mixed Street Snack' served with a bottle of table water. Don't be deceived by its name, the Mixed Street Snack was particularly tasty. It was an assortment of crispy snacks made from different nuts and into different shapes. It was my absolute pleasure to discover that street snacks could taste that good. By far, 'Mixed Street Snack' is the tastiest local snack I've ever had on any regional flight across Africa. For me, it's just goodness in a pack.

For the main meal, we were served boiled Irish potato with a choice of either goat meat, beef, chicken or peppered gizzard stew. Accompanying the main meal were fruit juice, cake, chin-chin, biscuits, candy, bread, and butter. I went for the gizzard option and I wasn't disappointed.

The potato was well-done and appropriately seasoned, while the gizzard was well spiced. The combo was really delectable, and my taste buds must have been excited. Indeed, the Irish potato dish was a pleasant departure from the usual staple in-flight meals like rice and pasta.

THE CREW AND THE FLIGHT

The flight was commanded by Captain Oscar Ikerionwu, and he was assisted by Senior First Officer Hatem Guedri. It was a smooth ride, as the duo handled the flight very beautifully. In charge of proceedings in the cabin were Joy, Mimidoo, and Olamide. They gave us top-notch services, discharging their duties with a remarkable sense of responsibility. In many ways, the cabin crew demonstrated professionalism and a high level of work ethics. I was particularly impressed with the way they responded promptly, and always with a smile, each time a passenger made a request or pressed the call button.

During his predeparture briefing in Lagos, the Captain had mentioned that the flight would be a smooth ride all the way to Banjul. And he was right. From pushback in Lagos to touchdown in Banjul, it was a smooth ride and a pleasant flight experience. Both the flightdeck and the cabin crews handled the flight very professionally. We were definitely in good hands. Our cruise altitude was 34,000 feet above sea level.

FIRST-FLIGHT CERTIFICATE: A NEW TWIST

Before now, I had been on several other inaugural flights, but this one came with a new twist. When the cabin crew walked down the aisle bearing large white envelopes as we commenced our initial descent into Banjul, only one thing crossed my mind: Donations for Corporate Social Responsibility program. But I was wrong - completely wrong.

What I thought were appeal envelopes turned out to be our First-Flight Certificates. It was a new twist. As a form of recognition and appreciation, every single passenger on the inaugural flight got one. This was an innovative thinking from ValueJet, and it's something I'll cherish for a very long time.

ARRIVAL

After flying uneventfully for 3 hours and 15 minutes, we touched down in Banjul at 11:35 pm local time (The Gambia is one hour behind Nigeria) to a water-cannon salute. Temperature on ground was 23°C.

FINAL VERDICT

In many ways, ValueJet exceeded my expectations on this flight. From on-time departure to great in-flight service, the flight turned out to be as punctual as it was enjoyable. Despite the predeparture ribbon-cutting ceremony, the flight departed on time. Both the ground staff and the flight crew were courteous, professional, and experienced on the job. The in-flight catering was a lot better than what's obtainable on most regional flights across Africa.

If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way of flying between Lagos and Banjul, ValueJet is your best and fastest option. With ValueJet, you can be sure to enjoy schedule reliability, pocket-friendly fares, great in-flight services, and professional crew.

Book your flight on www.flyvaluejet.com

TRIP SUMMARY

Check-in: 95%

Boarding: 90%

Punctuality: 95%

Aircraft: 90%

Crew: 95%

In-flight service: 90%

Flight: 95%

Seat comfort: 95%

Chidozie Uzoezie is an Aviation Analyst, Travel Influencer, Content Creator, In-flight Magazine Contributor, and Newspaper Columnist. He’s the CEO of The Afritraveller and the founder of the African Aviation Group. He can be reached on WhatsApp +23408178379876 or via email on theafritraveller@gmail.com.