Arik Air Plans Flights To Mali, Benin

Arik Air has concluded plans for the expansion of its regional African service with the introduction of scheduled flights from Lagos to Cotonou (Benin), Ouagadoagou (Burkina Faso) and Bamako (Mali).

Arik Air’s Group Chief Executive  Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide who disclosed this to newsmen said “the commencement of services between Lagos and the cities of Cotonou, Ouagadougou and Bamako is significant because it marks the end to years of limited air links between respective countries.

“the inauguration is coming at a time when the Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS) is seeking closer relations among countries in the region he said.

The new service he hinted would be launch on October 11, and would operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

It will be recalled that last week Arik Air announced the launch of a new schedule service between Ibadan and Abuja.

Direct services between the two cities has commenced and is being operated, using a Bombardier Q400 air craft four times a week- Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.

Flights will depart Abuja at 11:45 a.m., arrive Ibadan at 1.00p.m. with the outbound flight leaving Ibadan at 1.30 p.m. and returning to Abuja at  to Abuja at 2:45p.m.

Announcing the services in Lagos, the Arik Airs managing Director, Chris Nduwe said the new service are part of the airlines route development programme for the second half of the year which has witnessed the opening of Lagos -Asaba and Abuja-Asaba routes with more domestic and international routes set to launch.

By linking Ibadan with Abuja, Arik Air offers air travellers more convenient connections between Ibadan and Abuja than what was previously offered with many travellers having to utilised the ever-busy Lagos –Ibadan expressway.

“The Ibadan Airport has remained under-serviced in spite of the fact it is located in the third largest city in Nigeria by population and the largest in geographical area. We owe it a duty as truly Nigerian airline to help in the infrastructural development of the country. This explains our resolve to connect all airports across the country” he said.

Ibadan becomes Arik Air’s 21st domestic destination. A Bombardier Q400 aircraft is operating on the new route. Arik Air has configured this aircraft to 10 business class and 62 economy class seats in order to allow for more leg room and aisle space than any other similar aircraft in operation.