Arik Celebrates 7th Anniversary, New Aircraft

The recently purchase
and delivery of Arik Air’s seventh Bombardier aircraft as it marked its seventh anniversary has received accolades from stakeholders as the new delivery brings the airlines total fleet of modern aircraft to 26.
The airline’s Bombardier aircraft is the first new aircraft into Nigeria in 20 years since the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) delivered its last airplane into the country.
Arik is also noted to have begun flying to new York in the US more than 10 years after the last Nigerian carrier landed in the North American country but today it is the only Nigerian carrier that operates long haul destinations and is expected to expand its international operations with the delivery of more aircraft.
The ceremony, which held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, headquarters of the airline, attracted both local and international financiers, aircraft manufacturers, International airlines and technical partners like Lufthansa Technic. Top players in the Nigerian political scene, including members of the National Assembly, Chief of Staff to the president, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe among others.
On showcase was the new product, the Bombardier CRJ 1000 NG aircraft which flew in from the Bombardier factory in Canada to its hangar at the airport which was the venue of the event.
Arik Air’s Group CEO, Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide said the organisation started from a humble beginning seven years ago, has increased the flying experience within the nation and spread its wings across 19 domestic destinations, eight West and Central African routes and three long-haul markets covering South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Today, whilst we remain conscious of the great work before us and stand poised to boldly take up the noble challenge laid down by our chairman, we are nevertheless, humbled and encouraged by our achievements to date including our ascent to our status as Nigeria’s and West Africa’s premier indigenous carrier”.
He said the airline was mindful of the enormous challenge before them at the aspiration of Arik Air is to continue to expand and also actualise its objective of being a global player that would grow in tandem with the ever-growing Nigeria’s travelling public.
According to him, we remain conscious of global challenge in the sector and we want to develop the industry not only in Nigeria, but in the West African region. I want to appreciate partners who have stood behind us for several years”.
Also speaking, Chief of Staff to the President, Ogiadomhe, said that government would continue to support aviation sector, considering its importance to the economy of the country.
“We will continue to do what we have to do to make the Nigerian aviation industry compete with those we have in the developed world. We will continue to provide efficient infrastructure and improve safety in the sector,” he stated.