Arik Air, one of a new breed of Nigerian airlines, has become the first carrier from that oil rich country to order aircraft direct from a manufacturer for more than 25 years. The airline has made a commitment for three Boeing 787-9s (the same long range model highlighted by Virgin Atlantic last week), two 777-200 LRs and two 777-300ERs.
Launched last year, Arik Air expects to have 16 aircraft in operation by June serving up to 11 domestic routes. The airline is playing a leading role in contributing to the improvement of Nigeria's aviation infrastructure as a whole and last week the airline took delivery of two brand new Boeing 737-700s.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, vice president of sales for the Middle East and Africa, Lee Monson said at the handover ceremony: ”This is a big day for Boeing and for the advancement of Nigeria's aviation sector. We know from our many strong relationships with African carriers that viable airlines play an instrumental role in countries' economic development. We're proud that acquiring new Boeing jets is integral to Arik Air's plans for modernization as they grow and prosper."
Arik Air is the fourth airline on the African continent to order Boeing's fast-selling 787 Dreamliner, as well as the fourth to order the market-leading 777. Boeing is currently working with Arik Air as the airline moves toward achieving Category 1 status with the FAA to fly direct routes to and from the US.
"Arik Air has demonstrated its commitment to providing reliable, world-class air travel to and from Nigeria with an aggressive acquisition plan for the world's most modern and advanced commercial jets," said Arik Air managing director Mike McTighe, a former Britannia Airways MD. "This will allow for a staged and strategic expansion plan both regionally and internationally that provides the utmost in passenger comfort and safety."
Speaking on the occasion, Nigeria”s new director general for civil aviation Dr Harold Olusegun Demuren, said: ”Nigeria's aviation sector has truly turned a corner and is headed in the right direction. ”It's very rewarding to be here today witnessing firsthand the unveiling of Arik Air's new Boeing Next-Generation 737s and to know Boeing is committed to work with Nigeria as we implement vast and far-reaching commercial aviation improvements throughout the country."