Arik Air introduces new aircraft to its fleet

By Lateef Lawal, Nigerian Commercial Aviation News

Arik Air, Nigeria and West Africa’s leading commercial airline has increased its fleet to 24 aircraft with the introduction of an Airbus A330-200 twin-engine aircraft. This latest addition to the fleet marks the first of four A330 aircraft due to be delivered over the coming year.
The new A330 aircraft will compliment Arik Air’s long-haul wide body fleet, which currently consists of two A340-500 aircraft. Fitted to offer the very best in-flight comfort and style, the new additions are an environmentally-friendly product that will provide the highest degree of operational flexibility and passenger comfort. The A330s offer a two class configuration with 30 Premier Business Class seats and 187 Economy Class seats, compared to 36 Premier Business Class seats and 201 Economy Class seats in the A340 aircraft. Both aircraft types are fitted with the same on-board product, providing the latest in comfort and style and a consistent product experience across the long-haul fleet. This enables Arik Air the opportunity to upgrade the Lagos – Johannesburg route, replacing the existing B737-800 currently flying between the two cities, as well as to look at opportunities to develop new long-haul destinations, such as in China, UAE, Brazil or more cities in the US and Europe.
The Premier Business Class product is carefully tailored to meet the discerning business traveller’s needs. Passengers will have individual secluded booth areas that contain flat beds featuring an in-built massage system complete with a hand held 3.5” inch LCD screen unit controlling seat and lighting functions. The very latest in-flight entertainment can be enjoyed on a large 17 inch widescreen monitor installed on the front wall of the booth.
Those flying in Premier Business Class will also be able to enjoy Arik’s on-board bar and lounge facility. The ‘Kira’ bar area is situated in the centre of the cabin and has bar seats as well as a surrounding seating area for passengers to enjoy the complementary bar offering
The Economy cabin is designed for maximum comfort and style. Passengers will enjoy a 32-33 inch seat pitch in the spacious cabin and individual seat back 10.6 inch screens
All passengers will have access to an audio video on demand system, with a wide selection of Hollywood and Nollywood films. In addition, short programs and an audio library provide customers with the very best in-flight entertainment.
Arik will cater to all guests tastes by offering international cuisine and a complete Nigerian on-board experience, with a colloquial Nigerian meal service, offering a blend of traditional dishes such as hot pepper soup.
Commenting on the introduction of the A330s, Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik Air’s Group Chief Executive Officer said:
“We constantly review our fleet requirements to ensure the services we offer to our customers remain competitive and provide the highest quality. The introduction of the new aircraft highlights our commitment to providing our customers with the best product on our long-haul routes.
Arik Air is synonymous with offering a truly unique African experience, from the food to the in-flight products on offer. This, combined with our reputation for providing on-board service and hospitality which is second to none, is what differentiates us from the competition”.