Kenneth Ehigiator
1 November 2008
Arik Air has concluded all plans to launch its Lagos-London operations on December 1, 2008, just as it secured more slot from the British government to fly into Heathrow Airport.
This comes as the airline celebrates two years of existence, having started operations in October last year.
Managing Director of the airliner, Michael McTighe, who disclosed this on the occasion of the airline's second anniversary celebration in Lagos, said the first London flight would be perated with two brand new Airbus A340-500 aircraft.
According to him, these aircraft will be delivered to the airline in Toulouse, France, mid November.
McTighe said the 237 seat capacity A340-500 aircraft would have one of best cabin with a two-seat configuration, comprising 36 business class and 201 economy.
McTighe, who noted few people believed the airline when it promised to commence operation in October 2006 with brand new aircraft, are now convinced that Arik Air would go the whole hog to advance the course of Nigeria's aviation.
"Now, we have proved that we can deliver on promises. We surely deliver the best," he said.
He recalled that when the airline operated its first flight to Abuja on October 30, 2006, it had 19 passengers on board with just four flights, but today, the airline does 91 flights with 18 aircraft.
Arik Air Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Johnson, thanked the staff for their dedication to duty, stating that the airline is aiming to be a world class carrier.
He charged them to gird their loins as the airline gets set to launch the Lagos-London Heathtrow route, enjoining them to be courteous, friendly and shun all vices while operating into London.
"Now that we have attained this height, we have to do everything to stay on top", Sir Arumemi-Johnson charged the staff, while addressing them on the airline's second anniversary service.
He also expressed the airline's appeciation to Airbus Company in France for its cooperation in getting the two brand new A340-500, and Boeing, another aircraft manufacturer that would soon deliver wide-bodied planes to Arik.
Arumemi-Johnson assured the staff that the sky was the limit for the airline if they continued to be professional, safety-conscious and offer world-class services.
"As we go into the third year of our operation, we need to work harder and give the best service to our guests", he added.
Beside London, Arik Air has also been designated by the federal government to fly Lagos-Atlantic in the U.S., and has placed an order for Boeing 777-200 planes as well as the Dreamliner, Boeing 787, for the operations.
The airline has equally spoken of its desire to open up the South American route through Brazil, as part of its long-term plans for inter-continental operations.
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