Vanguard
2 December 2008
Nigeria's leading domestic airline operator, Arik Air yesterday in Toulouse, France took delivery of its first wide bodied aircraft A340-500 plane from Airbus in France with a promise to challenge competition on the Lagos-Heathrow route, amongst others. The last time any airline in Nigeria did such a purchase was more than 20 years ago during President Shehu Shagari's administration.
Arik Air plys Lagos-Heathrow route from this month, in competition with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
The new aircraft is the first of the three A340-500s ordered by Arik Air for use on international long haul routes to London, New York and Houston. Powered by Rolls Royce Trend 500 engines, the carrier's new A340s will offer possible passanger comfort in a two-class configuration.
"Our new A340-500 is the first newly built long-range aircraft delivered to a Nigerian airline in more than 20 years, making it the first airline in Africa to operate this variant. It will allow us to launch intercontinental flights, linking Nigeria with the US and UK, using state of art technology," said Arik Chairman Arumemi-Johnson.
Arumemi-Johnson, who told his audience that "Africa is the market of destination and Nigeria a safe haven for investors," thereafter expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support while pledging to market Nigeria's rich cultural heritage through the international Arik Air business.
Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers John Leahy added: "The A340-500 offers unparalled passanger comfort combined with outstanding performance and range. We are proud that Arik Air will use the A340-500 to develop their international network. The introduction of this aircraft will be a catalyst for the development of the Nigerian aerospace industry and we are looking forward to work with Arik Air in the West African region."
The A340-500 is the member of Airbus' A330/340 family that flies furthest, and is the most modern aircraft in the 250-375 seater segment flying today. The A340-500 operates the world's longest range commercial routes, the longest linking Singapore non-stop with New York - an 18-hour flight. With four engines, the A340 offers great operational economics and flexibility on ult long haul, non-stop routes over oceans and terrains such as mountain ranges and polar regions.
The delivery of the aircraft was witnessed by a host of clergymen led by Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie, Archbishop Alaba Job and retired Archbishop of Benin Diocese Ekpu, Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio, had Nigeria's envoy to France Ambassador Gordon Harry Bristol restate Nigeria's commitment the Rule of Law regime and sanctity of contracts.
Nigeria's first commercial pilot, Capt. Bob Hayes who had one of the three aircrafts named after him used the occasion to commend Arumemi-Johnson's spirit of entrepreneurship. He urged more political support by government to such initiatives.
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