Arik Air, West and Central Africa's largest airline and Cranfield University, United Kingdom have entered into a partnership aimed at human capital development in the Nigerian carrier. The partnership will also include exchange programmes between Arik Air and Cranfield University.
As a first step in the partnership, Dr. John Frankie O'Connell, an expert in airline management at the Air Transport Department of Cranfield University will be conducting a three-day 'kick-off' seminar for Arik Air management staff from Monday, May 27 to Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
The three-day seminar will cover airline industrial trends, commercial and airline strategy, among others. Dr. O'Connell is expected to dwell on general trends of the aviation industry, aero politics and new regulatory trends facing the airline industry, airline traffic, demand, forecasts and aircraft orders as well as traffic measurements for full service airlines among other topics.
Arik Air Managing Director/Executive Vice President, Mr. Chris Ndulue said of the partnership: "The airline industry is a dynamic one and at Arik Air we believe we have to be in tune with current trends in the sector. This is the essence of this partnership which will set Arik apart from other airlines. It is meant to address the dearth of qualified manpower in the Nigerian aviation sector and to train world-class managers for the future of Arik Air and the aviation industry in Nigeria".