Arik Air, West and Central Africa's largest commercial airline and the Ivorian national carrier, Air Cote d'Ivoire are seeking ways of working together for the mutual benefit of both airlines.

The Chairman of Air Cote d'Ivoire, General Coulibaly Abdoulaye (retired) and the airline's Managing Director, Mr. Rene Decurey were at Arik Air headquarters on Wednesday, 9 January to hold preliminary discussions with the management of the Nigerian carrier.
General Abdoulaye said Ivorians are impressed with the achievements of Arik Air within such a short time of existence and this informed the decision to seek partnership with the carrier which he regards as the pride of Africa.

The Managing Director of Air Cote d'Ivoire elaborates on the visit: "Arik has a vision and this is what distinguishes the airline from other carriers. We like the vision and are here to explore ways of partnering with Arik to help build our hub in Abidjan. We need to urgently develop our domestic network by launching services to eight destinations and Arik has the type of aircraft we require."

He described Arik Air as an airline that is service minded adding that his team was positively surprised to see the giant strides the airline has made in six years of operation. "Air Cote d'Ivoire is still young (started operations in November 2012) and we need to be closer to Arik to move forward."

Arik Air Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide was elated about the visit by Air Cote d'Ivoire team saying "it shows the spirit of African brotherhood." Earlier, the President/ Group Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide took the visiting Ivoirians through a presentation on the history as well as facts and figures on Arik Air.