ARIK AIR: In 2002, with Nigeria Airways in liquidation, Arik Air’s Chairman Sir Arumemi-Ikhide, decided to buy a Hawker jet aircraft. Colleagues and contacts in the gas and oil industry started using the Hawker jet to fly themselves around Nigeria. So, another jet was acquired and before long, a corporate jet business was launched. The next step was to find the right people and the right aircraft to build an airline that would set new standards and change the face of the aviation industry in Africa. Arik Air was born - an airline with whom “Nigeria and the rest of Africa would be proud to fly”. Arik Air officially launched in 2006, Five years later, Arik Air is the leading airline in Nigeria with a new fleet of 23 aircrafts. We have flown over 8 million satisfied passengers to all parts of Nigeria, the West African region, and internationally, winning prestigious travel awards at home and abroad.
*100: Arik has been active in sponsoring African community events and personalities. (We were particularly intrigued by your sponsorship of Fela! on Broadway and Femi Kuti's US tour!) What is the strategy behind this?
AA: Corporate Social Responsibility is one of the key principles here at Arik Air. We believe in giving back to the community that has made us the fastest growing African airline. Along with Fela! On Broadway and the Femi Kuti US Tour, we have sponsored many other US-based African NGOs, media houses, and cultural organizations who we believe are working to improve the image of Africa, and promote the variety of cultures within the continent.
*100: Air travel to West Africa can be demoralizing on certain airlines thanks to substandard service, tight weight restrictions on baggage, and exorbitant levies in the event you exceed your baggage allowance. What differentiates Arik from other airlines flying to West Africa?
AA: The great thing about an African airline for Africans is that we wholeheartedly understand the needs of our passengers and reasons for which they are traveling. For most of our passengers, traveling home is a huge endeavor that takes months, and sometimes years, of saving up to achieve. When traveling with Arik Air, you can expect a baggage weight limit of 66lbs with options to bring a total of 10 pieces of luggage, which is much higher than that of the industry standard.
Our flagship Airbus A340s are fitted out in the most luxurious style. All 36 Premier Class seats are upholstered in sumptuous leather complete with their own touch-screen control unit that adjusts the seat to a flat 75 inch bed. Features also include a five-zone lumbar massage system, a retractable mirrored divider of privacy. World class movies, popular TV programs, and audio favorites are available for each passenger’s viewing and listening pleasure on their very own 17-inch screen. Nigerian and international dishes are served with a wine list that brings together bottles selected from the best vineyards around the world. Our on board Kira Bar Lounge features white leather sofas for your relaxation and a barman at your service.
On Arik Air, even our Economy Class is World Class. With fewer seats than other leading carriers on our routes, you will enjoy more leg room to stretch out in. You will also receive the same audio and video on-demand facility available for our Premier Class passengers and a menu of Nigerian and international dishes and selected wine list.
*100: When will you start flying direct to Ghana?
AA: At Arik Air, we recognize the continuingly growing demand from other West African nationals for increased travel options to their respective countries, especially Ghana. Today we offer daily flights to Accra from our Abuja and Lagos hubs with connections available to our New York travelers through Lagos. Flying non-stop to Ghana is certainly an option that we will be exploring in the future.
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