• Premier, business-class seating in dual-class-configured aircraft allows Arik Air to increase network service on its most popular business routes in West Africa

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Arik Air of Lagos, Nigeria has placed the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft configured with three-abreast business-class seating into service in West Africa. Arik Air will use the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft to increase network service on its most popular business routes in West Africa.

“Configured to offer the very best in-flight comfort and style for our passengers with 10 premier,     three-abreast, business-class seats and 81 economy-class seats, the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft also provides a high degree of operational flexibility to enhance our service, with a reduced environmental footprint to promote greener, more sustainable aviation,” said Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Group Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air. “Deployed to increase frequencies between our more popular business routes from daily, to twice-daily flights, we are also using the aircraft to launch a third daily flight on our popular Lagos to Accra service.”

“Designed to meet the needs of airlines in high-frequency regional markets, the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft has established a reputation for excellent passenger comfort, while delivering outstanding fuel economy and up to 10 per cent cash operating cost advantage,’’ said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are delighted to congratulate Arik Air on launching service with the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft with a three-abreast, business-class configuration. This cabin configuration showcases the true flexibility of the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet and is the key to achieving the highest passenger comfort and increased revenues.”

About Arik Air
Arik Air (www.arikair.com) is Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline and operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.  

Arik Air also operates four CRJ900 aircraft and four Q400 NextGen aircraft.

The airline currently serves 20 destinations across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia),and Douala (Cameroon), Luanda (Angola), Kinshasa (Congo Democratic Republic), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).The airline operates a combined number of about 120 daily flights from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja, and has been Africa’s fastest growing airline for the last four years.