14-Jun-2010 10:40 AM

Arik Air takes delivery of brand new A330-200 aircraft

Direct News Source

Arik Air took delivery (11-Jun-2010) of its third wide-body aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, thus increasing its fleet to 26.

The brand new aircraft, the first of two A330-200 ordered by Arik Air, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, June 11, 2010 direct from France. The aircraft, with registration 5N-EIA, is the first wide-body aircraft of Arik Air to carry Nigerian registration.

Announcing the arrival of the new A330-200, Arik Air's Deputy Executive Vice President, Mr. Chris Ndulue, said the aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW 4168A engines and will offer the best possible passenger comfort in a two-class configuration.

He explained: "Our new Airbus A330-200 is the first of the two aircraft ordered by the airline and the third wide-body aircraft in our fleet. We already have two Airbus A340-500 ultra range aircraft delivered in December 2008 and May 2009."

The new A330-200 aircraft is configured to carry 283 passengers in a two-class arrangement. Arik Air's Senior Vice President, Commercial, Mr Suraj Sundaram explained that the airline's brand new Airbus 330-200 aircraft, christened 'Sultan of Sokoto', would offer Premier Class and Economy Class. "Premier Class will have 24 seats arranged in a 2-2-2 layout, providing easy aisle access from every seat. Each seat comes equipped with a personal audio and video on-demand entertainment system enabling each guest to enjoy his or her favourite Hollywood and Nollywood movies. All seats come fitted with a laptop plug-in socket."

The spacious and airy Economy Class cabin will have 259 seats arranged in a comfortable 2-4-2 across seat layout. Economy Class will offer a seat-back personal audio and video on-demand entertainment system. Both cabins on board the brand new Airbus 330-200 aircraft will feature relaxing mood lighting.

Mr. Sundaram disclosed that the new aircraft will be deployed on the Lagos-Johannesburg route to replace the Boeing 737-800 currently in use on the route.

The twin-engine and fuel-efficient Airbus 330-200 is one of the quietest and most environmentally friendly aircraft operating in the world today. It complies fully with airport noise restrictions and with current and future international emissions standards.

Arik Air is Nigeria's leading commercial airline. It now operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. The airline currently serves 21 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).

The airline currently operates over 130 flights daily from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja.