- 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.
About CRJ NextGen aircraft
Bombardier revolutionized regional aviation with its CRJ Series aircraft which continuously move the world forward. As the world’s most successful family of regional aircraft, a CRJ regional jet departs every 10 seconds linking people and communities together. Optimized for medium-haul regional routes, the NextGen aircraft deliver best-in-class economics and set the benchmark for lowest fuel burn and operating costs; they also offer proven reliability, fleet commonality and enhanced passenger comfort.
The CRJ NextGen regional jets are designed for hub expansion and point-to-point services, enabling operators to create and develop new markets and increase frequencies for decades to come.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s largest manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indices.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier
Notes to Editors
Images of CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft in Arik Air’s livery are posted with this press release at www.bombardier.com.
Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
Bombardier, CRJ900, CRJ1000, NextGen, Q400 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For Information
Isabelle Gauthier
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
+1-416-375-3030