Nigeria's Arik Air Modernizes Fleet with new Boeing Jets

The Nigeria-based airline, Arik Air, has recently announced that they plan to purchase 15 new Boeing aircraft. This purchase will allow Nigeria's newest airline to expand operations across Africa and the world. The purchase is for a mixture of short range and long range Boeing aircraft. 10 of the 15 new aircraft are to be from the 737 series, specifically the 737-800. Four of the aircraft are for Boeings newest plane, the 787-9. The remaining order was for the largest model of the 777 series aircraft, the 777-300ER. The value of the initial order is approximately 1.8 billion US dollars.

This newest order comes on top of an order last spring for two 777-200LR's, two 777-320ER's and three 787-9's, that were the first new aircraft purchased by a Nigerian airline for in recent times. All of these aircraft will allow Arik Air to become one of the most modern airlines across Africa and the world. Arik Air's managing director Mike McTighe had the following to say at a recent press conference, "This additional order for Boeing jets demonstrates our commitment and a purposeful strategy to establish world-class commercial aviation service in Nigeria. Our selection of a mix of Boeing products to serve our customers regionally and internationally is founded on thorough analysis to conduct the most economic and profitable operations, while providing unmatched comfort and safety for our passengers."

The Boeing Company is currently working with Arik Air, in order to certify them with the US's Federal Aviation Administration, to allow them to fly nonstop to the United States, if they so choose to. Boeing Commerical Airplanes Vice-President of Sales for the Middle East and Africa Lee Monson had the following to say, "Arik truly understands the dynamics of airplane economics and fleet planning. With a modern, mixed fleet of Boeing jets, the airline will serve its customers well and enhance its capability for growth and success that contributes directly to Nigeria's economic development."

About the ordered aircraft: The Boeing 737-800 is a short to medium range airliner, capable of carrying up to 189 passengers in an all coach configuration. With a range of just over 3,000 nautical miles, the 737-800 will allow Arik Air to operate to most African and European destinations. To date, over 1,200 737-800 aircraft have been delivered. The Boeing 777-300ER is the largest aircraft of the 777 family of wide-bodied aircraft.

The aircraft is nearly 245 feet long and 212 feet wide. The 777-300ER holds 365 passengers in a typical configuration, and is able to fly over 8,000 nautical miles allows the aircraft to fly from Nigeria to nearly anywhere in the populated world. The 777-300ER can carry over 400,000 pounds of fuel and cargo, allowing for airlines to operate very profitable routes with ample room for cargo in the underside of the aircraft. The Boeing 787-9 is Boeing's newest aircraft. Composed of carbon fiber material, the aircraft is truly revolutionary. The 787-9 will hold between 250 and 290 passengers, be able to fly over 8,000 nautical miles, and carry nearly 300,000 pounds of cargo. At the time of writing, nearly 700 787's have been ordered, prior to the first flight of the aircraft.