Arik boosts capacity with new Airbus 340 plane

Arik Air has increased flight frequencies to key domestic destinations ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The airline, which is though struggling with the current aviation fuel shortage to carry out scheduled flights as at when due, said the frequencies were imperative to cope with passenger demand traffic that are characteristic of the yuletide season.

To also cope with the demands of its international passengers on the London Heathrow and New York JFK routes, the airline has leased a wide-body A340-300 from Portugal to supplement its fleet of two A330-200 aircraft.

Spokesman of the airline, Banji Ola, said the airline’s decision to increase flight frequencies on the domestic routes was predicated on the need to ensure that many Nigerians are able to travel home to share the joy of the season with family and friends.

Ola said: “Arik Air connects 18 destinations within Nigeria, 10 in West/Central Africa and three international destinations enabling the airline to bring more Nigerian families together this festive season than any other carrier.

“Instead of the average 100 daily flights normally operated, Arik Air will during the festive period increase its daily flights to an average of 120,” he said.

Arik Air’s Managing Director/Executive Vice President, Chris Ndulue added: “For many of our guests, the Christmas and New Year period is a time when families wish to be reunited at the end of a busy year.

“Arik Air is, therefore, very pleased to announce that on many of our domestic routes, the airline will be scheduling additional flights and operating larger aircraft to cater for the increasing demand,” Ndulue said.