Arik Air places first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft in operations

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft manufacturing company said during the week that Arik Air  has placed the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft configured with three-abreast business-class seating into service in West Africa.

Arik Air is expected to 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,” Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, group chief executive officer, Arik Air, said.

Also commenting on the development, Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said “the aircraft was 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 percent cash operating cost advantage.

“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.” Arik Air 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.

Bombardier revolutionised regional aviation with its CRJ Series aircraft which continuously moves 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.

Optimised 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.