Arik Air debunks claims of unsafe operations says pilots followed safety measures

Arik Air has on Sunday debunked the stories making the rounds about its operations and describing them as unsafe.

A statement issued by Roy Ilegbodu, the airline’s CEO stated that actions taken by the crew during its Abuja flight on 8th March 2021 were strictly precautionary as the pilot took necessary safety measures by returning the aircraft to land in line with standard practice.

“Our attention has been drawn to stories published on the social media claiming that Arik Air operations are unsafe following an incident last week,” the airline stated.

Narrating the incident referred to by the author of the article, which occurred in Abuja on the 8th of March 2021, the statement insisted that the actions taken by the crew of the flight were strictly precautionary.

The Pilot-in-Command of the aircraft took the necessary safety measures by returning the aircraft to land as they have been trained to do in line with standard practice, after observing a cautionary indication light in the cockpit.

The airline claimed their aeroplanes are modern, next-generation aircraft equipped with annunciators that enhance safe operations in all stages of flight.

Ilegbodu said “Arik Air in line with standard practice and being a responsible corporate organisation notified the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who subsequently checked, certified and returned to service the aircraft after all mandatory reports and processes had been fulfilled in accordance with global safety standards.

The airline criticised the author of the article, a certain lawyer who raised the alarm and argued that he is not an expert to declare an aircraft unsafe. They are also considering action against what the airline sees as libelous.

Arik Air expected him to go the extra mile to investigate and ask probing questions from professionals in the industry or refer the incident to the appropriate regulatory body, the NCAA if he felt so concerned about air safety.

The company said it is an organisation that goes over and above safety standards in all facets of its operations in the 14 years of its operations.

“We seize this opportunity to assure our esteemed customers of our unflinching commitment to safety which can never be compromised,” the statement reassured.

That Arik has not made any repayments to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on its pre-receivership debt as claimed by Isenalumhe, author of the online article that has resulted in this round of rumors was also debunked by the press statement. Neither has AMCON put any undue pressure on Arik for repayments at the detriment of operation.

Rather, AMCON has provided funds and all forms of support to assist the airline in its operations the statement highlighted.