Arik Air is an odd beast. With bits of it from Nigerian Airlines, and different investments here and there, it operates a 22 aircraft fleet, focusing on Nigeria and the area, as well as a few long-haul routes (namely, London, New York JFK, Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg). To run the long haul routes, it’s drafted in a pair of Airbus A340-500’s which can been seen flying some of these.
Well it seems that Arik Air has gone a bit more Boeing, with the announcement it is to order a grand total of TWO Boeing 747-8I’s.
Sir JIA Arumemi-Johnson, owner and chairman of Arik Air states:.
“Air travel within the region continues to grow at a rapid pace and we must prepare our fleet to accommodate that growth,” said
“Boeing’s new 747-8 fits perfectly into our long-term planning. It brings the best operating economics for its size, which is important with the increase in fuel prices.”
Arik Air also have outstanding orders for 7 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (whenever Boeing chooses to build them) has signed a deal with Boeing for two 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft for use on its key long-haul routes.
Now, whilst this isn’t a rubber stamp on the 747-8i project (which quite frankly isn’t doing well in comparison to Boeing’s other long haul frame – namely the 777-300ER), I’m sure that Boeing will welcome the extra $635 million at list prices the aircraft are worth.
Still for such as small sub-fleet of aircraft, 2 is a bit too small – as BMI demonstrate wonderfully with their Airbus A330-200 fleet of 2, and unless Air Arik is careful with the deployments of these birds, they could be finding new homes quickly….
Matt Falcus says
It struck me as odd at first too. But Arik Air seems to have the financial backing to do what it likes, and thinking about it, it’s a good piece of PR as it’s got everyone talking!
Perhaps not the wisest choice, but good for Boeing and I’m sure Arik will make it work. I hope they do as the colour scheme looks great on the 747!
Kevincm says
To buy any sort of jet, they’ve got to have some capital. Obviously, the PR aspect has worked a charm (heck, I’m writing about it), but I can’t help feel this is the wrong jet for them.
But if the CGI renders are anything to go by, it’s going to look cute. And annoy lovers of 747’s who fleets are being replaced with 777-300ER’s…
Euan says
I saw 2 Arik Air’s parked at LHR yesterday and it made me take a look at their offering this morning when I got into the office.
There business product doesn’t look too bad from the photographs they provide but I also read today they are dropping their route from LHR to the Nigerian capital.