Arik Air is a wholly owned Nigerian airline with a commitment to the people of Nigeria to deliver new standards in aviation. Incorporated in 2004, it is the vision of Sir J.I.A Arumemi-Johnson, a leading and well respected Nigerian businessman who understands the need for efficiency and quality of service in business to succeed. He has spent many years traveling throughout his home country without the satisfaction of knowing that he can depend on the only transport service available to him. He also knows that competition is a healthy eye opener towards achieving efficiency.
In 2002 with the national airline in liquidation, Sir Arumemi-Johnson decided to buy a Hawker jet aircraft for his own safety and convenience. The word got out, and before long his contacts in the gas and oil industry were using his aircraft to fly them around Nigeria. So he bought another one and before long Sir Arumemi-Johnson had a Corporate Jet business.
He then set out to find the right people and the best aircraft to build an airline that would set new standards and change the face of the aviation industry in Nigeria - an airline that ÎNigeria and the rest of the world would be proud to flyÌ.
On April 3, 2006, Arik Air took occupation of the former Nigeria Airways Limited facilities in Lagos, some three years after liquidation and major reconstruction work began immediately.
Seven months after taking occupation of the old Nigeria AirwaysÌ premises and transforming it to a modern edifice, Arik Air was inaugurated on October 10, 2006 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by the then Aviation Minister, Professor Babalola Aborishade.
With the successful completion of proving flights on its (3) brand new Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft, Arik Air finally opened its doors to passengers on Monday, October 30, 2006. The airline, thus introduced the first new commercial aircraft into Nigeria for over 20 years, flying domestic routes throughout the country before leading up to a full network of eleven destinations and three international routes on the African Continent. The airline also plans to commence intercontinental routes from 2008.
Arik Air Ò Wings of Nigeria