History and background
Arik Air is a wholly-owned Nigerian airline with a commitment to the people of Nigeria to deliver new standards in aviation. Founded in 2002, it was the vision of Sir Arumemi-Ikhide, a leading and well-respected Nigerian businessman who understood that if business was to succeed, there needed to be efficiency and quality of service. He had spent many years travelling throughout Nigeria without the satisfaction of knowing that he could depend on the existing choice of air transport services available to him. He also recognised the importance of healthy market competition in achieving efficiency. A plan for change was soon set in motion.
Timeline
2002, with the national airline in liquidation, Sir Arumemi-Ikhide buys a Hawker jet aircraft for his personal use, safety and convenience. Word spreads and before long his business contacts in the oil and gas industry are using his aircraft to travel throughout Nigeria too. He buys a second Hawker jet. Sir Arumemi-Ikhide is the owner of a corporate jet business
2004, Arik Air is now incorporated with the goal of becoming an airline that ‘Nigeria and the rest of the world would be proud to fly’ (Sir Arumemi-Ikhide)
2005, Sir Arumemi-Ikhide brings together an experienced airline start-up team and sources the best aircraft to launch an airline that will set new standards and change the face of the aviation industry in Nigeria
April 3 2006, Arik Air takes over the former Nigeria Airways Limited facility in Lagos and major reconstruction work begins to transform it into a modern office complex
October 10 2006, Arik Air’s new headquarters and maintenance facility are inaugurated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by the then Aviation Minister, Professor Babalola Aborishade
October 30 2006, following the completion of successful ‘proving’ flights, Arik Air welcomes passengers on board its brand new Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft, the first new commercial aircraft to operate in Nigeria for over 20 years
2007, domestic services are expanded from Lagos and from the airline’s second hub of Abuja. The airline invests circa $US 3.7 billion in an order for new medium and long haul aircraft
January 18 2008, the airline commences its first African regional service, to Accra (Ghana)
December 15 2008, commercial operations begin on the airline’s first international long haul route with a daily nonstop service between Lagos and London Heathrow
April 2009, Arik Air has welcomed more than 2.5 millions guests on board its domestic, regional and international services since launch.
