Arik unveils new Bombardier CRJ1000 plane

ARIK Air has become the first African airline to purchase a brand new Bombardier’s CRJ 1000 aircraft as part of its continued drive to modernise its fleet and bring its operations up to international standards.

Celebrating its seventh anniversary, Arik unveiled the aircraft yesterday as part of its continued charm offensive to assure the Nigerian public that it is a safe airline to fly with. This latest acquisition brings the airline’s fleet size to 26 aircraft, all of them less than eight years old.  

Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik's chief executive, said: “As we mark our seven years of uninterrupted service, we also look forward to the next chapter of our history in revolutionising air travel. We do so by proudly unveiling the newest member of Arik’s modern fleet, a Bombardier’s next generation CRJ 1000 regional jet.” He added that the transaction and other joint-venture collaborations such as investment in maintenance support facilities, demonstrates Bombardier’s depth of confidence in both Arik Air and Nigeria’s burgeoning aviation sector. Arik and Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer have built up a growing relationship over recent years.  

Raphael Haddad, Bombardier's vice president sales for Africa and the Middle East, who was also at the unveiling ceremony, said the new aircraft is very reliable and flies in many destinations around the world. He declined to comment on how much the new aircraft cost.

Mr Haddad said: “This CRJ 1000 is the latest born in our CRJ family. It is highly reliable, highly economical and has a very good environmental footprint in terms of noise and fuel burnt.”  

Bombardier’s 100-seat CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet is the latest and biggest member of the CRJ series but retains many of the physical characteristics of its relatives. About 128 feet long, the CRJ1000 features a 7.5% trailing-edge extension over its 88-seat predecessor, a 0.66m wing-tip extension and reinforced landing gear and carbon instead of steel, brakes.  

Arik began operations on 30 October 2006 with three brand new Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft and flew only four daily flights between Lagos and Abuja. Today, the airline has not only extended its operations within Nigeria but has gone international, with the daily Lagos-Abuja-London flight being one of its most lucrative.

East African nations launch joint visa scheme

East African Community member states, except Tanzania and Burundi, will from next January begin using a common tourist visa.

This was announced by Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie, Uganda Tourism and Wildlife minister Agnes Egunyo and Rwanda’s High Commissioner to UK William Nkurunzi at the ongoing World Tourism Market expo in London.

The visa is expected to facilitate free movement of tourists and enhance regional integration.

“We have been in discussion over this matter for the last six months and we are proud today to announce that we finally have a joint visa,” said Ms Kandie.

“This is an opportunity for us to increase tourist numbers as we will jointly offer diversified tourism products.”

Long overdue

She said that tourism products from the three countries were varied, meaning the single visa plan would give tourists an opportunity to sample a variety of attractions.


However, the effectiveness of the move in view of Tanzania’s exclusion could be limited.

“Other EAC members will join us along the way since we have not locked any one out,” said Ms Kandie while responding to the press questions on the absence of Tanzania in the deal.


Mr Nkurunzi said the joint visa plan was cost effective and would play a critical in repositioning tourism products in the region.

Kenya Tourist Board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa said the move was timely coming at a time Kenya is tapping into the regional market to grow its tourism sector.

“The single visa is long overdue; it will not only ease movement within the member states but would also allow the tourists to maximise value for money,” said Mr Ndegwa.