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.

Pullman London St. Pancras celebrates official launch

Pullman London St Pancras officially launches with Pullman Artnight showcasing its final design, state-of-the art services and contemporary art collection. A year-long journey, the now complete Pullman London St Pancras is a European flagship for the global hotel brand.

Two bedrooms have been transformed into “Art Rooms” which will be available for overnight stays after the event. French photographer Carole Bellaiche showcases an intimate series of lover’s portraits with her, “Les Amoureux” collection. The collection shows couples on the brink of intimacy and have a film-like quality that make you feel like you are watching a scene which is about to unfold. The collection is subtly linked to the 1966 film “Blow up” directed by Michelangelo Antonioni.

Two floors below is an Oliver Twist themed room by London-based Portrait sculptor James A Matthews. Matthews takes his inspiration from the location of the hotel. In 1838, Charles Dickens penned his second novel “Oliver Twist” at 48 Doughty Street; a stone’s throw from the Pullman Hotel. Much of the novel is set locally to the hotel; Dickens set Fagin’s den, at Saffron Hill near the rookery of St. Giles.
 
A pop up art gallery by renowned Nigerian photographer George Osodi is displayed in the lower lounge. The Pullman London St. Pancras is home to its own unique collection of contemporary art. A permanent exhibition of works by photographer’s Liz Hingley, George Osodi and Richard Bellia, part of the Pullman Collection, are on display throughout the hotel. The hotel is also an official hotel partner to the world-famous Frieze Art Fair.

A Dramatic History
The site of this exciting hotel has experienced a number of dramatic and theatrical changes since its inception in 1971. It started life as the location for the Camden Council Building and Library, which housed the purpose-built Shaw Theatre, named in honour of renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw.

The Shaw Theatre opened its doors with the show Zigger Zaggar and over the coming years theatrical luminaries have graced its stage including Sir Ian McKellan, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Flora Robson, Patricia Routledge and Vanessa Redgrave.  Today, the theatre runs a full schedule of performances.

Pullman London St Pancras Today
The highly contemporary design is instantly striking. The design takes much of its inspiration from its location drawing on the linear design and colours of the railway with contrasting greys and yellows, and strong lines decorating the public areas. Coloured light beams and miniature Bowler hat lamp shades add a touch of humour.

Situated just minutes from King’s Cross St Pancras station, the vibrant hotel features 312 bedrooms, the Golden Arrow restaurant and bar and panoramic views of the London Skyline.  There are 17 specially designed spaces for events and business meetings, a 446-seat tiered theatre for arts and corporate use, and a sauna and gym.

Rooms include Superior to Deluxe with Deluxe suites (and junior suites to come in 2014) specially designed to suit a wide range of requirements and taste. Bedrooms include the Pullman bed, free high speed WiFi, a tranquil rain shower, tea & coffee making facilities, mini-bar, Roger & Gallet toiletries, a plush king bed, 40"TV, free high speed Wi-Fi, movies on demand & work desk all highlighted by modern design.

Jaime Faus, General Manager Pullman London St.Pancras comments, “We’re thrilled to introduce a one-of-a-kind hotel to this vibrant travel hub of London and are confident that our spacious, in-style bedrooms, exciting restaurant and bar and unique conference facilities combined with the highest levels of service will ensure guests feel re-energised during their stay with us.”

Christophe Vanswieten, COO Pullman Europe stated, “This is our first Pullman for the UK and a shining example of the brand. We have a strong pipeline for development in Europe and internationally and are looking forward to welcoming guests to new locations for Pullman hotels & resorts.”

King’s Cross: London’s new culture quarter
The cultural train has well and truly pulled into a gentrified King’s Cross, with the area destined to become a hub for art lovers and a serious rival to the South Bank. The imposing Granary Building at the back of King’s Cross station was built in 1851 as a giant warehouse for London’s grain. As the new home of the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, part of the University of the Arts, it is now flowing with the seeds of Britain’s creative industries.  King’s Cross Central, a new 67-acre development, includes, shops and homes, as well new theatres and independent cinemas.

At the heart of this cultural revitalization stands the Pullman hotel, London’s home of the new executive lifestyle.  A series of signature encounters with the Pullman brand at Pullman’s Artnight events are rooted in the destination city as well as in the brand DNA: cosmopolitan, in-style and vibrant.

Xavier Louyot, SVP Global Marketing Pullman comments, “Whether guests are staying for business or leisure, our objective is to offer our guests a cosmopolitan, vibrant and in-style experience. In 2013, starting in Paris and Brussels, and now London, Pullman is building with both emerging and established living artists, a contemporary art collection that explores an essential aspect of our times: the re-emergence of cultural identities in a modern world marked by universality and cultural mixing.”

Golden Arrow: Dining Decadence
The restaurant, which seats 94, is named Golden Arrow after the famous all-first-class Pullman train service. Its menu is centered on the Pullman journey and features modern British, French and European cuisine and matching fine wines.  Distinctive to the hotel is The Josper Grill; a hybrid oven – used to heat but famed for being the hottest burning indoor grill.

The selection of wines at Golden Arrow has been expertly selected as excellent examples of their style. In addition guests can enjoy the innovative Vinoteca by Pullman wine libraries which offer a wide range of wines by the glass.

If cocktails are more to the taste of guests “timeless cocktails” including Margaritas, Cosmopolitans and Whiskey Sours are alongside the more adventurous “Pullman Collection Cocktails” such as the Pullman Connection - a beautiful mix of Lychee Liqueur, Midori, Ketel One Vodka, and Pineapple juice with sweet and sour.

Golden Arrow also features one of London’s finest whisky collections. The 200-strong-strong whisky collection brings a new generation of whisky to London from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, America and Canada.

Three nights a week the Golden Arrow offers live entertainment at ‘GA Live’ with local acoustic artists and live DJs

Emirates launches luxury private jet service

“Emirates Executive elevates the high standards and quality of Emirates that our customers have come to expect, with the flexibility and luxury that can only be offered by a private chartered flight,” said Adnan Kazim – Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President – Planning, Aeropolitical & Industry Affairs. “We have seen an increasing demand in the private travel segment, especially in the Middle East and Europe as well as in markets such as India, Russia and China, and with Emirates Executive and the launch of its website, we are looking to tap into this niche market with the high-quality of service and attention to detail associated with Emirates.”

Providing a private charter service to most locations worldwide and beyond the existing Emirates network, the aircraft offers a new configuration with a high level of comfort and service for up to 19 passengers. Always pioneering, Emirates Executive introduces many firsts from private suites to a large multi-functional lounge area on-board, making it a service versatile enough to provide diverse travel options for both the private customer and corporations alike.

The configuration of the A319 Emirates Executive aircraft is based on two main zones. The first area is a wide dining and executive lounge at the front of the aircraft designed to seat up to 12 passengers, combining a work area and a rest zone with two large sofas surrounding four mechanically-activated tables and two 42” HD LCD screens. The second distinct area comprises 10 Private Suites each featuring a fully lie flat seat and a 32” HD LCD screen.



The suites are complemented by a large and elegant Shower Spa, equipped with a full-height shower, featured innovations like a floor heating system, decorative serigraphy on mirrors and marble accents, as well as luxury, all-natural skincare products.




Customers can also enjoy a variety of multi-course culinary options from Emirates’ award-winning menus, and the finest selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as customised options to suit any palette or dietary requirement. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including Emirates’ award winning in-flight entertainment (ice) with up to 1,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, as well as a live TV, video conferencing facilities and high-speed internet and mobile phone connectivity.




The personalised service for customers includes booking an aircraft at short notice and a premium chauffeur drive service. The A319 aircraft is supported by a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced inflight crew and ground staff.



Interest and bookings for the service are being collected over on Emirates’ new landing page http://www.emirates-executive.com

Qatar notches up sixth US destination

Soon-to-be oneworld member Qatar plans to start serving Miami from next June - its sixth US city.

The airline will offer four non-stop flights a week between its Doha hub and the Floridian airport, operating a Boeing 777.

Miami will be the only service in the southeast US and Florida offered by Qatar Airways.

Qatar's CEO, Akbar Al Baker said Miami was linked to its impending oneworld membership.

“The US is a growing market for us and the addition of Miami as a destination and our membership in the oneworld alliance opens up a multitude of better routes with the Middle East, East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Western Australia to and from the east coast of the US.”

The carrier currently operates to Chicago, Houston, New York and Washington DC, and plans to add Philadelphia in April 2014.

Arik Air launches 7th anniversary sales promo

Arik Air has launched a special sales promotion to celebrate its seventh anniversary. The promotion is valid on the airline’s long haul routes; Lagos-London Heathrow, Lagos-Johannesburg and Lagos-New York.

According to the airline, guests travelling between Lagos and London will be able to buy a return economy class ticket from N41, 990 and Business class ticket from N355, 139.

A return Economy Class ticket on the Lagos-New York route starts from N97, 062 while Business class ticket on the route starts from N487, 892. On the Lagos-Johannesburg route, a return economy class ticket starts from N38, 437 and Business class from N326, 553.

The fares are exclusive of all taxes and charges and the last ticket day is October 31, 2013. Outbound travel period is between October 14 and November 15, 2013.

Commenting on the anniversary promotion, Arik Air’s Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue explained that the promotional fare is the airline’s special way of thanking its esteemed guests who have remained loyal to the carrier these past seven years.

 “When we set out seven years ago, our aim was to become a Nigerian airline that Nigerians would be proud to fly. Now, we have been firmly established as West and Central Africa’s largest carrier and the fastest growing airline in Africa.

 Arik Air not only connects Nigeria with eight countries in West/Central Africa and serves London Heathrow, Johannesburg and New York JFK from Lagos, it also connects 20 destinations within Nigeria - a domestic network that no other airline can match.

It is therefore appropriate that all our guests should have the option to avail of this special offer for travel across our long haul routes.”

Tickets can be paid for at the airline’s City Ticketing Offices and Airport Ticketing Offices within Nigeria and via the airline’s website www.arikair.com or mobile devices (phones and tablets). In addition, tickets can be purchased from any IATA registered travel agent.

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