Arik Air ! W3! ARA

Nigeria’s Arik Air (W3) resumed operations to its 20 domestic destinations Sunday after it stopped flights Thursday following a dispute with the Nigerian government, several local media reported.

We are happy to resume operations” MD Chris Ndulue told journalists, adding that W3 resolved ‘‘all issues’’ it had.

According to a statement from the Nigerian government, it said all complaints by W3 and the aviation ministry had been resolved. ‘‘We use this opportunity to appeal to both parties to eschew every provocation that may have arisen as a result of this unfortunate misunderstanding.’’

Nigeria’s aviation industry has been in turmoil over the past several months after a Dana Air MD-80 crashed before landing in Lagos, killing more than 160 people June 3 (ATW Daily News, July 16). Air Nigeria suspended operations Sept. 10 after a year plagued with strikes, a tax raid and two groundings by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (ATW Daily News, Sept. 5).

In addition, the nation’s Central Bank ordered banks to stop giving loans to W3 and aero contractors over debts of several hundred million dollars.

W3 has transported more than 1.5 million passengers in 2012 to 20 domestic, regional and long-haul destinations.

W3 operates two Airbus A340-500s, four Boeing 737-800s, nine 737-700s, four Bombardier CRJ900s and two Dash 8 Q400s, according to its website

Arrival of the Second Arik Air Airbus A330

Arik Air, Nigeria and West Africa’s leading commercial airline, has increased the size of its fleet to 25 aircraft and boosted its London to Lagos route, with the introduction of a new Airbus A330-200 twin-engine aircraft. Whilst the new A330 will serve London – Lagos, the new plane could be deployed on one of a number of potential new routes to South America and the Middle East in future.Commencing today, the A330 aircraft will compliment Arik Air’s long haul wide body fleet. Fitted to offer the very best in-flight comfort and style, the new additions are an environmentally-friendly product that will provide the highest degree of operational flexibility and passenger comfort.

The A330s offer a two class configuration with 30 Premier Business Class seats and 187 Economy Class seats. The Premier Business Class product is carefully tailored to meet the discerning business traveller’s needs. Customers travelling in Premier Business Class, a business/first suite, will be treated to an outstanding service, the finest cuisine and wines, turndown service with duvets, pyjamas, slippers, and luxury amenity kits. Passengers will have individual secluded booth areas that contain flat beds featuring an in-built massage system complete with a hand held 3.5” inch LCD screen unit controlling seat and lighting functions Cuisine on board reflects the best culinary traditions of Africa, Europe and beyond, complemented by world class wines from our connoisseur’s list.

The stylishly appointed ‘Kira Bar’ is the place to enjoy fine champagne, cocktails and to relax with companions or fellow passengers. Choose from a large selection of Hollywood and Nollywood blockbuster movies, a wide selection of TV shows, games and audio tracks. The selection can be enjoyed on personal high definition widescreen 17” monitors. Arik Air has one of the most generous baggage allowance in the world. Premier Business Class passengers benefit from three pieces of hold luggage @ 30kg each for a huge total allowance of 90 kilos. It is ideal for SMEs, businessmen carrying samples or visiting friends and relatives.

The Economy cabin is designed for maximum comfort and style. Passengers will enjoy a 32-33 inch seat pitch in the spacious cabin and individual seat back 10.6 inch screens Commenting on the introduction of the A330s, Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik Air’s Group Chief Executive Officer said: “We constantly review our fleet to ensure the services we offer to our customers remain competitive and provide the highest quality. The introduction of the new aircraft highlights our commitment to providing customers with the best product on our long-haul routes.

“This addition underlines our determination to strengthen our fleet and gives us the opportunity to expand our route network in the future.” Arik Air is synonymous with offering a truly unique African experience, from the food to the in-flight products on offer. This, combined with our reputation for providing on-board service and hospitality which is second to none, is what differentiates us from the competition”