Sometimes, Only Four Engines Will Do

In today's environment of high fuel prices and a precarious global economy, one might find any airline's decision to order a four-engined airliner to be, well, slightly odd. Nevertheless, Nigerian private airline Arik Air signed a firm contract this week to buy three Airbus A340-500s.

Airbus says the new order makes Arik Air the 10th customer for the quad-engined A340-500, which can fly 313 passengers over 8,650 nautical miles -- range second only to Boeing's twin-engined 777-200LR "Worldliner."

Arik Air planes to use the long-legged planes on new routes to London, New York and Houston. The aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines and will provide the best possible passenger comfort in a two-class configuration.

"This aircraft order will enable Arik Air to start international connections with new and modern aircraft that will support our objective to become one of Africa's key airlines that operate at international standards with new aircraft, top maintenance and where security and quality come first," said Mr. Arumemi-Johnson, Chairman of Arik Air.

Airbus states all three planes will be delivered by the end of November 2008... far sooner than any comparable twin-engine airliner from either Airbus or Boeing could be shipped.

"Arik Air is one of Africa's most dynamic airlines and we are proud that they have selected the A340 to develop their international network," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.

"With the A340-500 offering outstanding performance, range and unparalleled levels of passenger comfort, I look forward to the start of our partnership. We support their development in and outside Africa."

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.arikair.com