Order Includes 10 737s, Four Dreamliners

It's a big order for Nigeria's newest commercial airline. On Thursday, Arik Air announced an order for 10 Boeing 737-800s, four 787-9s and one 777-300ER (Extended Range). The order is valued at approximately $1.8 billion at list prices.

The 777-300ER was previously booked as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website. Arik's 10 737-800s and four 787-9s will be added at the next scheduled website update.

In April, Arik Air took delivery of two 737-700s and announced an order for two 777-200LRs (Longer Range), two 777-300ERs and three 787-9s to initiate the largest and most aggressive fleet modernization program in Nigeria's aviation history.

"This additional order for Boeing jets demonstrates our commitment and a purposeful strategy to establish world-class commercial aviation service in Nigeria," said Arik's Managing Director Mike McTighe. "Our selection of a mix of Boeing products to serve our customers regionally and internationally is founded on thorough analysis to conduct the most economic and profitable operations, while providing unmatched comfort and safety for our passengers."

Arik Air is the second African airline to select both the 787 and 777 families of twin-aisle jetliners. The airplanes' design and operational commonality allows airlines more choices and less risk in structuring the most economic, efficient and profitable route planning. Boeing is also working with the airline to help Nigeria achieve U.S. FAA Category 1 status, which would allow Arik Air to fly directly to and from the U.S.

"Arik truly understands the dynamics of airplane economics and fleet planning," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. "With a modern, mixed fleet of Boeing jets, the airline will serve its customers well and enhance its capability for growth and success that contributes directly to Nigeria's economic development."

Arik Air is Nigeria's fastest-growing privately owned airline and serves over 11 domestic routes with a fleet of 16 airplanes. The airline also is playing a pivotal role in the improvement of Nigeria's aviation infrastructure.

The Arik Air order represents the 1,004th order for the 777 family, and takes orders for the upcoming 787 Dreamliner to 710, from 48 carriers, according to Boeing's figures.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.arikair.com