NextGen Jumbo Jet Program Earns Boost

Boeing and Nigeria's Arik Air announced orders Tuesday for an additional seven Next-Generation 737s at the Farnborough International Airshow. More importantly, the carrier also said it plans to order four 747-8 Intercontinentals... giving that program a needed boost.

As ANN reported, Arik Air ordered 10 737s in September 2007. The airline already operates six 737-700s.

"We are committed to the advancement of Nigerian aviation through the utilization of the most modern and reliable airplanes available today," said Arik Air Chairman Sir Arumemi-Johnson, in remarks prepared for the event. "With the Next-Generation 737 as the cornerstone of our regional operations, Arik is well positioned across the Boeing product line to pursue our growth plan and usher in a new era of commercial aviation in Nigeria."

Arik Air has five 777-300ERs (Extended Range) and seven 787-9 Dreamliners on order. The airline also announced its intent to purchase four 747-8 Intercontinentals, an announcement Boeing said it was "pleased" to hear. Those orders will book and be added to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site upon completion of final contract negotiations.

"Arik Air has set a new standard for commercial airlines operating in Nigeria," said Ray Conner, vice president of sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 'We value our relationship with this remarkable airline and know that operating Boeing jets will increase Arik's efficiency and offers its passengers the highest levels of comfort and reliability."

Currently, the only customer for the passenger-version of the 747-8 is Germany's Lufthansa, which has firm orders for 20 of the planes and another 20 options. That order was announced in December 2006... and the lack of any new orders since then (with the exception of specialized VIP variants) has led some to question whether Boeing will press ahead with the Intercontinental, or instead focus only on the 747-8 Freighter.

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