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.