Nigerian carrier latest African airline to opt for Boeing airplanes for fleet growth
SEATTLE — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Arik Air, Nigeria’s newest commercial carrier, today announced an order for 10 Next-Generation 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.
Additional Information:
The 737-800 is the most popular member of the Next-Generation 737 family, with more than 2,300 airplanes ordered. The 737-800’s market success is confirmed by air finance investors, who consistently rank it as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.
The 777 family of airplanes is popular with passengers and airlines because of its fuel-efficient twin-engine design, high reliability, low operating costs, and comfortable and spacious interior. The 777-300ER is the world’s largest long-range twin-engine jetliner capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 kilometers). With its twin-engine efficiency, the 777-300ER reduces fuel consumption by more than 20 percent per seat compared to its closest competitor, therefore reducing CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent. To date, Boeing has won 1,004 orders for the 777 from 52 customers worldwide.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting. Forty-eight airlines have logged 710 orders since the 787 launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.
