The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Arik

  • Aviation fuel shortage threatens Arik flights

    Domestic flights were yesterday hampered by limited supply of aviation fuel, otherwise known  as Jet A -1, forcing some carriers, including Arik Air, to delay some flights and cancel others.

    The limited supply has persisted for some days according the spokesman of Arik Air , Mr Ola Adebanji .

    ”The limited supply of JET A1 (aviation fuel) across the country in the last few days has greatly hampered our flight operations.

    “With over 100 flights daily, this limited supply of aviation fuel has resulted, regrettably, into flight delays and sometimes outright cancellations.

  • Cargo firms, Arik, others partner on $5.2b agro export 

    Cargo firms, Arik, others partner on $5.2b agro export 

    The  government of Anambra State  and a courier and cargo company, ABX World,  plan to facilitate the export of about $5.2billion worth of agro-allied products to European countries yearly.

    ABX  Anambra, World Chief Executive Officer Captain John Okakpu, who made this known, listed others in the deal as Arik  Air and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), adding that it would facilitate the packaging and air freighting to European countries.

    Okakpu described the partnership as part of the state government’s efforts  to lead the way in its commitment to  developing agriculture.  The gesture, he said, is  capable of generating jobs, eliminating poverty and restoring investor’ confidence in the state.

    He said the state had become a trailblazer in this regard, as “different state governments, realising their dwindling fortune in the wake of falling oil revenue, are now interested in the agro-allied exports.” He said Anambra State was leading the way through serious commitment to agriculture , adding that the state is far ahead of others in  grassroots structure and technology deployment to aid farmers.

    He said: “When we entered into agreement with them, we discovered that they have gone very far. For instance, the state has over 1400 corporative societies and they have gone to the extent of training most of the farmers and also the certification of the corporative societies.

    “The next step was the geo-mapping of the area for easy identification of the farmlands from any part of the world. This is a sure step to curb the incessant rejection of agro-allied produce from Nigeria at the European and the rest of the world markets.

    “The EU certified trainers were in Nigeria about three months ago. So, after that training and certification programme, the participants were guaranteed of three years contract to supply agro-allied produce to Europe and can use it for the rest part of the world.

    “This is the real capacity building we are talking about. There is no other better way to fight poverty and encourage farmers than to provide markets for them.”

    Okakpu added that they are working with other partners, Arik Air and SAHCOL to ensure that about 75 farm products of which Ugu-pumpkin leaf tops the list, are exported from Nigeria to Europe and rest of the world.

    He expressed optimism that the project will create millions of jobs in the country as more states queue-in into it.

    He said that ABX World will use its partnerships around the world to make a difference, “create agricultural revolution whereby we bring in the off-takers to take agricultural products as long as they meet the international standard and requirements.”

    Speaking on the development, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Afam Mbanefo, said that government’s penchant for agricultural development was to eliminate poverty, create job and improve the internally generated revenue (IGR).

    Mbanefo said  Willie Obiano administration wants to be economically independent and buoyant and reduce excess dependence on the Federal Government.

    “As a people-oriented administration, Willie Obiano has always sought for ways to create security,  good road network, peaceful night life; these are things that will get people involved, bring in investors and tourism. Now, the agro-allied export is another testament to the government unrelenting efforts to ensure Anambra State farmers do not lack market to sell their products.

    “It is very imperative to note that before commencing the exports, the farmers through their cooperative societies received training and certification. In other words, we are confident that these products like pumpkin leaf (Ugu), and others will meet the market standard. As a government, we are happy about this new development and we are thankful to other facilitators like ABX World,” the Commissioner said.

  • Obsolete infrastructure crippling local carriers, says Arik chief

    Obsolete infrastructure crippling local carriers, says Arik chief

    The Managing Director, Arik Air, Chris Ndulue has identified inadequate and obsolete airport infrastructure as obstacles inhibiting the operations and profitability of indigenous airlines.

    He said inadequate facilities, especially air field lighting at airports, has constrained the operating time of domestic carriers.

    He said when an aircraft that should be operated for at least 16 hours, airlifting passengers from one destination to another, is used only for eight hours, the airline incurs losses.

    Such scenario he said does not enhance profitability for any airline as revenue earned during such restricted hours of operations cannot offset the cost of operations. He explained that if an aircraft operates for up to 16 hours, it will generate enough revenue.

    He said there is need to fix challenges associated with lack of airfield lighting, power and other infrastructural facilities at the airports.

    Nodule said: “We have problem of infrastructural challenge at the airports, which restricts operation in Nigeria. So you are utilising your aircraft for about eight or nine hours instead of about 16 hours. This is a major problem because if you don’t utilise aircraft to a certain level then you cannot make profits. This is obvious. So the important thing is to address this infrastructure challenge.”

    The Arik Air chief also lamented that the operations of domestic airlines are further hampered by the fact that the Ministry of Aviation arbitrarily issues multi-entry points to foreign airlines.

    Such ugly arrangement he said enables the benefitting foreign carriers to fly to more than one airport in the country.

    “The Ministry of Aviation is incurably insensitive. The issuing of multiple designations to foreign airlines impacts negatively on every domestic airline. It eats up domestic operation in addition to eating up international operation.

    “So it is not good for any airline, including Arik. But the important thing is that we need to realise that industries have to grow from one stage to another.

    “We need to find out where our aviation industry is and also the kind of approach we should adopt in developing the industry. If it is at infancy, then we must adopt the infant industry kind of approach.”

    If it has matured then we have to look at it and approach it with policies that are suitable for a matured industry. But we know that it is not a matured industry yet; so we need to do those things that are important for us to get the industry to grow from infancy,” he said.

    Ndulue said there should be conscious effort by government to grow the aviation industry and reap the gains therein in the long run.

    Government, he said can do this through favourable policies aimed at developing local carriers and one major way of doing this is to make funds available for single digit interest rate, long -term loans for the airlines.

    “If we don’t want our airlines to go to the desert in the United States and pick aeroplanes that have been lying there for about five years and then get them into the air in Nigeria; if we want them to buy aircraft, just like other airlines do, then how do we fund it? Is it by borrowing from local banks at 24 per cent? “We need to find a solution to that. Some industries can have dedicated funds. Nobody is asking for free money.

    “And a lot of people talk about aviation fund; no money was given to the aviation industry so far. Some refinancing that we had done was just for the benefit of the banks. So we need to move away from that and invest in aircraft acquisition. Then you can access this fund. We are willing to pay back and also pay interest on it. So nobody is asking for free money,” Ndulue also said.

  • Arik crew arrest: NDLEA gets CCTV footage, impounds two more vehicles

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of how Arik Air staff, Ikechukwu Chibuzor Oliver smuggled three bags of cocaine along with food supplies for flight W3101.
    The Agency has also invited the younger brother of main suspect, Chika Egwu Udensi for questioning.
    Mr. Uwachi Amos Udensi, 32 years old was invited in connection with alleged complicity in the ongoing investigation of 20kg of cocaine seized by the United Kingdom Border Force at Heathrow Airport.
    The vehicles seized from Chika Egwu Udensi include a Land Rover, an Equinox Chevrolet and a Dodge Hemi Magnum.
    Narcotic investigators are still working on evidences so far gathered on the case. NDLEA said in a statement that the management of Arik Air is giving necessary assistance for the investigation.
    The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade who expressed satisfaction with the success of investigation, directed investigators to further widen their search for more collaborators.
    “I am impressed with the success recorded in the ongoing investigation. The swift arrest of the main accomplice reflects our determination to speedily bring to justice all parties to the crime. Let me reassure Nigerians and the international community that those behind this crime has no hiding place” Giade stated.
    Further investigation has shown that Mr. Chika, the main suspect lives ostentatious lifestyle far beyond his salary. He is also believed to be involved in laundering illicit proceeds of drugs under the cover of automobile importation.
    The operational tasking order issued by NDLEA Chairman to its operatives to look inwards into the activities of the Agency and other airport workers is an immediate measure to avert acts of compromise calculated to undermine airport security.

  • Arik: I was expecting N1.2m from drug pushing, says accomplice

    Arik: I was expecting N1.2m from drug pushing, says accomplice

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended an Arik Air crew member, Chibuzor Oliver Ikechukwu over his alleged role in the 20 kilogramme of cocaine seizure by the United Kingdom Border Force at Heathrow Airport.

    Ikechukwu, 35, who works as a catering loader was found to have subverted airport security by concealing cocaine in catering supplies.

     Preliminary investigation revealed that both Ikechukwu and Chika had been infiltrated by a suspected drug cartel.

     He told narcotic investigators that he was invited into the illicit drug deal by his colleague Chika Egwu Udensi, a senior member of the Arik Air cabin crew who was arrested in London on flight W3101.

    “It was Chika that introduced me into the drug deal. Whenever Chika gives me the drug, I will hide it in catering supplies. Chika knows where to collect the drug inside the flight. They pay me N400,000 per bag. I was expecting N1.2 million proceed for the three bags that I smuggled into the aircraft, Oliver said.

    Ikechukwu, who hails from Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Abia State, is a graduate of Business Administration and he was employed by Arik Air in 2009.

     The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade has directed that henceforth, all airport workers must be extensively screened.

    “The agency has taken, drastic measures to avert infiltration of airport workers by criminal syndicate. Airline officials and airport workers shall be subjected to comprehensive search. We will resist any act capable of undermining security at all entry and exit points,” Giade said.

     The NDLEA chief stressed that all catering trucks, luggage trucks, aviation fuel tankers, machines and personnel, whose duty directly or indirectly relates to the tarmac and flight operations shall be subjected to full screening.

    As part of investigation, the rented apartment of Chika at Pastor Ojediran Street Ejigbo, Lagos, was searched by operatives of the NDLEA.

     He lives there with his mother and siblings while his wife and children are based in Canada.

    The latest Range Rover car belonging to the prime suspect parked on the airline’s premises had also been moved to the NDLEA office as exhibit.

    The 20kg of cocaine found on Chika in London was concealed within the construction of laptop bags. The quantity and estimated street value of the cocaine is over N100 million.

  • Passenger arrested for smoking on Arik London flight

    Passenger arrested for smoking on Arik London flight

    The Airport Police Command has arrested one Lawal Oluwabusola for smoking cigarette on board Arik Air flight from London to Lagos.

    A statement by Mr Livinus Chukwuma Police Public Relations Officer PPRO Airport Command said, the man was apprehended on arrival at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

    According to Chukwuma, the suspect was smoking cigarette in the lavatory which triggered off emergency alarm system in the aircraft causing confusion among passengers.

    The PPRO said the suspect’s action was at variance with the in-flight safety procedures.

    Chukwuma said the suspect has been arraigned in court on two count charges in accordance with section 2(1) of the FAAN bye law 2005 and section 166(1) (d) of the criminal law of Lagos State.

    In a related development, the command has also apprehended a man for stealing the sum of $1,400 from a female passenger scheduled to fly Air France .

    Chukwuma said the Passenger was was taking some rest on a couch in Gabfol lounge at MMIA waiting to board the flight when she forgot her purse containing the sum.

    Meanwhile, the Airport Police Commissioner, CP Frederick Lakanu has urged airport users nationwide to conform with the rules and regulations guiding the airports and aviation industry as ignorance will not be tolerated as an excuse.

  • Arik, CFM to develop indigenous skills

    Aircraft engine manufacturer, CFM International and Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Arik Air have begun discussion to train Nigerians on aircraft engine maintenance and repairs.

    This is an invaluable contribution of Arik Air to government’s local content development policy and as discussion progresses, it is expected that the airline would select intelligent, bright and young Nigerians who would be trained by CFM,  manufacturers of Arik Air Boeing 737 New Generation (NG) engines.

    The discussion took firm ground last week when CFM President, Jean-Paul Ebanga  visited Arik headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to affirm the importance of the airline to the company and also show commitment to the planned partnership.

    Ebanga, who toured Arik Air’s facilities at its headquarters said he was impressed by the progress the airline has recorded in just eight years of its commercial operations, adding that Arik would soon be one of the leading airlines in Africa.

    “What the Chairman of Arik Air, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide  is doing  is to work, not to talk. He is bringing the needed change in air transport in Nigeria. In three to four years from now Africa will be the most populated continent with growing middle class. We have CFM engines in many aircraft operating in Africa. So, we grow with Africa’s economy as the middle class becomes empowered by the on-going economic growth. I think the population of CFM engines in Africa is the biggest one. I think we have about 900 engines flying all over Africa and the engines are behaving very well,” Ebanga said.

    He observed that for African airlines to be competitive they have to operate new and modern equipment as Arik Air has done, engaging the services of skilled manpower and operate modern system that would dovetail with operators in other parts of the world.

    “I think one of the challenges of Africa is that Africa is now part of the global economy and African airlines are competing with all the other airlines in the world. I think African airlines will have to keep up with the skills, organisational efficiency to be able to compare with the best airlines in the world.

    This is what is already in progress. Arik is one of such airlines in Africa. They are using the top notch aircraft like other companies in the world. Of course, there are challenges, but the leaders of these airlines in Africa understand those challenges,” the CFM President said.

    Arik Air Chairman, Arumemi-Ikhide explained that the airline and CFM International talked about partnership, the development of indigenous manpower and technical support of the company to the airline.

    “We set up two working groups made up of people from their side and our side and we are looking at issues of Harmattan on our engines and you know we are going to build MRO. They are going to let us know what role they will play there. We are going to start a lot of work locally but they must have to be of international standard. Nigerians are well trained. We have skilled people all over the world. Like he said, it is one step after the other but government must support. Without government’s support, we cannot do anything,” he said.

    Arik Air Chairman also said CFM engines are good because the people are very experienced and the engines are very efficient.

    “They are very safe. We have not experienced any flame out or catastrophe. They are used all over the world and they are very efficient. In fact, we are satisfied with their engine performance in Nigeria. We use 26 of their engines on our 13 Boeing 737 airplanes and we also have spares. We have a long relationship with them. We found their engines very satisfactory and we have placed more orders with Boeing for the Boeing Max. So in a couple of years we are going to have about 30 aircraft and 60 engines,” Arumemi-Ikhide said.

    Meanwhile, Arik  Air is expanding  its flight services in the West African sub region with the extension of  its Abuja-Accra service to Dakar, Senegal effective March 24, 2015,

    Arik Air stated this in a statement

    According to the statement ,  the Lagos-Dakar service will be strengthened to six weekly flights with a new thrice weekly Lagos-Accra-Dakar service.

    The Abuja-Accra-Dakar service which was first introduced in February 2014 was suspended in the wake of the Ebola disease outbreak in July 2014.

    Though the Abuja-Accra service is a daily service, the extension to Dakar will operate thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

    The Lagos-Accra-Dakar service departs Lagos  and arrives in Accra .

    The flight continues on to Dakar, departing Accra to in  Dakar .

    The inbound flight departs Dakar to arrive  in Accra before proceeding to Lags .

    As a result of these developments, Arik Air will be creating a scissors hub in Accra where passengers from Lagos and Abuja can connect direct to Dakar, Senegal. Also, Arik Air will be only carrier offering non-stop service to Dakar from Accra.

    Arik Air Deputy Managing Director/Senior Vice President, Operations, Captain Ado Sanusi commented:

    “As the dominant commercial airline in West and Central Africa, Arik Air is always seeking to strengthen its services in the region to give guests comfort and value for money. We are ready to provide greater choice and a convenient, accessible network to our valued guests in the West Coast of Africa.”

     

     

  • Arik Air boss advocates reduction in borrowing costs to airlines

    Arik Air boss advocates reduction in borrowing costs to airlines

    The Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue has appealed to the government to ensure reduction in the borrowing cost to Nigerian airlines by 50 to 75 per cent.

    Ndulue said that the borrowing cost in Nigeria is on the high side, noting that the trend impacts negatively on the operations of the airlines especially when seeking funds to acquire aircrafts abroad.

    Speaking at the unveiling of its frequent flyer programme, Arik Affinity Wings at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos, Ndulue said that if the borrowing cost is reduced, it would enable the country’s airlines to compete favourably with its counterparts anywhere in the world.

    Ndulue also condemned multiple taxations on the country’s airlines, maintaining that as one of the key sectors necessary for national development, it was wrong for the government or its agencies to continue to impose high tax regime or multiple taxations on the operating carriers.

    He emphasised that the country’s aviation industry should not be mapped out as a source of revenue for the government even when the government was not able to support its agencies 100 per cent. Rather, the operating airlines should be supported by the government to continue to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

    He said: “We keep saying that what we expect from the government is just the environment for doing business, as long as this environment is good, everybody is happy including Arik Air. I’m not asking for specifics or things out of the world, we are only expecting that the business environment should be  good.

    “One of the biggest challenges we have especially as an airline that acquires aircraft for operations is borrowing cost. If you don’t have an aircraft, you may not have this problem of borrowing cost, which is very high and this is one of the biggest problems that needs to be solved.

    “If the cost of borrowing is reduced, especially  in Nigerian situation, it has to be reduced by as much as 50 per cent or 75 per cent because the cost of borrowing is extremely high here. If that happens, it puts the airlines in a better position to be able to compete with other airlines from outside Nigeria.

    “We have also spoken about multiple taxations on Nigerian airlines and I think that government realises that aviation industry is something that requires special support and that was why some time ago, there was something called aviation intervention funds. Just like we have had in similar industries that government has considered as key to national development. What this means is that it is an industry the government should be supporting.”

    Speaking on its new flyer programme, Arik Affinity Wings, Ndulue said that the programme was designed to reward guests for their loyalty by giving them the opportunity to earn miles on domestic, regional and long-haul flights.

    He noted that customers could join the programme by logging on to arikaffinitywings.com and completing an online enrolment form where they would receive 1000 bonus affinity miles along with a personal affinity wings membership number.

    He said: “Once redeemed, miles can be used to fly to any destination on Arik Air’s roster, upgrade tickets and make payments for excess baggage allowance, access to Arik Air’s business lounges and priority check-in at the airport.”

  • Emirates, Arik Air sign deal

    Emirates Airlines and Arik Air  have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost their  commercial relationship.

    The deal was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning, Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, and Chris Ndlulue, Arik Air’s Managing Director, at Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai.

    Emirates and Arik Air have a one-way interline agreement, whereby Emirates passengers are connected throughout Nigeria and West Africa via Arik Air’s current domestic and regional network.

    “Both Emirates and Arik Air have expressed interest in exploring ways to expand on our existing commercial relationship and to look at different areas in which we can cooperate that will be mutually beneficial to both airlines, including seamless connectivity for our customers on our respective networks.

    We also intend to explore the potential of code share arrangements as passenger traffic flows mature between both parties’ networks,” said Kazim.

    “Arik Air is delighted to partner with Emirates. Both airlines share a similar vision of convenience and safety for our customers.

    “While Arik Air is happy to open its network in Nigeria and West Africa to Emirates passengers, we are excited at the vast worldwide network of Emirates being made available to Arik Air’s passengers.

    The invaluable cooperation between the two airlines offers a lot of synergy to both airlines in achieving their objectives,” added Mr Ndlulue.

    Emirates and Arik Air will also explore other areas of cooperation for the future, including frequent flier programmes, passenger and cargo handling.

  • Arik partners African Muzik Magazine Awards

    Arik partners African Muzik Magazine Awards

    Foremost Nigerian airline, Arik Air, has signed on as presenting sponsor of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), which will make debut at the Eisemann Center, Richardson, Texas, United States on July 26, this year.

    Founder/CEO of Big A Entertainment, organisers of the award show, Mr. Anderson Obiagwu said his company’s partnership with the airline has come a long way, and there is no doubt, its alliance on AFRIMMA will be another success story.

    Boasting on the pedigree of the aviation company, Obiagwu said Arik has become the preferred travel source for domestic, regional and international travel, currently servicing several countries in West African, the United States and other notable destinations.

    “In keeping with our mission of ‘crossing boundaries’, our collaboration with Arik Airline is a perfect union that further supports the mission of African Muzik Magazine and the artistes that we are honouring through this event,” said Obiagwu.

    According to the AFRIMMA creator, Arik shares a lot in the passion of the award, as a show that celebrates the beauty of African music and artistry. He said the show would honour some of the world’s top African celebrity musical artistes, managers, producers, Disc Jockeys, and cultural influences from the United States and over 17 African countries.

    “We are positioning the event as the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters for all musical genres, including Afrobeat, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous.”

    To be hosted by celebrity comedian Basketmouth and Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim, organisers said the event would feature exclusive performances from some most sought-after musicians, dancers and artistes from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, among others.

    The Eisemann Centre venue, at 2351 Performance Dr, Richardson, TX 75082, according to the AFRIMMA boss, boasts an impressive track record of high profile events, theatre productions, concerts, and others.

    Obiagwu said red carpet is at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m., with an impressive line up of African acts like Inyaya, 2face,Stanley Enow, Flavour, Wyre, Fally Ipupa, Davido, Kcee, Timaya, Navio, Diamond Platinumz, Fuse ODG, Bracket, and Ice prince.

    Music categories to be covered by the award include Best Male West Africa; Best Female West Africa; Best Male East Africa; Best Female East Africa; Best Male Central Africa; Best Female Central Africa; Best Male Southern Africa; Best Female Southern Africa; Best African Group; Best Male Diaspora; Best Female Diaspora; Best Gospel Artist; Best Male Traditional; Best Female Traditional; Best Newcomer; Best Video Director; Best DJ Africa; Best DJ Diaspora; Leadership in Muzik Award; Legendary Award; Best Video of the Year; Music producer of the Year; Best Dance Group; Best Rap Act, and Best Collabo.