Arik Commences Lagos-London Route Monday

Arik Air has said it is now set to launch daily non-stop service from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to London Heathrow Terminal 2, on December 15, 2008.
This will be the first international flight for Arik Air since commencing operations on October 30, 2006.
This is coming as Nigeria and South Africa, in a new bi-lateral air services agreement, increased the frequency of scheduled flights between both countries from four to ten a week, and from two entry points in each case, to boost commerce between both nations.
A statement by Arik air, which acquired 3 brand new Airbus A340-500 long range aircraft, the first of which was recently revealed at a VIP function in Abuja on December 4, 2008, said the airline will not only be the first airline in Nigeria to operate to the UK with a brand new aircraft, it will also be the first airline in Nigeria and the entire African continent to operate this ultra modern long range variant of the Airbus A340 family.
Capable of the flying both transatlantic and transpacific routes non-stop, the A340-500 is one of the quietest, environmentally responsible aircraft in the world which will enable Arik Air to optimize its network expansion and hub status of Lagos in the region. It said the aircraft meets community noise restrictions well below current limits and complies with current and future international emissions standards.
Arik Air Chairman Sir J.I.A.Arumemi Johnson said ‘We are extremely proud and thrilled to announce the launch of our first international service between Lagos and London Heathrow. I believe that this route is underserved and our entry just in time for the holiday season will connect Nigerians in the Diaspora with their friends and families. Over the past many years the socio-economic ties between Nigeria and the UK has strengthened significantly, with not only a growing population of Nigerians in the UK but also the larger West African community. We offer our guests the entire Arik Air network, enabling them to connect on to our London service from across 19 airports in the region. We have selected a very unique product to set new standards in comfort and entertainment and together with our true Nigerian hospitality, we intend to raise the bar on this route."
Arik Air flight W3001 departs Lagos at 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving London at 5.30pm; on Thursdays and Sundays, departing Lagos at 1025am and arriving London at 355pm, Tuesdays departing at 920am and arriving London at 250pm and Fridays at 1110am arriving Heathrow at 440pm. Return flight W3002 will depart daily from London Heathrow Terminal 2 at 1005pm arriving Lagos at 530am the next morning.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who disclosed the increased frequency between Nigerian and South Africa, said three Nigerian airlines, Virgin, Arik and Bellview had been okayed to fly the route.
Jonathan also explained that the Commission had made significant progress in Agriculture, Water Resources and Environment, Arts, Culture and Tourism, Health, Education and Sports. Other areas are Standards Organisation, Customs, Investment, avoidance of double taxation, Capital Market Development, as well as Police, Drug Law Enforcement, Defence and Security matters.