The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has
taken control over Arik Air on yesterday according to reports. The six-year old airline is already struggling for years to meet its financial obligations and is said to be indebted for over N20 billion.
It was learnt that the takeover was as a result of the Arik’s inability to pay back several billions of naira it owed banks. AMCON had in April last year given the airline a N4.5bn lifeline. The capital injection, it was learnt, followed the acquisition of most of Arik’s debts from two Deposit Money Banks in December 2010. Sources said Arik’s debts were part of the non-performing loans purchased by AMCON in the first phase of its rescue programme in the banking sector. Arik had reportedly been struggling to meet its financial obligations in the last few months. The development is coming barely six years after the airline was established. AMCON had recently vowed to use all means possible to recover all its debts.
However, it now seems that
AMCON gave Arik Air extension of payment till July after yesterday’s meeting. The airline also risks losing its IATA-membership because of its indebtedness.
Update:
Both AMCON and Arik Air
deny the reports of a takeover.
********* and in the history repeats itself category********
Arik Air is expected to take delivery of four A330-300s. The aircraft will be leased from Intrepid Aviation and
were initially destined for the Indian carrier Jet Airways. The first aircraft (line number 1351) may arrive in September this year, if the deal is confirmed. Arik Air already operates two A340-500s, which were originally ordered by Kingfisher Airlines. The airline also briefly operated an A330-200 that was leased from Amentum Capital <<<--- and then repossessed on the ramp in Johannesburg, South Africa.