Arik Air A340-500

[V1_RHOT8]

At last, a picture of Arik's new bird. Courtesy of flickr.com:

Flickr Photo Download: Arik Air A345 (F-WJKH)

[THRidle]

Whats the latest guy's ?

From memory they should be up and running soon.

[Mr. Smith]

London Mid December, US sometime mid 2009

[Rani]

The way they are entering the market is apalling. Flights are not listed on any CRS, not announced on their own website, and no fixed date with barely two weeks to the alleged launch. They have some nerve. Oh nevermind, they have the cash for it.

[Mr. Smith]

Unfortunately that's kinda been their M.O. I too think it's ridiculous launching a new route with absolutely no marketing. Then again theyve been burned time and time again announcing a date to launch and it doesn't happen. How many times has Arik Niger been announced to start, yet nothing. All the best to them, but this is clearly not the right approach.

[BALEWA]

Thanks V1_RHOT8..... hmmmmmmmm

Absolutely breathtaking..... so proud, so so proud...... and about time too.

B

[THRidle]

So, Do you think they really have the deep pockets that will be needed to make this work ?

[son of the sand]

Got a call about an offer on the A345, would be interested to hear from anyone who has accepted the offer.

[captain.weird]

Offer of what? To buy the plane or to fly as a F/O or Captain?

[asacrj]

Offer of what? To buy the plane or to fly as a F/O or Captain?

Lol that was funny

[THRidle]

You're still not helping guy's. For a line captaian thats been offered a job on the 340, do Arik have the money to keep it going more than six months ???

[BALEWA]

quote
"You're still not helping guy's. For a line captaian thats been offered a job on the 340, do Arik have the money to keep it going more than six months ???"

uuuuhhh hmmm.... please do your research matey....

[Mr. Smith]

You can see Arik's cabin layout (to include Business class Bar/Lounge) for their A340 here. The colour scheme is obviously Kingfisher, Arik probably would have fitted with more seats if it was originally their order.

HI FLY - Aircraft Charter, ACMI/Wet Lease Operations, Series of Full Charter Flights

[nuclear weapon]

Are these aircraft brand new and where are they planning to be going with them. I think they will be more suited for the North american routes.

[NIJASEA]

Nice toy well done to Arik , Nigerian aviation owes Arik a lot for setting a benchmark in getting aircraft . Hope the standard of maintainance will be kept at a level to be proud of.

[737hustler]

How many types to Arik need?

I'm more of a boeing guy but the 345 looked great on the ramp.... Just wondering how long its gonna be on display (rather than flying) for? Still, in the current aviation climate with many carriers scaling back and cost cutting, Arik have got a hold of something that is gonna give the majors a run for the money... Well done...

[THRidle]

I heard a rumour, so I guess this is the place for it, that Arik was seriously considering switching to an all Airbus fleet as Boeing had messed them about with the 787.

It seems the Airbus "big bugger" aka " The Dugong" will be paying a flying visit to Lagos.

[Sir Osis of the river]

Keep it going?

THRidle,

I would also like to know if they have enough money to keep it going?

I very much doubt it and am willing to bet it wont last a year. It are a big step from CRJ900 to A345.

Anyway, best of luck.

[Mr. Smith]

Sir Osis. Arik is getting Financing from both Nigerian & Foreign banks so your skeptism about them not having enough money is probably misplaced. I think loads will play a big role in if they can maintain these routes there's plenty of demand on their initial london route. Lagos is a city of 15+Million and latest numbers show 4.5million passengers last year. PLENTY of room for growth. I think they will do alot better than people are willing to admit.

[Sir Osis of the river]

Enough money

Mr Smith,

As I said, best of luck to them. Africa could do witha few more operators of heavy jets. But they dont come cheap.

As a matter of interest, how many 345's are they getting?