Arik Air announces its first transatlantic route

[Ethiopia]

Arik Air announces its first transatlantic route (http://www.african-aviation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160:arik-air-announces-its-first-transatlantic-route&catid=16:africa)


Well done Arik!

[Jumbo744]

congratulations :ok:

[RWEDAREYET]

Who's certificate will it be on??

[spacedaddy]

I'm wondering the same thing. The FAA lists Nigeria as a category 2 country meaning no ops into the USA. Anybody know?

[Arik]

I have nothing to do with Arik before anyone says anything ... long story how this handle came about!

However, I met a few Arik guys at the FAA seminar in Dakar earlier this year, which was an eye opener, those guys probably had more questions than the rest of us put together!

I too was wondering this morning how this had come about given Nigeria's status. It might have happened via the UK?? I'm trying to fathom this out myself but they do have quite a big back office set-up in the UK from all accounts.

Arik (who is not Arik!)

PS. I applaud them for getting there in such a short space of time though!!! Great news to see another African airline get into FAA space!

[four engine jock]

Iam sure its not with Arik's AOC. PS. Why are the A340 not reg 5N reg and reg CS. Makes you wonder!!!!
FAA would never allow a 5N reg aircraft in the USA (Space!!!!!!!!!!)

[LOS]

Arik will use CS-registered A345s for the flights to JFK. The aircraft are owned by Arik, but are dry-leased to Hifly and wet-leased back by Arik. This is actually a (long-term) solution to be able to operate flights to the USA.

The question is whether Arik will get its third A345 (CS-TQL) before 29 November. Otherwise they will have to switch the LOS-JNB flights to a B738 to free up a A345.

Arik will possibly wet-lease two A332s from Kingfisher. They will be used to open ABV-LHR and also deployed on the LOS-LHR/JNB legs. This will enable them to go daily to JFK with the A345s.

No futher long haul expansion should be expected before the B777s arrive in 2011.

Interesting is that you can only book a LOS-JFK flight on their website and not the other way round. :sad:

[fractional]

According with a couple of friends working for them, it will be CS registered aircraft (HiFly). 2 A345s until they get their own aircraft (???).

[Mr. Smith]

Portugese HiFly will be operating the flights for Arik.

I hear the reason you can't book JFK - LOS is simply because they aren't completely online. Agents can however book the JFK - LOS for you.

[VorlocGreen]

The NCAA and FAA are working together to upgrade Nigeria to Cat1, Arik will (one day) operate 5N aircraft to the USA

[Klea]

My view as hifly cabin crew flying for arik...dont think something will happen on time especially this JFK flight, but hope for the best :E

[Cruiseclimb]

A little off the subject, but a friend of mine who is a contract pilot in Nigeria was coming home on a first class ticket, prepaid and booked through his company. The manager at the check in desk pulled him out of the line (he was one of the few European looking guys). Told him it would be $100 to put him on the flight. My friend said he had a 1st class ticket and wanted to speak to the manager. The guy said he was the manager, and that the flight was boarding soon. My friend said no at first. Sure enough, the flight boarded and the guy sold his ticket to another person right in front of him. When he went back and said ok I'll pay, the guy said the flight was full, and the next flight on that airline left in a week, but he could get him on a KLM flight for $75. My friend agreed and ended up flying back coach.

Nigeria is one the most crooked countries I have ever experienced (there have been a few). I hope Arik Air does very well, but I can't even imagine the red tape and payoffs to try and get anything done there. Best of luck gentlemen.

[Mr. Smith]

@ Cruiseclimb

Please don't protect the 'guilty'. Until u give more solid info sounds like a lie.

Worth airline flies on a weekly basis between Nigeria and wherever your friend was going that has any first class worth anything? :confused:

[9jarep]

Cruise climb either this is a result of your Imagination or your friend was lying:= to get off some kind of trouble, What is the Airlines Name:confused::confused::confused: Nigeria may be crooked but a lot has improved i am amazed with the speed your friend got a confirmation on KLM ..Your friend has more explanations to do

[TonyWilliams]

My view as hifly cabin crew flying for arik...dont think something will happen on time especially this JFK flight, but hope for the best

Hear, hear !!!! May they have tailwinds both ways.

[Cruiseclimb]

Mr Smith and 9jarep,

Don't shoot the messenger because you don't like the story. It was a story conveyed to me by my sim partner when I told him I had been there flying as a contractor a while back. I never mentioned Worth Airlines..?? Everytime I've been to Nigeria, I've been extorted for money over and over again, it's not just a fine art there.. it's just how things are done. So gentlemen, please get off your high horses... You're not going to convince me that everything there is roses and this could never happen.... :cool: I've had similiar things happen to me in cabs, hotels, you name it.. If you look a certain way, you may be expected to pay a little more.

[surely not]

Cruiseclimb it is NOT the only way to do things in Nigeria. It usually happens because at the first refusal the westerner thinks...........ohhhh I have to offer money. If the same guy was in Europe he would either accept that 'No' meant no, or he would argue the case and probably still lose his battle.

[Gander707]

Westcoaster, you may want to research your facts further. There are no restrictions on 5N A/C flying into Europe and 127.3 is not the only ATC freq.available when flying btw Los, Phc, and Abv.

[atedo]

If Air space safety is one of the criteria for Cat 1, Why are American cariers flying into Nigeria? United have announced commencement into LOS for next year. Nigeria does not have the best of airspace or facilities due bad leadership, yes.

I still wonder why the yankees can still fly into such environment and wont allow 5N into theirs even with their yankees better facilities?:ugh:

[Arik]

Specialist FAA security equipment, same deal at Dakar

[Gander707]

Westcoaster,the fact that Arik uses european registered A340s to operate the LON route does not mean 5N A/C are not allowed to operate to Europe.It may interest you to know that even Arik sometimes operate the LON.route with 5N registered B737NG when the A340s are AOG. Bellview has always operated their LON flights with 5N registered B767. Finally,even though the ARIK A340s are portuguese registered,the pilots ,are from different countries, Nigeria inclusive.

[AlternativeProcedure]

Its amazing how people who dont have the slightest idea about whats going on in Nigeria, come on pprune and slag off the place regardless of the facts. Clearly in Westcoaster case, a little bit of research would have prevented this embarrasment. Oh well, we live and learn

[AlternativeProcedure]

Westcoaster you really want to tell me you been there 5 years and you can make a statement like this "Hence the reason that a 5N is not flying into Europe or North America". How does Arik fly to JNB and London with the 5N 737 once in a while. Let me guess thats wet lease right. You may not feel embarrased for making such a silly comment, but I do mate. I think the authority with which you speak sort of fizzled out after that comment. I dont mind it when people mix up facts, but for heavens sake dont get defensive. Just pointing out a little porkie thats all. We can all be wrong every now and then. Put it behind you and move on.

[four engine jock]

Do you mean IOSA/IATA. For what I hear NO ,but they are working on it.

[Dotun]

B3 until recently fly the B767 (5N) into London as well. I also believe the new B3 Metal is 5N and it would be flown into London soon with Nigerian crew.

Regards
DMan

[Rani]

Bellview's new 767-300ER 5N-BVA is ready for delivery ex-Shannon.

[Rani]

Stop making a fool of yourself man. 5N-registered aircraft are flying to Europe with no probs at all (Bellview, Arik 738, etc.). The reason Arik opted for wet-leased 340-500 for its interim solution is operational flexibility (US route) and minimizing operational risks during "incubation" period.

[four engine jock]

Good thinking on behalf of Arik Air for using CS reg aircraft. Gets there foot in the USA market.

[18left]

i recall that Bellview pulled out of london,because the aircraft got repoessed,it was a 5N ,and it flew daily sorties in and out of heathrow,twice with me as a passenger.

The inbound bird set to resume ops is 5N

ARIK,is known to use the NG,every now and then,my sister been a pax on an NG flight once. It was 5N

VK has almost on several occasions,flown the classic to gatwick,when the 767,gave them tech issues,they are all 5N

Westcoaster,its not on the pages of PPRUNE that they determine 5N destinations,so listen to RANI.

There is no major european destination,that 5N,cannot fly into.Dont confuse the lack of a scheduled flight to such places,as a ban on 5N.

[TonyWilliams]

I know those more knowing than me will correct me, but aren't 5N aircraft allowed into Britain only, because Nigeria is a commonwealth?

Can 5N aircraft fly scheduled service (not repositioning / maintenance, etc) to any EU state?

[Gander707]

Tony Williams the answer to your question is on 18Lefts last paragraph. However,it may be easier for you to enlighten us on why you think 5N reg. a/c are'nt allowed to operate scheduled services to ''non commonwealth'' EU countries.

[RWEDAREYET]

Sure I will get bashed for saying it, but who cares, here it goes....Reg of the aircraft is not really the issue, the holder of the AOC has a little more to do with it. So the bickering of 5N aircraft is a little stupid.

Case in point....we will keep Nigeria, the rest of Africa, the EU and the US out of it for this case study.

Some airlines in the MidEast have aircraft with reg's all over the world....just look at some of the reg's on Saudi's aircraft.....Saudi is allowed to fly to many destinations world wide.....again, not the reg, the AOC.....

Is Arik allowed to fly aircraft on their AOC to the US, don't know for sure, but highly doubt it....if they can't, will they be able in the future, who the hell knows, I would be playing the powerball tomorrow if I could predict that....

Point is, 5N reg means nothing, it's got to do with the AOC..

[Mr. Smith]

@ cruiseclimb: Apologies if my response came out jumbled. My main response was to name the airline. It means nothing to come on here with such a story yet you 'protect' the airline by not naming it. Could it be you are scared of a lawsuit for slander? My other question was for you to mention which airline with a worthy 1st class actually flies to Nigeria/LOS once a week?

I quote "... the guy sold his ticket to another person right in front of him. When he went back and said ok I'll pay, the guy said the flight was full, and the next flight on that airline left in a week"

Sounds like a bold faced lie to me.

Meanwhile, Arik has announced ABV - LHR using 5N aircraft, so not sure what all the huff is about?

[Gander707]

Rwedareyet, if you took time to read the entire thread you would have observed that Westcoaster made reference to 5N a/c not being allowed to fly to the US AND EU countries. You may also have observed that all those who replied his post picked on his inclusion of EU countries.At the moment 5N REG.A/C are not allowed to fly scheduled services to the US. As regards the US it is not a question of individual AOCs but the categorization of the country by the US Dept of transport.You ought to have achieved category 1 status as determined by the FAA and dept of transport to fly to the US.
Nigeria at the moment is working towards this.

[atedo]

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Bellview-Airlines/Boeing-767-3P6-ER/1610419/L/&sid=9dd0f4b277a8a40d23e5963290b7a5a3 (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Bellview-Airlines/Boeing-767-3P6-ER/1610419/L/&sid=9dd0f4b277a8a40d23e5963290b7a5a3)

[Ethiopia]

Furthermore:

http://www.african-aviation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=175:arik-air-to-launch-non-stop-services-between-abuja-and-london-heathrow&catid=16:africa

BA operate on the same route with a daily flight (B777).

[Arik]

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft offers 20 Business Class seats and 126 Economy Class seats offering personal audio and video entertainment including a choice of short programs and a selection of Hollywood and Nollywood movie favourites. :D

As for the US route; it's very much the FAA/TSA/DOT who need CAA Cat1 requirements to be met, not the airline etc - something not that easy for many African nations!

[Captnhappy]

"I still wonder why the yankees can still fly into such environment and wont allow 5N into theirs even with their yankees better facilities?"

Short Answer: MONEY!!!
LHR id the most lucrative route in the entire route syster for BA
In the 14 Months that Delta has been operating ATL LOS this route has become the #1 revenue earner for delta.

SO NOW enter fron stage left. UNITED Airlines!!!.
So go figure..... It all plays into the nigerian government hands, beccause if the FAA does not change its status to category 1 next FEB, Lookout! cause the Nigerian government WILL cancel all their landing rights!!!!

The best is yet to come!!

[Mr. Smith]

Wouldn't mind that one bit. If Nigerian planes aren't good enough to land in US airports, one would expect their airports aren't good enough for US planes.

you know, safety and what not!!!

It all plays into the nigerian government hands, beccause if the FAA does not change its status to category 1 next FEB, Lookout! cause the Nigerian government WILL cancel all their landing rights!!!!

[18left]

United most welcome.

Most of the traffic on European carriers out of Nigeria,ie AIRFRANCE/VS/BA/LUTHANSA/ALITALIA/TURKISH/IBERIA/KLM/IBERIA is mostly london/north america.

Fellow Nigerians,these ticket prices will definetly come down,if the europeans want to stay in the market.However Arik must join IATA,and must be able to connect pax beyond NY,less it will go the way of North American.

Kudos to Arik for ABV-LHR,good market,fantastic aircraft for the job.Should consider deploying the 800 on JNB as well.

[Rani]

They already deployed 738 on JNB route, effective Nov. 26

[IFLy4Free]

In additon to th Cat 1 status for Nigeria, Arik would need to apply to the FAA for a 129 certificate, this would allow them to fly into the US.

I have friends in training with Arik/Hifly for the flight attendant positions. The are employed by a Crew Leasing firm in the US, being trained by HiFly and will wear Arik uniforms! The all have FAA issued flight attendant licenses/certificates. From what I have been told, Arik bought the planes, dry leased them to Hifly and then wet leased them back.... I could be wrong...

[elpilotofrances]

no ! you are right an the a340 LOS-JNB route is in maintenance in JNB til 29

[Human Cargo]

IFLYFORFREE: youre pretty close to the truth!:ok:
Quote:"In addition to the Cat 1 status for Nigeria, Arik would need to apply to the FAA for a FAA129 certificate, this would allow them to fly into the US."
Prior to "9-11" This certification was optional for some airlines. however after "9-11"

The FAA "ATOSS" Air Carrier transportation and Security Surveillance. Team has mandated to all foreign carriers engaged in Air transportation operations across its border to have either a FAA 121 certificate or 129 certificate. Compliance is mandatory. In the case of Nigerian Operators and JAR. because prior approvals (prior to JAR OPS 69. These countries have been "Granfathered" and allowed to enter European airspace provided they meet the the Mandated Compliance of ISO 9002 and IATA audits. This is the "Loophole" that allow all non JAR foriegn carriers to enter land and takeoff from "ANY EUROPEAN AIROPRT"
It is interesting to note that Saudia has an FAA 121 Certicicate same as united and Delta.
Category1 certification approval is only the 1step in the process in obtaining the required certification to cross the US border for the purpose of landing& Takeoff as An AirCarrier.
I hope that at least we can research our facts before we continue with unfactual infomation.
Cheers
GB

[5N-W31]

@ Cruiseclimb
Nigerians may be corrupt but such blatant cases of corruption especially on an international flight in first class does not happen. Please state on which airline this occurred..and if there are any W3 drivers on here with inside details about Sunday do not hesitate please

[9jarep]

We had a Healthy and academic inclined discussion going on before Cruise climb came up with this Weird Molue:} story of his, i am not surprised his Location is in a suitcase you dont see much inside a suitcase:zzz::zzz: but what your imagination leads you to believe

[TonyWilliams]

I'm happy to report that for two days around Xmas, the LOS-JFK flight is sold out. I hope lots of well wishers show up for the maiden flight, instead of sitting on their computer complaining :ok:

Those of you hounding the fellow about his story of corruption, let's move on. This story may or may not be embellished, but corruption is blatant. If I were asked for a bribe to get on the plane, or take the chance of not getting on, I'd probably just pay after some hard negotiations. That's the way business is done.

If it was a legitimate carrier, I'd complain after the fact. If not a legitimate carrier, what the heck am I doing there ? :ugh:

[westafricanair]

If you are looking at the LOSJFK 24/25 DEC & 31 DEC/1 JAN rotations as full - it looks more like they are in fact non-op.

Sensible to canx now rather than a few days before departure and upset pax.

[TonyWilliams]

Aircraft: Airbus A340-500 (quad-jet) (H/A345/Q - track or photos)

Origin: Murtala Mohammed Int'l (DNMM / LOS)
Destination: John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK)

Route: LAG UA609 TYE UA601 TD UA601 YF UR976 ULTEM 2900N 04000W 3600N 05000W 3900N 06000W DOVEY N18C SAILE PLYMM PLYMM4

Date: Sunday, Nov 29, 2009
Duration: 10 hours 56 minutes
Status: Arrived 21 minutes ago! (track log)

Scheduled Actual/Estimated
Departure: 10:30PM UTC 10:55PM UTC
Arrival: 04:32AM EST 04:51AM EST
Speed 474 kts
Altitude 40000 feet