Nigeria's Arik Air to commence direct flights to Italy by 2015

Nigeria’s leading carrier Arik Air has revealed that it plans to operate direct flights to Milan and Rome by 2015

Joseph Arumeni Ikhide, chairman of Arik Air met with Fulvio Rustico, the Italian ambassador to Nigeria, where they discussed the possibilities of the airline’s services between Nigeria and Italy.

According to local reports, Ikhide had expressed willingness to work with airline authorities on how to commence flight operations to either Milan or Rome, adding that the airline management was working to ensure that direct flight operations to Italy could be planned.

“We are expecting to take delivery of two additional wide-body A330-200 aircraft to boost our operations next year. We remain committed to conclude all bilateral air agreements to ensure our planned flights into Italy, France and other destinations in Europe,” said Ikhide.

Fulvio Rustico, Italian ambassador to Nigeria, said, “Arik Air is a formidable carrier that would boost the economic and diplomatic relationship between the two countries and demonstrated capacity for growth as a link between African and Europe as the airline to watch.”

Rustico said that the Italian government would be happy to grant Arik Air the necessary approvals to allow the implementation of the remaining 50 per cent of the bilateral air services agreement that Nigeria had signed with Italy on routes to Milan and Rome from Lagos.

In addition to Italy, Arik Air is looking to expand its services to Amsterdam, France and other routes in Europe, revealed officials from the company.

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