THUR, 15 SEPTEMBER 2016-Arik Air, West and Central Africa’s largest airline took to flight again Wednesday after its operations was suspended following confusion over its insurance obligation status and amidst speculations that the airline was struggling to meet its financial obligations.
The Airline had earlier in the week assured its loyal frequent flyers that it was resuming operations Wednesday 14, September, and at the same time dispelled doubts about its financial strength.
“Members of the public and our esteemed customers are advised to discountenance the disparaging allegations, unsubstantiated and uninformed claims about the airline’s inability to meet its financial obligations to aviation fuel marketers and a purported withdrawal of insurance services to Arik Air by its insurers,” the Airline said in a statement posted on their website. “While the current scarcity of aviation fuel (JET A1) has impacted on the operations of airlines in the country, Arik Air is in good standing with its fuel suppliers and has been meeting its obligations to them and to our insurers. With the regularization of the required documents relating to the renewal of the insurance, Arik Air will be resuming its normal flying schedule from 1100 hours on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.”
The Airline said it regretted the unfortunate inconvenience caused to its customers and reassured them of expedient rebooking of any affected flights.
The airline operated flights going to its major domestic destinations within the country, such Abuja and Port Harcourt as promised and passengers said they were happy to have them back on air since they are still the only airline that covers much of the routes in the country, says one Air Arik frequent flyer.
Meanwhile, FirstNations Airline resumed flight operations Thursday, September 15, as promised earlier in the week and a top executive of the airline says that the standard the airline set will not be affected by the brief disruption in their operations.
Director of flight operations, Chimara Imediegwu, said the airline planned its maintenance action well ahead and gave notice to passengers of the airline’s intention to be back stronger.
