New York, New York, Dec. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arik Air, West Africa and Central Africa's leading airline, celebrated the fourth anniversary of the airlines popular non-stop New York, John F. Kennedy (JFK) to Lagos, Nigeria Murtala Muhammad airport flight.
The inaugural flight from JFK to Murtala Muhammad airport took place on November 30th 2009. The launch of this route became a significant landmark in connecting the US to Africa, as Arik Air became the only African airline to fly direct from JFK to West Africa. In addition, Arik Air also became the only West African airline with USA/Federal Aviation Administration accreditation allowing it to operate its own flights directly into the US.
The airline celebrated its fourth anniversary by surprising four passengers at JFK with upgrades from economy class to their luxury Premier Class. Arik Air's Premier Class is well-known for featuring the Kira Lounge, seat's that convert to fully flat beds, 17 inch television screens with both Hollywood and Nollywood films, a world-class menu of international cuisine including local West African delicacies, and a selection of African wines.
'Our unique competitive position as the only airline to fly direct from JFK to West Africa has proved very popular with customers since we launched in 2009. Our fourth anniversary is a chance for us to let our passengers know how much we appreciate their continued support and loyalty' said Robert Brunner, Vice President America's, Arik Air. 'We have continued to improve our service offerings since launching with safety, security, and customer care as our priorities. We remain dedicated to this, and look forward to continuing to provide world-class service to each and every one of our guests'.
Globally Arik Air began operations domestically in Nigeria in 2006, and rapidly increased domestic, West and Central African routes to become the largest and fastest growing airline in the region. The airline compliments this offering with international long haul routes that include bilateral air services agreement (BASA) long haul routes London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg OR Tambo, South Africa in addition to the New York JFK route.
The airline celebrated its 10 millionth passenger in 2012, and in the last year Arik Air has introduced a new online check-in service to further boost its passenger experience; launched through-fares directly from JFK Airport to many countries in West and Central Africa, satisfying the growing demand from passengers and travel agents, and the airline expanded its international fleet with the acquisition of the new A330-200 twin-engine aircraft servicing long haul routes.
Arik Air continues to win international awards around the globe. In October, the airline was presented with an award for the Development of Responsible Tourism within Africa by the African Travel Association (ATA), the leading organization for African Travel and Tourism. Last month, the airline was honored to receive the award for Best Security and Safety Conscious Airline in West and Central Africa . This marked the third consecutive year Arik Air has won the prestigious award instituted in 2003 by Africa's foremost security and safety news magazine, Security Watch Africa.
About Arik Air
Arik Air is West and Central Africa's largest airline, and operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. It operates a fleet of 23 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircrafts including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of this particular type of wide-bodied aircraft in Africa. The airline currently serves 20 destinations in Nigeria and flies to 11 international destinations including London Heathrow (UK) and New York JFK (USA). The airline operates a combined number of over 120 daily flights from its hubs, and has been Africa's fastest growing airline for the last two years. Website: www.arikair.com
About C Moore Media
C Moore Media (CMM) is a boutique international public relations and communications consultancy specializing in international corporate communications, media relations, strategy, and branding. CMM has a growing African division that specializes in raising the international awareness and visibility of organizations and initiatives in emerging markets (Africa). In addition, the agency facilitates international organizations entering the West African market.
The company is headquartered in New York, and founder Claudine Moore has received many business awards including: The Network Journals '40 under Forty' US Achievement Award (2011), and honored on the prestigious UK PowerList: Britain's Top 100 Most Influential Black People (2010) Website: www.cmooremedia.com Twitter: @CMooreMedia
Contact: Claudine Moore T. 646 489 6632 E.
