By Chuks Okoh
Arik Air is set to commence scheduled flight operations from Lagos to the Ivoirian city, Abidjan via Cotonou, Benin Republic in the next two weeks.The new service will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays,Fridays and Sundays.
According to Mr Banji Ola Arik manager Corporate Communications, the airline will have its outbound flights Mondays and will depart the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 2:45 pm (local time) and arrive at Cotonou International Airport at 3:15 pm (local time).
Mr Banji said the flight then leaves Cotonou at 4:00 pm (local time) and arrives at Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport, Abidjan at 4:20 pm (local time). The inbound flight departs Abidjan at 5:05 pm (local time) and arrives in Cotonou at 7:25 pm (local time).
The flight thereafter leaves Cotonou at 8:10 pm (local time) and arrives in Lagos at 8:40 pm (local time).
On other days (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), the outbound flight departs Lagos at 11:15 am (local time) and arrives in Cotonou at 11:45 am (local time). It will then leave Cotonou at 12:30 pm (local time) to arrive in Abidjan at 12:50 pm (local time). Inbound flight departs Abidjan at 1:35 pm (local time) and arrives in Cotonou at 3:55 pm (local time). The flight departs Cotonou at 4:40 pm (local time) to arrive in Lagos at 5:10 pm (local time).
The new Lagos-Abidjan service will be operated using Arik Air’s state-of-the-art Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft configured to carry 10 Business Class and 64 Economy class passengers.
Mr Chris Ndulue managing director and executive vice chairman of Arik Air while commenting on the plan declared.
“Abidjan is a preferred destination for Nigerian businessmen and women. Arik Air’s foray into this commercial city will make life a lot easier for our guests who have been yearning for flight connection between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. This service will further underline Arik Air’s position as West Africa’s premier airline.”
The Lagos-Abidjan service is Arik Air’s first new route in 2015.
