Nigerian carrier Arik Air is to launch flights from London
to Lagos on December 15, and it will do so using aircraft and seating designed for Kingfisher Airlines.
Arik took over the bankrupt Nigeria Airways in 2006, and currently plies domestic routes within Nigeria as well as flights to Accra in Ghana. The airline recently took delivery of its first of three A340-500 aircraft, planes originally destined for Kingfisher Airlines before it was forced to shelve the order.
A quick look at the pictures on Arik’s website shows that
the carrier will be using the same fully-flat seating product originally
intended for Kingfisher, as well as the communal bar for premium passengers. This
is a coup for an airline which will be going head-to-head with BA and Virgin
Nigeria on the route.
There will be 201 economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout, and 36 Premier seats in a 2-2-2 configuration (see our exclusive seatplan below). Assuming there are no changes from the Kingfisher product, this will mean fully-flat beds with vibrating massage functions and lumbar support with a touchscreen control on the armrest, a 17-inch (43cm) screen with IFE remote in the side of the seat, mirrored privacy screen, in-seat power and USB connectors, personal reading light, and mood lighting.
What’s more Premier passengers will be able to enjoy a communal bar area with white leather sofas on each side and a bar in the middle with three stools.
Flights will
depart London Heathrow daily at 2205, arriving into Lagos
at 0530 the next day, with the return leg leaving Nigeria
at 0920 and landing back into London
at 1450. Arik says it has secured traffic rights to 11 additional destinations,
including New York, Sao
Paulo, Dubai and Beijing.
For more information visit arikair.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
Seatplan for Arik Air A340-500 aircraft
