Arik Air on Wednesday denied that its Fokker 50 aircraft was grounded for violating Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
According to a statement by the airline�s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, the Aircraft in question was a replacement for Q300 aircraft leased from Denim Air of the Netherlands to operate the Lagos – Port Harcourt route and did not belong to Arik.
He said the airline commenced direct flights to the Nigeria Air Force base in Port Harcourt, located in the city centre to spare travelers, the stress of a two-hour drive from Owerri Airport where most airlines fly Port Harcourt- bound passengers.
Ogunleye explained that shortly after the two leased aircraft commenced operations, one developed a technical fault and Denim Air sent the Fokker 50 after Airk Air threatened to sue Denim Air.
He said the problem with the NCAA arose because the replacement aircraft was already Nigeria-bound before Denim Air informed Arik officials.
Arik Air was fined $20,000 by the NCAA for bringing in an aircraft that it did not inspected.
�As an airline, which has safety as its main creed and one committed towards European Safety Standards, we would be the last to contemplate flouting safety regulations,� Arik Air�s statement read.
�Furthermore, as an airline, which brought in three brand new aircraft into the country last year, we would certainly not be interested in a Fokker 50, which is about 16 years old. Our interest in aviation transcends the commercial angle.
�We are determined to continue our contribution to the development of the aviation industry. This explains our investment in the training of young pilots and aircraft engineers, vanishing specie in the Nigerian aviation industry,� the statement added.
Ogunleye said, plans have reached an advanced stage to acquire two brand new Boeing 737-700 in April, while the airline�s route network will soon include Kano and Sokoto.
�We have enjoyed tremendous support from the NCAA in our efforts to change the face of aviation in Nigeria. Our confidence in the agency remains unshaken and we shall continue to cooperate with it in its onerous task of policing the aviation industry,� the statement said.