Arik Air passenger numbers up by almost 20% company reports

Arik carried a total of 2,745,400 passengers in 2013, representing a significant increase in the 2,315,247 passengers that flew with the airline the previous year.

In March 2013, the airline recorded the highest figure for the year with a total of 260,132 passengers carried across its network of 30 destinations. The number was significantly higher than the 71,794 passengers carried over the same month in 2012. A substantial increase was also recorded in April when a total of 249,854 passengers were carried,an increase of just under 40% over the 2012 figure.

The airline has grown rapidly since it began operating in 2006, having carried over 13,471,414 passengers by the end of December 2013.

Arik Air managing director, Chris Ndulue attributed the steady growth to the airline’s continued adherence to safety standards, unequaled extensive domestic coverage and good service delivery.

Ndulue commented: “The figures for the period just ended are very encouraging and reflect the steady growth that we have been experiencing since launching our operations on October 30, 2006. We have gone through a rapid expansion over the years while the last two years have been used to consolidate on the new markets.

“Arik Air has been the success story of Nigerian commercial aviation. This is set to continue and there is much to be achieved. During 2014, the airline plans to increase its market share in Nigeria.With the addition of three new aircraft to our fleet last year, we are set to continue our expansion programme by launching new routes to Abidjan and Dubai before the end of the second quarter,” he said.