LAGOS, Nigeria. Arik Air has acquired two brand new Boeing 737-700 aircraft direct from the Boeing factory in Seattle , United States of America , thus increasing its fleet to 16 modern aircraft.

The airline's managing director, Michael McTighe disclosed this yesterday in a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the airline, which started operations last and said that the airplanes with registration no. 5N-MJE, would arrive Lagos next month.

He told newsmen that as part of the airline's long term commitment to the nation's aviation industry, the airline has placed orders for a total of 36 aircraft.

McTighe that the orders include five Boeings 777 and seven Boeing 787-900, adding that the airplanes would be deployed on the airline's intercontinental routes, "thus restating our belief that we are a strong partner in the process of restoring confidence in Nigerian aviation both at home and abroad."

The Arik Managing Director announced that a one week special anniversary fare of N10, 000 would be charged on all routes, with the exception of Port Harcourt route.

He also stated that plans have reached advanced stage for the take-off of the Arik Aviation Academy to address the issue of acute shortage of skilled aviation personnel in Nigeria .

"As we roll out the drums to celebrate our first anniversary, we restate our commitment to run a safe, reliable and efficient airline that Nigerians will be proud of."

McTighe said that it is the number one commercial airline in Nigeria today, remarking that Arik operates more flights that its closest competitor.

"We operate from 12 Nigerian airports; we operate seven domestic routes and in our fleet are eight brand new aircraft."

Arik Air is a wholly Nigerian airline, which started operate on April 3, 2006 . It took occupation of the former Nigeria Airways Limited facilities in Lagos , which is its headquarters.

www.arikair.com ,  www.aircrafts-aviation.com