Arik Air will become the first African carrier to operate the Bombardier CRJ-1000 NextGen regional jet in Africa, when it launches service with the first of three ordered during the 2013 Paris Airshow.

The new CRJ-1000 will be unveiled during Arik’s 7th anniversary celebration on the 14th of December. Upon delivery to Arik Air, the new jet will be deployed to increase the Lagos - Owerri and Lagos - Enugu routes from daily to double daily flights. In addition, it will also be used at night to launch a new third daily Lagos to Accra service.

“Designed to meet the needs of airlines in high-frequency regional markets, the CRJ-1000 NextGen aircraft has established a reputation for excellent passenger comfort, while delivering outstanding fuel economy and superior economics,” said Raphael Haddad, Vice President Sales, Africa and the Middle East, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

Arik Air’s first CRJ-1000 NextGen aircraft is configured to seat 100 passengers in an all-economy-class configuration whereas the remaining two – due to be delivered late next year – will offer a two-class configuration with 12 Premier Business Class seats and 80 Economy Class seats. The first aircraft will be retrofitted to the two-class configuration in the future.