In a display of professionalism and good corporate governance, the management of Arik Air has reported incidents involving two of its aircraft on Sunday, March 18, 2018 to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This move is in line with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the airline’s high safety standards. Arik is currently run by a management team appointed by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
The first incident according to a statement from the airline involved a Boeing 737-700 marked 5N-MJJ, which was bumped into by the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) step on the ramp at MMA2. The aircraft, which was scheduled to operate W3 744 (Lagos-Port Harcourt), had its left side leading edge of horizontal stabilizer damaged. However, another aircraft was provided immediately for the Port-Harcourt bound passengers. The airline’s engineers later fixed the damaged aircraft, which has since returned to regular service.
In the second incident, the airline’s Bombardier CRJ900 marked 5N-JEB, operating Owerri-Lagos flight has been grounded at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri. This is as a result of technical issue on ground at the Sam Mbakwe airport in Owerri during pre-departure procedure. A relief aircraft was immediately sent to Owerri to take the already checked in passengers to Lagos with minimum delay.
The airline went a step further to apologize to its customers on the flight for the inconveniences they might have experienced as a result of the incident. Adding, “We remain committed to our safety policy, high operating standard and customer service.”
