In a move aimed at boosting its flight services globally, Arik Air, largest commercial carrier in West Africa, has signed a firm agreement for three CRJ1000 NextGen Regional Jets and four Q400 NextGen Tier turboprop airliners worth $297m.

    The Nigeria-based airline will be the first to operate the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft in Africa when delivered.

    Bombardier Aerospace announced the Lagos based signed a firm contract to acquire three CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft and four Q400 NextGen turboprop airlines.

    “Based on the list price of the CRJ1000 NextGen and Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract announced today is valued at approximately $297 million”, says Bombardier.

    Arik Air currently operates four CRJ1000 aircraft and two Q400 NextGen aircraft.

    “Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what makes us a global leader in transportation”, the aircraft manufacturer said.

    Bombardier is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

    Arik Air is Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline and operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    It operates a fleet of 23 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa.

    The airline currently serves 20 destinations across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia), Douala (Cameroon), Luanda (Angola), Kinshasa (Congo Democratic Republic), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).