Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest commercial airline, is set to launch non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Abuja beginning on Thursday, 26 November 2009. The new London, Heathrow to Abuja services will operate five times per week, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Flights will depart London Heathrow (Terminal 4) at 9.50pm local time, arriving Abuja at 5.20am local time, the following morning. Return flights will depart Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.30am local time, arriving at London Heathrow (Terminal 4) at 4.05pm local time.

The route will be serviced by a brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, ideally suited for flying medium haul routes and making short turnarounds at airports, allowing Arik Air to continue to provide a convenient and punctual service. The aircraft, which is one of the quietest and most environmentally friendly aircraft operating in the world today, offers 20 Business Class seats and 126 Economy Class seats, all with personal audio and video entertainment including a choice of short programs and a selection of Hollywood and Nollywood movie favourites.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, CEO of Arik Air International, said: “For nearly a year now, we have been operating daily flights from London Heathrow to Lagos, providing passengers with a world class service that was previously not available. We know from the feedback we receive that the London to Abuja route is similarly underserviced and are delighted to be launching a regular service in preparation for the busy holiday period.

“Arik Air’s extensive domestic network from Abuja means that we can now can offer passengers travelling to and from cities in Nigeria’s northern regions a convenient London connection that no other airline can match. In addition, this new London, Heathrow – Abuja service will enable Nigerian government officials to choose a Nigerian airline to London for the first time.”