Arik Air’s leading role in Nigeria’s aviation industry has been acknowledged.
At the annual Thisday awards held in Lagos, Arik Air beat other operators to the prestigious Thisday Airline of The year Award.
At the award presentation, the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena commended Arik Air for its investment in world-class infrastructure for local customers.
He urged the airline to begin international flights to places such as London and America.
According to him, “we are here to honour you (Arik) with the Thisday award. An award which was set up to promote excellence; encourage people to do better; to bring the best in the corporate and other sectors of the Nigerian economy, and build a world-class culture in our country.”
Obaigbena noted that Arik was chosen for its investment in world-class infrastructure to ensure Nigerians enjoy the best air services.
“We have been to your office and seen your structures. Arik has pandered to the high demand of Nigerian customers. The award is to honour Arik for a world-class airline in Nigeria.”
Arik Air Managing Director, Mr. Michael McTighe, who described the plague as a ‘trophy in motion’, disclosed that his airline’s ambition was to leave a legacy of a first class airline.
While thanking the management of Thisday for its strides in the newspaper industry, McTighe reiterated the airline’s focus of ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and enjoyable air travel.
He said the rationale behind his company’s investment in airline hangars was as a result of Arik Air’s commitment to excellence.
Arik Air, which is yet to celebrate its second anniversary, emerged Thisday Airline of The Year from among four top airlines nominated for the award.
The other nominees were Aero Contractors, Bellview and Virgin Nigeria Airways.