Nigeria’s leading airline, Arik Air has been commended for its contribution to the development of the aviation industry in the country.
The commendation came from the first Nigerian pilot, Captain Bob Hayes who paid a courtesy visit to the Arik Air Aviation Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Domestic Airport, Ikeja last Friday.
According to Captain Hayes, Arik Air has restored a lot of confidence in flying in Nigeria once again and he charged the airline to keep up the good work.
“The presence of Arik Air on the scene has provided healthy competition on the many routes in and out of the country and given more travel options”, the first Nigerian pilot stressed while looking forward to the sustenance of this effort.
The one time acting Managing Director of the defunct Nigeria Airways who is in Nigeria to process his retirement and pension benefits from the former national carrier expressed his appreciation for Arik Air’s gesture in welcoming him home by placing a full page advert in the press.
He commended the thoughtfulness of the airline as the advert informed a lot of his friends and relations of his home coming.
The ex- Nigerian Airways pilot was received at the Arik Air Aviation Centre by the airline’s Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Johnson and Managing Director, Michael McTighe who took the visitor round the airlines facilities.
Captain Hayes who was accompanied on the visit by his daughter, Mrs Bilkisu Betty Dikko and aviation consultant, Deba Uwadiae, said he could not believe the transformation he was seeing of the facilities at Arik Air.
“Mr. Johnson, I can’t believe my eyes. I can’t believe this is the same place I worked for over 40 years. Thank you for doing this for Nigerian aviation.”