Arik Air's number one position in Nigeria's aviation industry was further reinforced this week as the carrier, for the second year running, emerged as the Airline of The Year at the 14th Annual Thisday Awards 2009 held on Wednesday, January 14, 2009. The airline, which recently marked its second anniversary, was awarded the Airline of The Year title among top airline operators nominated for the award.

Presenting the award to the airline at a well attended ceremony in Abuja, the organisers of the event noted that Arik Air pioneered the prevalent trend in the aviation industry for the operation of modern aircraft and thus became the first commercial operator in over 20 years to operate brand new aircraft in Nigeria. Arik Air also acquired a succession of new planes and thereby set a high standard for other operators that aspire to meet the taste of Nigeria's flying public who have developed a preference for modern aircraft.

Receiving the award on behalf of the board and management of Arik Air, the airline's General Manager, Finance and Admin, Chris Ndulue, said the feat achieved by the carrier would not have been possible without the support of over two million guests who choose to fly Arik Air, thanking also the financial institutions that have kept faith in the airline. He reiterated the airline's focus of ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and enjoyable air travel while also pledging the airline's aggressive route development to connect Nigeria with more African cities.

Other Arik Air management staff in attendance at the award ceremony were GM, Marketing and Sales, Suraj Sundaram; Deputy COO, Helmut Staerker; GM, Human Resources, Mark Graham; and Arik Niger Vice-Chairman, Senator Anietie Okon.

Since commencing operations in October 2006, Arik Air has won many awards and accolades including the International Quality Summit Award in recognition of commitment to quality, leadership, technology and innovation and the United States International Partner Award.

Arik Air has grown to become Nigeria's largest carrier connecting 20 airports from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja, operating over 100 daily flights on 27 routes using an ultra modern fleet of 20 aircraft.

The airline has significantly contributed to the economy and also assisted with the development of Nigerian aviation industry investing in infrastructure, manpower development and training.