Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest commercial airline has emerged the Best Security Conscious Airline of The Year at the International Security Conference and Awards 2009/2010 held in Abuja on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

The honour was bestowed on Arik Air by the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS) for the airline's commitment to security consciousness in the aviation industry and for distinguishing itself from others through continuous improvements to security safety standards. The IIPS Board said Arik Air’s security measures, procedures and contributions to the aviation sector of the economy have helped in minimizing criminal and fraudulent activities in the industry.

This is the third award Arik Air received this year, following the 15th Annual Thisday Award in February and the Leadership Award for Excellence held in April. Arik Air had also in 2008 and 2009 won the Thisday Airline of The year Award.

Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Suraj Sundaram said of the award: “Winning another award is a proud moment for all of us at Arik Air. The award for Best Security Conscious Airline is a great testimony to our service excellence and serves to assure our valued guests that their security and safety are highly important to Arik Air.”
The award was accepted on behalf of Arik Air by its General Manager, Security, Mr. Lachlan McNeil and was presented by Brigadier General Sanni Yusuf Audu of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Nigeria.

Responding shortly after receiving the award, Mr. McNeil thanked the organizers and members of the security body for the honour and restated the airline's commitment to security consciousness and building an airline that will make Africa proud.

He said: "We remain committed to the application of innovative security and safety systems in our operations. We have well trained security personnel who ensure that this high standard of security and safety systems is adhered to.”

Mr. Sundaram added that Arik Air has International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) qualified Security Managers as well as trained profilers. The airline also boasts of equipment for detecting explosives and drugs in addition to having special units for various investigations.

Arik Air is Nigeria's leading commercial airline. It now operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. The airline currently serves 21 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).

The airline currently operates over 130 flights daily from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja.