Arik Air Orders Three A340-500 Airbus Aircraft

> TOULOUSE, France --- Arik Air, the growing private airline based in Lagos, Nigeria, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of three Airbus A340-500s. This order makes Arik Air the 10th and latest customer for the A340-500.>> The acquisition of the new A340s is an important step in the airlines growth strategy to develop Lagos and Abuja as hubs. These aircraft will be used on new routes towards London, New York and Houston. These aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines and will provide the best possible passenger comfort in a two-class configuration. All the aircraft will be delivered by the end of November 2008.>> This aircraft order will enable Arik Air to start international connections with new and modern aircraft that will support our objective to become one of Africas key airlines that operate at international standards with new aircraft, top maintenance and where security and quality come first, said Mr. Arumemi-Johnson, Chairman of Arik Air.>> John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers responded, Arik Air is one of Africas most dynamic airlines and we are proud that they have selected the A340 to develop their international network. With the A340-500 offering outstanding performance, range and unparalleled levels of passenger comfort, I look forward to the start of our partnership. We support their development in and outside Africa.>> The A340-500 is the member of Airbus A330/A340 Family that flies furthest, and is the most modern aircraft in the 250-375-seater segment flying today. The A340-500, operates the worlds longest-range commercial air routes, the longest linking Singapore non-stop with New York, an 18-hour flight, and as such offers passengers the latest in comfort and in-flight services. With four engines, the A340 offers unrivalled operational economics and flexibility on ultra-long-haul non-stop routes over remote oceans and terrains such as mountain ranges and the Polar Regions.