The management of Arik Air says operations were disrupted on Sunday after an aircraft was hit by a truck at the Lagos airport while another aircraft could not take off in Owerri.
Arik said it has since reported the incidents to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in line with standard operating procedure.
“Arik Air has reported incidents involving two of its aircraft on Sunday, March 18, 2018, to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This is in line with standard operating procedure and the airline’s high safety standards,” the statement read.
“The first incident involved a Boeing 737-700 marked 5N-MJJ which was bumped into by the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) step on the ramp at MMA2.
“The aircraft, which was scheduled to operate W3 744 (Lagos-Port Harcourt), had its left side leading edge of horizontal stabilizer damaged. Another aircraft was provided immediately for the Port-Harcourt bound passengers. Our team of engineers later fixed the damaged aircraft which has since returned to service.”
The airline, which recently moved its Port Harcourt operations to MMA2, had its first flight from the terminal on Saturday.
“In the second incident, the airline’s Bombardier CRJ900 marked 5N-JEB, operating Owerri-Lagos flight was grounded at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri. This is as a result of a technical issue on ground at the Sam Mbakwe airport in Owerri during pre-departure procedure.
“A relief aircraft was immediately sent to Owerri to take the already checked in passengers to Lagos with minimum delay.
“We apologize to our customers on the flight for the inconveniences they might have experienced as a result of the incident. We remain committed to our safety policy, high operating standard and customer service.”