Nigeria's Arik Air Orders 2 Boeing 747-8s

Nigeria's Arik Air has signed a deal for two Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes. The order is valued at $635 million at list prices.

Arik Air is Nigeria's fastest-growing privately owned airline and serves more than 22 domestic, six regional and three long-haul routes. The airline plans to use the 747-8 on its key long-haul routes.

"Air travel within the region continues to grow at a rapid pace and we must prepare our fleet to accommodate that growth," said Sir JIA Arumemi-Johnson, owner and chairman of Arik Air. "Boeing's new 747-8 fits perfectly into our long-term planning. It brings the best operating economics for its size, which is important with the increase in fuel prices."

The new 747-8 Intercontinental features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck. The airplane interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner including a new curved, upswept architecture that is designed to give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort.

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