Arik Air Raided By EFCC

[No Smoking]

Air Transport Intelligence News: Wednesday 30 September 2009

Uncertainty surrounds the situation at Nigeria's Arik Air, after the country's financial crime agency reportedly raided the carrier's premises at Lagos.

While neither Arik Air nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission could be reached to clarify the matter, local media are citing Arik Air as confirming that the raid centred on allegations of tax evasion.

The carrier is also reportedly confirming that its chief pilot has been detained.

Arik's management underwent a change earlier this month, with deputy managing director Chris Ndulue stepping into the role of acting head, after the carrier described former managing director Mike McTighe as being "on an extended leave of absence".

Lagos-based Arik operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 737s, Bombardier CRJs and Q-series turboprops, and had also been using Airbus A340-500 jets. Arik has also committed to acquiring other aircraft types including the Boeing 777 and 787.