Arik Air
Nigeria’s major operator, Arik Air yesterday resumed flight service after several hours on Friday due to strike action embarked by the cabin crew who were agitating for improved welfare and the fulfilment of promises made to them by the airline management.
The cabin crew had downed tools on Friday morning without prior notice over what they termed “non- increment of their salaries and allowances” grounding the operation of the airline. Several passengers milled around Terminal B of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja where the airline operates from.
An official of the airline told newsmen that the crew members were demanding allowances that hitherto applied when Arik Air operated long-haul routes like New York, London, and Johannesburg. According to him, when those flights were happening, a crew member could accumulate between 100 and 120 flying hours which came with special bonuses and they also enjoyed special allowances.
“For instance, the New York flight attracted $100 allowance per night while the London flight attracted £60 per night, multiply by the number of nights spent abroad,” the official said.
According to the statement issued by the airline and signed by its spokesman, Banjo Ola, flight resumed after the cabin crew held a meeting with the management, which assured them that their expectations would be met.
“ The dispute has been resolved amicably and our operations are now back to normal with flights leaving for their destinations with minimum delays.
“We assure our customers, especially those travelling during this festive season that we will do our best to ensure they get to their destinations safely. We sincerely apologize for the disruption in our operations. We see this unfortunate event as a temporary setback to the new Arik brand we have built in the last 10 months,” the statement said.
The airline also assured travellers that measures had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free operation during the remaining period of the yuletide.
