By kenneth Ehigiator
Arik Air is partnering with Optiontown to offer economy class passengers the opportunity to upgrade to business class across its extensive network.

According to the airlines Vice President, Planning, Mr. Bert van der Stege, passengers will pay a fee once they had purchased an economy class ticket in order to upgrade to business class and enjoy the highest level of comfort and service such as extra leg room, access to business class lounges, priority check-in and priority boarding are amongst a range of benefits on offer with the new upgrade system.

He said: “Enjoying the new potential benefits couldn’t be simpler. All a passenger has to do is buy an Arik Air Economy Class ticket and then visit www.optiontown.com, enter the booking reference, surname and e-mail address to retrieve the reservation and enter the flight code/ destination they want upgraded on,” he said.

He said passengers would pay a sign up fee (approx N620) and a nominal additional upgrade price which is a 75% saving compared to regular Arik Air Business Class fares.

The passenger, according to van der Stege, will receive an e_mail prior to departure notifying him/ her of the successful upgrade

He said: “At Arik Air, customer satisfaction and servicing is of the utmost priority. We understand the travel needs of our passengers and are constantly looking for ways to address the changing nature of these needs.

“Our customers want value for money at all times and we feel that the introduction of the upgrade system is a further response to this. Arik Air’s Business Class is a truly world class product and one that we want everyone to have an opportunity to experience.”

Optiontown is a pioneer in the world of travel options. Over the last few years it has developed several ground breaking patented, optimization technologies in the field of travel for both travelers and travel providers.