Ikeja – The Managing Director, Arik Airline, Mr Chris Ndulue, on Thursday said that the airline has carried a total of over 15 million passengers since its inception on Oct. 30, 2006.

Ndulue disclosed this while addressing aviation correspondents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to mark the airline’s 8th anniversary.

He said that the airline would soon begin flight operations to Abidjan, Lome and Libreville as it would also add two new Bombardier Q400NG aircraft into its fleet.

The director said that the two aircraft would arrive the country soon.

Ndulue said that the airline had been able to face the challenges in the aviation industry, particularly in the area of high rate charges by various agencies in the industry.

Ndulue said that the airline had entered into dialogue with the aviation agencies to settle all controversies surrounding  charges.

“We are about to overcome all the controversies we have with the various aviation agencies in the area of paying charges.

“Every business has various challenges, but if you allow the challenges to overwhelm you, then you will be a failure.

“We have never been overwhelmed by the challenges in the industry. We will make sure we serve the public adequately,’’ he said.

The managing director said the airline now operates 19 domestic and 12 regional destinations. (NAN)