Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Arik Air of Lagos, Nigeria has placed
a firm order for a fourth new Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet. The airline's initial order for two CRJ900 aircraft - the first from an African airline - was announced on May 3, 2006. A subsequent order for a third CRJ900 was placed in August 2006.

Arik Air began operations in October, 2006, flying initially from Lagos to Abuja. The airline began Lagos - Calabar - Abuja services in November and later this year, plans to expand operations leading to a full network of 10 destinations throughout Nigeria and three international routes on the African continent. It will introduce international routes to the US, UK and Far East in 2007.

"After reevaluating our operational plans, we decided that we would require four CRJ900 aircraft sooner rather than later," said Michael McTighe, Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air. "We look forward to offering our passengers a superior in-flight experience with these state-of-the-art aircraft."

Arik Air's CRJ900 jets feature a two-class interior with 10 business class seats and 65 economy seats in a spacious cabin. The airline also plans to operate two previously owned Boeing 737 and three previously owned Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, built in 2003. The CRJ200 aircraft have been reconfigured with 44 seats for greater passenger comfort.