Emirates is to expand commercial ties and explore further areas of cooperation with Nigerian carrier Arik Air.
Arik Air claims to be the largest airline in western and central Africa, operating domestic routes in Nigeria and across the region from its twin hubs in Lagos and Abuja.
The airline’s international services include Johannesburg, London and New York from Lagos.
Dubai-based Emirates and Arik Air currently have a one-way interline agreement, allowing passengers to connect throughout Nigeria and west Africa via Arik Air’s network.
A memorandum of understanding will see the two airlines to develop their partnership covering areas such as codesharing, frequent flier programmes and passenger handling.
Emirates divisional senior vice-president, planning, aeropolitical and industry affairs Adnan Kazim said: “Both Emirates and Arik Air have expressed interest in exploring ways to expand on our existing commercial relationship and to look at different areas in which we can cooperate that will be mutually beneficial to both airlines, including seamless connectivity for our customers on our respective networks.
“We also intend to explore the potential of codeshare arrangements as passenger traffic flows mature between both parties’ networks.”
Arik Air managing director Chris Ndlulue added: “While Arik Air is happy to open its network in Nigeria and west Africa to Emirates passengers, we are excited at the vast worldwide network of Emirates being made available to Arik Air’s passengers.
“The invaluable cooperation between the two airlines offers a lot of synergy to both airlines in achieving their objectives.”