Bombardier's CRJ Series regional jets have achieved an important breakthrough in Africa with a firm order for two Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets from Nigeria's Arik Air.

The newly-formed airline recently took over the assets of Nigerian Airlines Ltd in Lagos, and will commence scheduled domestic service in July with the Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, following the issuance of an air operator's certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian government.

Arik Air selected the CRJ900 for its excellent operating economics and cabin comfort, and to introduce a new standard of airline service that will change the face of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

The Bombardier CRJ900 airliners will be configured with a two-class interior featuring 10 business class seats and 65 economy seats.

These will be the first Bombardier CRJ900 jetliners to enter service with an African air carrier, and the first entirely new technology commercial aircraft type to fly Nigerian domestic routes since 1982.

Complementing the CRJ900 fleet, Arik Air has also acquired two previously owned Boeing 737 and three previously owned 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, built in 2003.

Arik Air will realize additional commonality benefits and savings when it introduces its mixed fleet of Bombardier CRJ200and CRJ900 airliners to service.

The Bombardier CRJ fleet will be based at the former Nigerian Airlines facilities in Lagos and initially be used to service domestic routes.

Arik Air plans to expand internationally to the US, UK and Far East by 2008.