Ethiopian Airlines looking to take over Arik Air

An Ethiopian Airlines official has confirmed that east African carrier is negotiating to take over management of West Africa’s largest airline, the Nigeria-based Arik Air.

According to Esayas Woldemariam – Ethiopian Airlines’ head for international services, negotiations follow a request by Nigeria’s aviation ministry.
Nigeria’s federal government took over the privately owned Arik Air early this year after it declared heavy losses.

“We definitely are willing and able to take over the management of Arik Air,” Esayas said Wednesday.

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s fastest growing and most profitable airlines Taking over Arik Air’s management would give the airline a major presence in Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy and oil producer.

Latest official figures from Ethiopian Airlines say it generated total revenues of close to US$3 billion in 2016.

Source: Associated Press.