Arik Air will become the first carrier to operate the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet in Africa when it launches service with the first of three ordered during the 2013 Paris Airshow.

The new CRJ1000 will be unveiled during Arik’s seventh anniversary celebration later.

Upon delivery to Arik Air, the new jet will be deployed to increase the Lagos-Owerii and Lagos-Enugu routes from daily to double daily flights.

In addition, it will also be used at night to launch a new third daily Lagos to Accra service.

Arik Air group chief executive Michael Arumemi-Ikhide explained: “Configured to offer the very best in-flight comfort and style for our passengers, the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft will also provide a high degree of operational flexibility to enhance our service, and a reduced environmental footprint to promote greener, more sustainable aviation.

Arik Air’s first CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft is configured to seat 100 passengers in an all-economy-class configuration whereas the remaining two – due to be delivered late next year – will offer a two-class configuration with 12 Premier Business Class seats and 80 Economy Class seats.

The first aircraft will be retrofitted to the two-class configuration in the future.