Arik to train pilots of presidential air fleet

Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading carrier, and the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on capacity building which empowers the airline to assist in imparting proficiency and line training for PAF’s pilots.

According to the terms of the agreement, Arik Air will provide pilots of the PAF rated on the aircraft line training and hour building to maintain proficiency on the aircraft, including undertaking regular commercial flights under supervision as per the standards approved for the airline.

The MoU was signed last Thursday when the Commander of PAF, Air Commodore Hassan Bala Abubakar, led senior officers of the fleet to Arik Air Aviation Centre at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

Arik Air Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, said the agreement would go a long way in bridging the gap in the fleet’s pilots’ training and proficiency, stating that both parties could always work together to achieve their goals.

He said Arik Air which had in the past assisted PAF in the proficiency training of its pilots was a safety- conscious airline.

Speaking at the ceremony, the PAF commander appreciated the support and cooperation PAF had been receiving from Arik Air over the years, stressing that this had helped in getting the pilots maintain high level of training.