The management of Arik Air (In Receivership) has condemned the ground order of aircraft fleet by Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation.
According to Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, the Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air (In Receivership), the decision to ground its aircraft fleet is in disobedience of existing court order and a total disregard to ongoing judicial processes.
Responding to the grounding order, the airline in a statement emphasized that on February 26, 2016, a judgment was made in favour of Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Engineer Arthur Eze. However, there was an ongoing case in the Federal High Court, where Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was asserting its secured interest in Arik’s assets.
The statement added that despite this, a writ of attachment was issued on July 18, 2024, targeting its aircraft, subsequent to which, further to an originating motion filed by AMCON, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on July 25, 2024, which clearly instructed all parties to maintain status quo.
The airline expressed sadness on the grounding of its fleet, describing it as an overreach of the ongoing judicial processes and directives of court.
Ilegbodu therefore, urged the authorities to reconsider its decision, lift the grounding order, and allow it to continue serving the public and supporting the economy.
“We stand with our passengers and employees during this challenging time and are working tirelessly to resolve this situation. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated,” it said.
The airline further alleged that the decision to ground its aircraft fleet was made without warning or consultation, pointing out that such decision would have serious repercussions for its passengers, dedicated employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.
It maintained that its priority had always been to connect people and facilitate commerce, especially on critical domestic routes, lamenting that the grounding of its fleet disrupted these vital services, leaving passengers stranded and inflating already high travel costs.
“This decision hurts everyday Nigerians who rely on our flights for business, family, and essential activities,” the statement added.
