The flight, operated with a brand new Airbus plane, took off from the main gateway Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos at 11.40pm local time Sunday.
Airline spokesman Banji Ola confirmed the start of the transatlantic route, despite last minute hitches, including an issue raised by the US Customs and Border Protection.
MMIA's operation manager Edward Olalerin hailed the commencement of the service, saying it was particularly gratifying that the airline was operating a brand new plane on the lucrative route.
''They are operating with one of the newest aircraft,'' Olalerin said.
The new route will be Arik Air's third international service outside of the West Africa region, following the commencement of daily flights to London Heathrow in December 2008 and to Johannesburg, South Africa, in June 2 009.
The new Lagos-New York service will operate three times a week,. with outbound flights departing MMIA on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, while inbound flights will depart New York's John F. Kennedy In ternatio nal Airport on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The privately-owned Arik Air operates a fleet of 30 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft.
From its hubs in Lagos and Abuja, the airline currently serves 21 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Niamey (Niger), London Heathr ow (UK) and Johannesburg (South Africa).
Lagos - Pana 30/11/2009
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