The papers said the announcement was made by the Chairman of the Airline, Felix Ohiwerei, at the ongoing air show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The planes, which will start arriving next year, include Embraer 170 and 190 Adv ance Range (AR) models.

"These new E-jets will bring a dramatic change to the airline ownership equation in the Nigerian aviation industry in which a few airlines have been advertising

acquisition of brand new aircraft to attract passengers," Ohiwerei was quoted as saying.

He said Embraer was chosen because it is environmentally friendly and due to its low noise levels, low carbon emissions and efficient fuel consumption.

Nigerian airlines, including Arik, have been making a big media splash of their acquisition of brand new planes, which has become a selling point in the industr y in Nigeria, where a spate of recent deadly planes crashes has been partly blame d on the old age of the aircraft involved.

Some 49 per cent of Virgin Nigeria is owned by Virgin Atlantic owner Richard Bra nson, while Nigerian investors own the remaining 51 per cent.

Keywords:  nigeria business investment travel