MARGARET CHIDERA
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has taken delivery of two new Airbus A320 – 200 to increase fleet of Ibom Airline in the state.
Delivering the aircrafts to Ibom Air at Victor Attah International Airport on Tuesday, governor Emmanuel said the additional Aircrafts was in response to the demands of passengers in the yuletide season.
Emmanuel said as a responsible administration, he has committed huge resources to the development of the aviation sector in the state.
He explained that he had committed more funds than he received from the Federal Government to the development of the state, adding that he was on the verge of commissioning a world class Terminal Building and a Maintainance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.
“We did not come to give excuses, we came to do governance. Look at what we have done in the aviation sector, if it is not more than what we have collected, then you can challenge me anywhere.
“Our terminal building there is world class in Africa, our MRO is world class. If you find one today in the entire Gulf of Guinea, tell me I will break down this one and construct another. This MRO can take 24/47 800 series. Would service eight of the CRJs that we are flying at the same time. This is the only MRO in this part of the world. People are coming, asking us to lease this MRO.
“I invest in areas we can have returns on our investment. Airbus is on us to come and use our MRO for all their regional flights. We are going to open up this place from January next year for commercial activities and we are going to earn in dollars, not Naira”. He said.
Inaugurating the new Airbus, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for his significant strides in the aviation sector.
Obaseki declared Akwa Ibom a flagship state in the country, for its effort to invest and expand the aviation sector.
He said Nigeria, as the biggest country in Africa, could not successfully run an Airline l, but that Akwa Ibom had succeeded in doing so.
“Even Nigeria, as biggest country in Africa, cannot run an Aviation sector successfully. Ibom Air is always fully booked. Let me thank you on behalf of Nigerians. Don’t be deterred by insult, focus on your goal.” He advised.
In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Ibom Airlines Limited, Captain Mfon Udom, announced plans to commence regional flights from 2023.
He said the new addition to the fleet of Ibom Air would not only expand its carrying capacity but would also boost employment opportunity by 40 per cent.
“With this new capacity coming on board, we are delighted to inform our passengers that we have increased our offerings, providing more frequencies for their convenience.
“The Uyo-Lagos and Uyo-Abuja route now have three frequencies every weekday, while our passengers between Lagos and Abuja will have seven frequencies to choose from both ways, every weekday.”
