The Akwa Ibom State government
has announced that it has acquired about three aircrafts to kick-start the
operations of the newly established Ibom Airline Company.
The Commissioner for Special
Duties and Aviation Development, Mr. Akan Okon disclosed this on Thursday at
his Ewet Housing Residence, Uyo, during a Newyear hangout with journalists.
Okon also revealed that
recruitments into various positions in the company has been concluded, adding
that government engaged professionals, who would run the airline with best
international practices.
He said the airline, which was
designed to be a Limited Liability Company, would provide over 400 direct and
indirect jobs to the unemployed Akwa Ibom Youths.
His words, “Ibom Air has come to
stay. I am happy to tell you that we have completed recruitment with good
number of Akwa Ibom children being recruited. The Chief Pilot is from Akwa
Ibom.
“Three aircrafts are secured and
are ready for commencement of operation. It is completely owned and operated by
Akwa Ibom State Government and it will provide 400 direct and indirect jobs.”
He said members of staff of the
new airline, recruited strictly on merit, are currently undergoing training in
their various areas of specialties, getting set to kick-start operations as
soon as required formalities were concluded.
The Commissioner commended the
contributions of the Director, Air Wordiness standards of the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority NCAA, Engr Ita Awak in ensuring smooth operations in the
airport and the realisation of the project.
He said that even though Awak is
a stauch APC member, he still worked with the state government to ensure that
what would be beneficial to Akwa Ibom people was achieved.
According to him, “Engr Awak, a
son of the soil, has demonstrated true strength of character in engaging
relevant authorities to make sure that the Airport gains adequate improvement
that will help attract global attention.
“For the Maintenance, Repairs and
Overhaul (MRO) section, the Governor is equally passionate about it. This is
where I must commend the Director, Air Wordiness Standards of the Nigerian
Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engr Ita Awak who has shown deep support to
the development of the airport. I want to thank him very specially and all
those that are working at the NCAA for supporting the changes at the Airport.”
He also attributed the state
government’s success in this direction to Governor Udom Emmanuel, whom he said
had consistently made what may appear impossible to others, a possibility in
the state.
The Commissioner maintained that
the heavy traffic in Akwa Ibom airport motivated the state government to join
the few airlines operating in the country, adding that Ibom Airline will at the
moment operate within Uyo-Lagos- Abuja routes.
Though expressing disappointment
that the Victor Attah International Airport was at the moment the only one in
the country, solely managed by the state government, he said that the present
administration was devotedly working to improve the standard of the airport
with the ongoing second runway, new taxiway, a power sub-station, new
commercial building and other unique features.
Such improvements, he said, made
it possible for the landing of over 20 aircrafts in the President’s entourage
during the flag off of the APC presidential campaigns in Akwa Ibom for the
South south region.
Now this is a government that is working.. way to go Akwa Ibom
ReplyDeleteNaija no get national airline, but Akwa Ibom wan get? LMAO!
ReplyDeleteI applaud Akwa Ibom state for taking such a bold move. However, leaving this very laudable project in the hands of the state investment cooperation will just lead to its early death. Allow astute private business entities manage it and remit the proceeds to the government coffers while taking a commission for services rendered. Way to go. Hope more will follow.
ReplyDelete