The Ebonyi State Government has disclosed its intentions to purchase commercial aircraft as a means of augmenting the expansion and functional effectiveness of the state-owned Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.
Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Executive Council have given the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Elechi Elechi Nnannia, permission to start talks with suppliers of the aircraft, according to a statement made by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media.
This action is probably part of the state’s larger plan to start its own airline, modeled after Ibom Air of Akwa Ibom.
“In another move to further explore opportunities for the maximum growth and operations of the state-of-the-art airport, the Governor, His Excellency, @FrancisNwifuru and EXCO approved for the Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Elechi Elechi Nnannia to proceed and negotiate with contractors seeking to supply commercial airplanes for Ebonyi State” part of the statement read.
The announcement further mentioned that the newly asphalted runway at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport has been marked, as revealed by Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation.
She added that further work needs to be done and a few minor permissions from pertinent agencies still need to be obtained, but these should be accomplished shortly.
What to note
Inspired by the prosperous Ibom Air of Akwa Ibom State, the Ebonyi State Government, represented by Commissioner for Aviation Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, outlined grand intentions earlier this year to establish a state-owned airline.
In order to launch this new airline, Dr. Obichukwu had stated that the Ebonyi State Government planned to purchase four aircraft, with three more aircraft to be provided by investors.
The Ebonyi State Government has invested a substantial amount of money in restoring the 3.5-kilometer runway at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in addition to these plans. This endeavour is a component of a larger plan to improve the airport’s expansion and operational effectiveness, readying it for both cargo and passenger flights.
As to the most recent report from Dr. Obichukwu, which was included in a statement issued on August 10 by the Special Assistant on New Media for Governor Francis Nwifuru, the runway rehabilitation has been finished, including the required markings.
She did point out that there were still a few minor approvals from pertinent agencies and some work to be done, but they should be completed soon. This development lays the foundation for a strong, state-run airline, which is a major step towards Ebonyi State’s aviation goals.
