The Akwa Ibom State government has said that the Ibom Airline which has already acquired three aircraft to start operation will ply the Uyo-Lagos-Abuja route.
Addressing the media in Uyo yesterday, the commissioner for special duties and aviation development, Mr. Akan Okon explained that the state government was motivated by the huge traffic recorded at the Victor Attah International Airport.
He also 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.
Besides, the commissioner said recruitment into various positions in the company has been concluded, adding that government engaged professionals, who would run the airline with best international practices.
“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 aircraft 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.
Okon also commended the director of air wordiness standards (DAWS) at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Ita Awak for ensuring smooth operations in the airport and the realisation of the project.
He said even though the DAWS is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he worked with the state government to ensure that what would be beneficial to Akwa Ibom people was achieved.
“Awak…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 DAWS of the 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 success in floating the airline to the passion of the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel whom he said had consistently made what may appear impossible to others, a possibility in the state.
He said although the airport is the only one in the country that is solely managed by a state government, the present administration in the state “is devoted to improving 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 aircraft in the president’s entourage during the flag off of the APC presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom for the South-south geo-political zone recently.
