Ebonyi govt reveals plan to launch state-owned airline

The Ebonyi government has announced plans to establish an airline in the state, following significant progress in the ongoing development of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Abakiliki.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, during a recent inspection tour of the airport.

Dr Ngozi Obichukwu revealed that the state government intends to enter the airline business once the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport becomes fully operational.

The airport, which is currently undergoing asphalting of the runway, is expected to be fully functional by August.

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The commissioner expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Governor David Umahi, and the engineering team, saying: “If you do not blow your trumpet, another person will blow it wrongly. We are here as a team to tell you what our dear governor is doing on the runway of the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo Airport.

“Many have been asking questions, are we good to go? Are we able to deliver the road by May as we promised? With your eyes and your senses, you people have seen what we have done and the extent we have gone.

“Before the asphalting, we have started witnessing the coming in of flights, and you know, as I have said before, it is both human and cargo airport. We are good to go in terms of exporting our food. Ebonyi State is good with production. We can export our rice, our garri , and even our salt. We will package it in an acceptable way and package it out.

“We are at the centre of attraction as far as the South East is concerned. Those of them that are coming from Abia, Enugu, Anambra, and even part of Cross River will be landing here. Those of them that are travelling from outside will be landing here. It will not only be a beehive of activities, but an economic hub of the South East because many people will benefit from here.”