Cross River on Friday delivered two aircraft ‘Cally Air’ to Aero Contractors to operate and maintain till further notice.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ben Ayade said the planes should be maintained until the state airline ‘Cally Air’ obtains its Airline Operation Certificate.
The aircraft had been at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja for a while.
According to Ayade, the established relationship between the two partners will boost the aviation sector.
“We give glory to Almighty God for Cross River State to procure these aircraft. As it is today, the state can proudly say without owning that we procured these aircraft for Cally Air Airline.”
For now, we are in the process of getting our own AOC (Airline Operation Certificate) for Cally Air. With increasing difficulties and insecurity challenges by travelling by road, air travelling has become more imperative to bridge the gap.
“That is why the Cross River state is cashing into the opportunities,’’ he said.
The governor added that the two aircraft are capable to move passengers safely at all times.
Aero Station Manager, Mr Abdulmalik Jibreel, said the two parties had officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier.
Jibreel expressed optimism that the two parties would mutually benefit from the union.
“Today`s event is a historic one between Cross Rivers and Aero Contractors. They gave us two aircraft to operate on their behalf and under an MOU of understanding between the two partners.
“We are going to maintain the two aircraft as well as to operate the aircraft. I am sure, it is going to be a credit one between the two partners; a win-win situation for the two parties,’’ he said.
Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu said the arrival of the two aircraft was a very major improvement to the aviation industry.
Yadudu said the development would definitely improve services, scope economic aspire, and create more employment.
“Because of COVID-19 pandemic, the system is distressed. To have another airline coming into operation will yield a better thing for all of us. The confidence is there and we are recovering quickly,’’ he added.
Yadudu, who reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to the improvement of services at airports, solicited further cooperation and supports from the airlines and other stakeholders to advance the sector.
NAIA Airport Manager, Mr Sani Mahmud, affirmed that having a new airline operating in the airport was a sign of growth.
He added that the management in the airport was intensifying efforts to ensure that all users of the airport maximally enjoyed the rendered services.
“Airport operators always welcome new airline into the airport and the field. It is a sign of growth for all. On our part, we ensure all necessary facilities are provided for them. We have so many of the airlines coming up, and it is in this vein that we are trying to convert the old international terminals for domestic operations.
“We are in the process of developing the place. A lot of conversion activities are happening already,” he said. – NAN.
