The Ebonyi government has announced its intention to establish an airline in the state, following significant progress in developing the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Abakiliki.
The announcement was made by Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, the Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, during a recent inspection tour of the airport.
Dr. Obichukwu revealed that once the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport is fully operational, the state government plans to venture into the airline industry.
The airport is currently undergoing runway asphalting and is expected to be fully operational by August.
The commissioner expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Governor David Umahi, and the engineering team.
The commissioner said: “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.”
