Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Wednesday took delivery of two aircraft for operations at the state-owned airline, Ibom Air.
The official unveiling of the aircraft was performed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
Speaking at the occasion, Gov. Emmanuel described the airline as a monumental achievement of his administration.
He said the two aircraft were only six years old and constituted the newest and modern fleet of the CFWNL Canadian aircraft.
The Governor said Akwa Ibom was the only state currently running a state-owned airline in the country, while assuring Akwa Ibom people that Ibom Air would be run as a business.
He said the airline would operate on profitable routes and would give preference to Akwa Ibom people.
“The launch of Ibom Air is a monumental achievement in Akwa Ibom state and indeed Africa.
“The journey to achieve Ibom Airline started in 2016 and today it is a reality.
“If we are to search the minds of people, this day would have been frustrated but we give glory to God for making it a reality.
“I want to charge my people that we can achieve a lot, if we come together.
“I want to reassure the former governor, Obong Victor Attah, that very soon the MRO will be a place that will maintain fleets of aircraft across the country.
“We are running Ibom Air as a business, paying particular attention to Akwa Ibom people,” Emmanuel said.
He said that government had strived to focus on development of the economy on land, air and water adding that so far, the state government had constructed over 1,000 kilometres of roads across the state.
The governor said that one other aircraft would arrive on Friday to boost the fleet already unveiled one, while assuring that the Ibom Deep Seaport would commence operations before the expiration of his second term in 2023.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who unveiled the aircrafts commended the leadership qualities of Gov. Emmanuel. Saraki said that the governor had been able to create an environment viable for development.