Ibom Air begins commercial operations

There was fanfare at the Victor Attah International Airport on Friday, as the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline, Ibom Air, commenced commercial flight operations.

Speaking during the maiden flight at the airport, the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, noted that the people of the state should be congratulated for the development.

The governor, who spoke through his deputy, Moses Ekpo, described the launch and the eventual commencement of the airline as historic, noting that never in the history of any state government in Nigeria, or in Africa, has such feat been recorded.

Udom said, “Let me start by congratulating the good people of Akwa Ibom State for recording this feat of historic proportions. Today’s occasion is a watershed for us as a people.

“Never in the history of this nation or indeed anywhere else in Africa that I can recall, has a state government gone into airline operations. Akwa Ibom State is, therefore, the first to achieve this. We should all collectively give ourselves a pat on the back.

“The launch of this maiden flight by Ibom Air is a testament to the vision of rapid industrialisation based on the three gateways; land, sea and air that I have been emphasising on.

“Investors will continue to flock into our state, given the ease of travelling; the launch of this airline will engender the peace we enjoy and the hospitality of our people. We are all winners in this.”

He also expressed appreciation to the regulatory agencies for working with the state to achieve the feat and appealed to opposition political parties to appreciate the development.

“We should learn to separate development from politics. Ibom Air is a huge achievement for us all.

“When we board these aircraft to either Lagos or Abuja and back to Uyo, the cabin crew will not ask you whether you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party or the All Progressives Congress; rather, you will be greeted and be told ‘welcome on board’ as a proud son or daughter of Akwa Ibom State,” he added.