The Obong Victor Attah International Airport was alive with excitement Wednesday afternoon with the handing over of aircrafts and launch of IBOM AIRLINE for commencement of commercial flight operation.
The excitement of most Akwa Ibomites was compared with winning of World Cup trophy including the State governor.
“I first of all give glory to God Almighty for making this day possible. It is a day every Akwa Ibomites should stand tall, to be very proud of ourselves as a state, the launching of Ibom Air I must say is a monumental achievement not only in Nigeria but Africa. Show me a country in Africa where a State is able to nurture and bring to fruition the unveiling of a commercially viable airline business. And it materialized under 2 years.” Gov Udom flaunt.
Handing over of the CRJ 100 series aircraft by foreign crew led by Capt Paul Nelson and Capt Jonathan Vancolan to Nigerian crew headed by Capt. Asuquo Obot, pioneer Captain of Ibom Air. Capt. Obot from Ibesikpo and formerly with Air Peace. Also on the Ibom Air team as Service Executive head is a previous experienced personnel with British Airways.
The aircraft are 88-90 passenger carrier and expected to run Lagos-Abuja-Uyo routes 3 times daily. According to Gov Emmanuel, he said while most Airlines have 20 years old or older aircrafts in their fleet, Ibom Air is proud to have 6 years old aircraft to commence most modern air fleet in the region.
Obong Victor Attah in his felicitations thanked God Akwa Ibom and Gov Udom Emmanuel. He was happy to know the pioneer Captain is from Ibosikpo his local government area.
“There was a time it was believed that successive government should destroy everything that previous government have done, but that is not so with Gov Udom Emmanuel. I was accused of running the government as a business and Udom Emmanuel has come to confirm it is the only way to run a government successfully.”
” See the magnitude of that building (MRO), that building was conceived to contain 4 of such aircraft (CRJ 100 series jet) for maintenance at any one time. But not only was the progress of the work stopped, there was no attempt to bring aircraft here for maintenance. Here before us is something that will bring economic growth to the State. Udom Emmanuel thank you and I pray next attention will be towards that building, MRO.”
In his response Gov Udom Emmanuel assured Obong Attah of MRO completion and commencement in nearest future. Udom said MRO comes after sealing of contract with maintenance company like Bombardier, Airbus or Boeing and other technical investors. He hopes by special grace of God to start sooner so that Ibom Air fleet and others in West Africa would be serviced in Uyo.
Also available to witness the historical event, Senate President Sen Bukola Saraki expressed delight to be part of history.
“Congratulations Udom, today we celebrate leadership, and a leader’s dream for his people. We are proud of you in PDP. Today justify what we have been camping.”
Saraki charged Akwa Ibom people to go and vote PDP come 23rd February and March 9th elections.
Other dignitaries at the Ibom Air launch were former Air Force commander, H.E Idongesit Nkanga, Capt. Mfon Udom, Board Chairman, Ibom Air, Senators, Heads of Corporations, traditional rulers and political leaders.
Meanwhile Hon. Akan Okon, Commissioner for Special duties and Aviation Development thank the governor and all who made the Ibom Air launch a success story.
