The Government of Cross River State on Friday delivered two aircraft of the state Cally Air to Aero Contractors to operate and maintain.
Handing over the aircraft to Aero Contractors at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade explained that the two aircraft would be maintained and operated by Aero Contractors until Cally Air obtain its Airline Operation Certificate.
Explaining further, Ayade said: “For now, we are in the process of getting our AOC (Airline Operation Certificate) for Cally Air.
“With increasing difficulties and insecurity challenges by traveling by road, air travel has become more imperative to bridge the gap.
Contributing, 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.
Speaking, the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, said the arrival of the two aircraft was a major improvement to the aviation industry.
Yadudu, who reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to the improvement of services at airports, solicited further cooperation and supports of the airlines and other stakeholders to advance the sector.
In his part, 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.
“We airport operators, we always welcome new airline into the airport and into the field. It is a sign of growth for all.
“We 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
