In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, the Ebonyi State government has announced plans to launch its own airline.
Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, the Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, confirmed that four aircraft will be procured to ensure the successful commencement of operations at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke, Ezza South local government area.
According to leadership.ng, Mrs. Obichukwu who announced the plan during an inspection tour of the completed 3.5 kilometer runway said the government would float its airline with the four aircraft.
She said other investors had already indicated interest to give the state extra three aircraft, adding that the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport would not just boost the economic base of the state but also showcase Ebonyi State to the world.
“We will soon start floating our aircraft. When flight operations starts at the airport, we have investors that are ready to give us extra three planes. We have already entered into agreement with them, and very soon it will start happening.
“Permit me to announce to you that the governor, Francis Nwifuru, is very passionate about bringing in our own planes. And we are launching four at a time and when it comes, everybody will hear it. The governor wants to make this airport the economic hub of the Southeast region,” she said.
She expressed joy on the completion of the runway adding that the commercial operation of the International Airport is expected to take off in August this year with President Bola Tinubu flying into the State through the newly completed Airport.
Mrs. Obichukwuto stated that the state government would also establish an aeronautic university within the airport environment.
