Ibom Airline established by Akwa Ibom government is set to carry out demonstration flights on designated routes to be supervised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.
Expected to operate as a limited liability company, the airline has taken delivery of the third aircraft, a statutory requirement of the NCAA for commercial flight operations.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Aviation Development, Mr. Akan Okon, speaking on AKBC Radio programme-“UPDATE AKWA IBOM” on Friday, said the proven flights will be preceded by the airline’s base inspection.
Akan said after the inspection of the Uyo, Abuja and Lagos bases of the Ibom Airline as well as completion of proven flights, NCAA will grant Air Operation certificate to the airline to commence commercial flight operations.
Mr. Okon, however, dismissed insinuations and rumours that employment into the Ibom Airline may have been compromised by undue interferences, describing aviation sector as a critical such that any attempt to manipulate the recruitment of its manpower could have disastrous consequences.
According to him, this informed the need for proper advertisements of available vacancies on the company’s website and to scrutinise human resources to ensure only the best and most qualified were employed.
The Commissioner said the Ibom Airline birthed by Emmanuel administration is part of the critical sectors government takes the lead to give the private sector a direction.
Okon stated that the comapny would generate more than 400 direct and indirect employment opportunities with uncountable positive spiralling effects.
The Commissioner pointed out that Governor Udom Emmanuel has not only rejuvenated and inspired the mentality of the Akwa Ibom person through the DAKKADA philosophy, but has also gone ahead to create an enabling environment to properly utilise the abundant opportunities.
On the 21-storey Smart Building being constructed at the Central Business District, Uyo, Okon explained that the building which is currently on its 19th floor was imperative to ensure that the multinationals and other organizations have suitable, convenient and befitting offices for their operations.
