The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has flagged off the first-ever international service by Enugu Air, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s vision to grow Enugu State into a major aviation hub and make it the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
Mbah, who poured encomiums on the leadership of the state-owned airline for the fast growth of Enugu Air, said it was not an isolated story but part of connecting the dots as his administration strives to grow Enugu State into a $30 billion economy, reports Daily Independent. Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, yesterday.
“We saw Enugu go up in flames months ago right here. Enugu Air secured her Air Operator’s License in less than six months after a thorough process of regulations. No mean achievement.
“Today, 14 months later, we see that dream flying beyond our expectations, as Enugu Air is without doubt one of the fastest growing airlines in Nigeria.
“But we did not conceive of Enugu Air for bragging rights, or because of clamour, or for political acclaim. Enugu Air is part of the master plan to make Enugu State the leading destination for investment, lifestyle, business and tourism. “Enugu Air is part of connecting the dots for us,” he said.
Enugu Air, he said, was a campaign promise fulfilled, adding that the Enugu–Douala service was the commencement of other international flight operations to several areas of the world.
“This is performance exceeding promises, what you see here today. So, we want you to judge us by the promises we have kept and the promises we have delivered to you.
“Besides, today is Douala, but I am hoping tomorrow, we are not going to be talking about the continent of Africa, we will be talking about Enugu to the world,” he said.
He praised President Bola Tinubu “for always showing his interest in aviation infrastructure and the support he is also giving to the states to enable us to have businesses like Enugu Air”. He also lauded Minister of Aviation and Aerodrome Development, Festus Keyama, SAN; and the agencies under him such as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for supporting the growth of Enugu Air and making Nigeria a standard bearer in the African aviation industry.
Speaking, CEO of Enugu Air, Capt Tolu Ita said the company was not just beginning a flight, “we are launching a new chapter.”
“This is a chapter where Enugu is not merely the start or the finish of a journey. Enugu is becoming a gateway”.
“Much larger than an aircraft is moving across our skies today. Opportunity will be on the move.” Business will be on the move. People will be on the go. There will be ideas that move. And Enugu will be accompanying them. That’s what makes today so special.”
“Enugu Air was not designed to simply put aeroplanes in the sky. The objective was to create an airline that links people, connects markets and connects opportunities.
We started by building our local network – linking Enugu to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Asaba, Benin City and Warri.
“Today we take our first giant step beyond Nigeria. Enugu to Douala. Nigeria to Cameroon. Central to Southeast Africa. And this is just the beginning.
“We want to continue to build a stronger regional network across Africa, and gradually open the door to broader international markets,” she said.
Ita reiterated the airline’s responsibility and commitment to authorities, passengers and all stakeholders in growing Enugu Air, while maintaining the best operational and ethical standards.
In her goodwill message, the FAAN’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, said the maiden international flight of Enugu Air was “a strong statement of Nigeria’s growing capacity to connect7 people and businesses across West and Central Africa.
The FAAN DG, represented by Mrs Onyeka Udenze, said “Akanu Ibiam International Airport now takes a firm step as a regional hub.
She congratulated Enugu Air for the rapid development in 14 months, and stressed that FAAN remained dedicated to providing the infrastructure, safety standards and assistance that made such services feasible.
Speaking on behalf of the DG of NCAA, the Director of Air Transport Regulations, FAAN, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iruobe, said the direct connection between Enugu and Douala would create opportunities for enhanced trade, investment, tourism and movement of people as well as strengthen the bond of social and economic relationship between Nigeria and Cameroon. Download Interactive Maps
In his welcome message, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said the new route to Douala was a huge leap forward in the state’s trade, investment and economic integration agenda.
“The dynamic traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs of Enugu and the country at large have spent many years negotiating complex transit routes to access Central African markets.
That wall is broken down now. This direct connection immediately informs our vision to turn Enugu State into a leading regional hub for business and industrial growth. “We are now literally connecting markets, shortening supply chains and opening up new opportunities for cross-border trade across Central and West Africa,” he said.
It landed successfully at the Douala International Airport where it was graciously received by the Cameroonian officials in a brief ceremony before it returned to Enugu on the history tour.
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