By David Olalekan.
The Akwa Ibom State-owned Ibom Air, today, made its maiden flight from Uyo to Lagos State.
The Bombardier CRJ-900LR aircraft, took off from the Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo and landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos at 1.15 p.m.
The maiden flight was cheered by officers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) with water canon salutation.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, explained that “the airline was a project designed to enhance the economy and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.”
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Moses Ekpo, the governor further disclosed that the project was a testament to his vision of industrialisation for the state.
Governor Udom urged members of the opposition to support the project rather than discredit it.
He said, “Finally, let me use this opportunity to appeal to some of our people in the opposition; it is not everything about us that should be coloured by, or be seen through the prism of politics.
“When we board these aircraft to either Lagos or Abuja and back to Uyo, the Cabin Crew will not ask you whether you are a PDP or APC card-carrying member.
“Sponsoring articles in the newspapers aimed at dismissing the great works we have done such as this, or telling the world Ibom Air will never become a reality, is highly unfortunate and sad.
“We are better than this,” the governor said.
The aircraft is designed to maintain regular daily flights to Lagos and Abuja. Ibom Air was launched on Feb. 20 by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
