ANAMBRA: Cargo airport receives demo flights, to begin passenger services

THE Umuleri community in Anambra State yesterday stood still as the state-owned international cargo and passenger airport received demonstration flights to the excitement of indigenes, guests and the aviation community.

The new airport, which was constructed in record time, is expecting both cargo and passenger traffic in the next couple of months. The facility, awaiting commercial services, already has the runway, apron, control tower, fire facilities, among other critical infrastructure in place, except for the terminal that is near completion.

At about 2:40p.m. yesterday, an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft made the inaugural landing, throwing the waiting audience into a frenzy. About 15 minutes later, another Air Peace Embraer 145 aircraft touched down to a traditional water salute reception. As the guests were departing, a private jet also landed at the airport.

Speaking at the ceremony, Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, said the multi-billion naira project is strategic for the economy of the state, the Southeast region, and Nigeria at large.

He described it as the most audacious and ‘revolutionary’ project ever embarked on by his administration and nearly completed in a 15-month record time.

“We have risen above the global gloom and doom (of coronavirus pandemic) to bring this dream to reality. Anambra did not borrow a kobo to build this airport. We began this administration with the plan to become the first choice in investment destination and trade hub. This airport fulfils that dream today because it is difficult to create an international economic corridor without an airport. Very soon, our cargo and passenger services, both local and international, will make us one of the busiest airports in the country,” Obiano said.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Air Peace airline, Allen Onyema, said:

“What we have here is the widest runway ever and could land a Boeing 777 and an Airbus 380. This is the first time an airport would be doing a test run with a Boeing 737. It used to be very small planes before. I decided to bring in two planes to show the quality of the airport here. I can tell you that it is a game-changer.”

Commissioner for Works and Head of the project delivery team, Marcel Ifejiofor, said all the outstanding facilities had been paid for, including the Instrument Landing System (ILS).