Ini Billie, Uyo
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has commissioned the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, (MRO) facility and a new international Terminal Building at the Victor Attah International Airport.
The MRO facility which is the first of its kind undertaken by any sub-national in Africa, is capable of maintaining two Boeing 747 aircraft simultaneously.
Speaking during the commissioning of the projects at the Victor Attah International Airport at the weekend, Saraki urged the Federal Government to give the facility the necessary support and timely approvals to enable it to function effectively.
He applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for his insight to expand the airport by introducing other innovations that would make Akwa Ibom and by extension Nigeria, the hub in aircraft maintenance in Africa.
While speaking, Governor Udom Emmanuel listed projects lined up for inauguration at the airport including the new International Smart Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul hanger, and the new Taxiway which will also serve as a second runway.
He said all the projects, except the MRO were initiated and completed by his administration as part of his total approach to aviation development.
“This beautiful sight is part of our pledge to make Akwa Ibom a major aviation hub in the Gulf of Guinea, and we give God all the Glory,” he said.
On his part, former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah who initiated the MRO facility project applauded the novel strides by Governor Udom Emmanuel, saying his innovative projects in the aviation sector will yield foreign earnings for Akwa Ibom.
Obong Attah also commended Governor Udom Emmanuel’s wisdom to introduce twenty-first-century facilities that would further distinguish Akwa Ibom as a destination in the aviation industry globally.
Referring to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility for instance, Obong Attah said the MRO, capable of servicing two Boeing 747 aircraft at the same time, was the first aircraft maintenance facility to be conceived in Africa, saying it will now attract traffic in the aviation industry to the state.