By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Facility for the Maintenance, Overhaul and Repairs (MRO) of two Boeing 747 aircrafts simultaneously, described as the first of its kind in Africa has been commissioned at Victor Attah International Airport, Akwa Ibom State.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki who Inaugurated the facility and a new international terminal building at the airport at the weekend, called for necessary support and timely approvals by the federal government to enable the facilities function effectively.
The former Senate President commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his foresight to further expand the airport development by introducing other innovations that would now make Akwa Ibom and by extension Nigeria, the hub in aircraft maintenance in Africa.
Addressing his guests, the outgoing Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel listed projects lined up for inauguration at the airport to include 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 the projects, all, except the MRO, initiated and completed by his administration were 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” Governor Emmanuel said
Also speaking at the occasion, 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 aircrafts 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.
