Overland Airways inagural flight takes off with Gov. Bago on board
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The federal government has officially designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna as the alternative route to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, Festus Keyamo stated this during the inaugural flight ceremony of Overland Airways at BAT International Airport in Minna on Wednesday
According to him, “it is surprising to us that the type of runway we have here, the ambient and serenity of this airport fits the status of any type of international Airport. The runway is International standard, it can land a Boeing 747 and 777.”
He said, ” today by the powers confide on me as the Minister of Aviation, I declare this Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna as the alternative to the Abuja International Airport. Therefore all flights that are unable to land in Abuja International Airport for any reason are to in this Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna from today “.
He directed the immediate deployment of concerned agencies including the customs, immigration, police, NDLEA and others to the airport, adding that, ” the will process passengers if Abuja airport encounters problem”.
In an address, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger state, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the state especially in approving the upgrade of facilities at the Minna airport named after him.
He promised to build 500 housing units to accommodate aviation staff and others who would be deployed to work at the Minna airport.
According to him, “the airport is sitting on 3,000 hectare of land. We have fixed the airport terminal runway. The plan to build 500 housing units for aviation staff to be knownas aviation estate is underway”.
Also speaking, the Founder and Managing Director of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo said that the airline has deployed a brand new plane equipted with latest technology facilities in aviation sector
He assured that the flag off of the Overland Airways flight marks the beginning of economic opportunities in Minna while soliciting for stakeholders support for its sustainable operations in the state
