Historic first international commercial flight landed at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu on Saturday amidst jubilation from thousands of South-East residents.
The Ethiopian Airline boeing 737-800 with registration number ET-APL, which touched down at exactly 12:15 p.m heralded the commencement of international flight at the Enugu airport. The passengers were from different parts of the world, including London, China, South-Africa.
Federal government’s delegation to the event was led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. Other personalities that welcomed the eventful plane were Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Governors Sullivan Chime, Peter Obi, Theodore Orji and Martin Elechi of Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi respectively.
Also in the entourage were minister of aviation, Princess Stella Odua, minister of finance, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo Iwela, power minister, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, health minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, among others.
Speaking on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, the SGF said “this is a promise kept”. “Remember, many promises have been given on this airport by many administrations, but when President Jonathan came, he promised and today he has delivered. It is a dream come through for the people of south east”.
Also in a remark, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for fulfilling his promise to the people of South-East region. She disclosed that already seven foreign airlines have indicated their interest to commence flight operations at the airport. In a remark, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ forum and Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi said upgrading of the airport to an international status would definitely boost the economy of Enugu state and entire South-East zone.
He applauded President Jonathan for fulfilling his promise to the people of the region, stressing that it is momentous period for the people of the region. Also speaking to journalists, the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airport Aviation Authority, FAAN, George Uriesi disclosed that all the human resources and equipment needed for the smooth running of the international flights were already on ground.
Representative of the CEO of the Ethiopian Airline told journalists that the aircraft has been fully booked for the next one week. The aircraft later departed the airport at exactly 2:20 p.m with cheers from the crowd.
Personalities on board the Ethiopia bound flight included Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Governors Sullivan Chime and Martin Elechi. A total of 156 passengers were on board.
Passengers alight from the aircraft
SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, Governor Peter Odi, Aviation Minister Stella Odua and other dignatries welcome the first internaitona flight at Enugu Airport
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