The Ebonyi State government has announced plans to purchase four aircraft to ensure the smooth commencement of operations at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke, Ezza South local government area. This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, during an inspection tour of the airport’s completed 3.5-kilometer runway.
Mrs. Obichukwu revealed that the state will launch its airline with these four aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the state’s aviation development. Additionally, she noted that other investors have shown interest in providing the state with an additional three aircraft. “We will soon start floating our aircraft. When flight operations start at the airport, we have investors ready to give us extra three planes. We have already entered into agreements with them, and very soon it will start happening,” she stated.
Highlighting the governor’s commitment, she said, “Governor Francis Nwifuru is very passionate about bringing in our own planes. We are launching four at a time, and when it comes, everybody will hear it. The governor wants to make this airport the economic hub of the Southeast region.”
Mrs. Obichukwu expressed her satisfaction with the completion of the runway and announced that commercial operations are expected to begin in August this year. The inauguration of the airport will be marked by President Bola Tinubu’s arrival through the newly completed facility.
In addition to the aviation developments, Mrs. Obichukwu mentioned that the state government plans to establish an aeronautic university within the airport’s environment, further boosting the region’s economic and educational landscape.
The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport is poised to not only enhance the economic base of Ebonyi State but also to showcase the state on a global stage.
