In a major boost to air travel in Nigeria, Aero Contractors, a prominent airline, has officially announced the resumption of flights on the Calabar route. The decision, revealed in a joint statement with state authorities, aims to enhance regional connectivity and accessibility. Additionally, the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has pledged to increase the state’s aircraft fleet from two to five in the coming months.
The recommencement of scheduled services to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar from Aero Contractors’ base at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, was marked on Tuesday. Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aero Contractors, highlighted the significance of a joint venture between the airline and the Cross River government, bringing both Boeing 737 aircraft owned by the state into service.
Sanusi expressed pride in the achievement, describing it as a substantial boost to the airline’s fleet and a testament to the quality and professional competence of its Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. He disclosed plans to have the fifth aircraft back in service by the end of the next month, further reinforcing Aero Contractors’ commitment to providing quality services.
He said: “We are proud of them for putting additional aircraft to service, while working on the fifth aircraft to be back in service by the end of next month.
“We are equally pleased with the full support of the Cross River State government especially, His Excellency the Governor, Bassey Otu on this joint venture, which we believe will continue to grow and enhance the governor’s vision of growing the economy through tourism among others.
“With our increased fleet, we are delighted to be in the position to fully support the upcoming Calabar Carnival themed: ‘Season of Sweetness,’ this festive season, and we promise our customers competitive fares.”
Aero Contractors plans to operate three daily flights from Lagos to Calabar, with the aircraft also serving routes to Abuja and back to Calabar before returning to Lagos. Sanusi assured passengers of competitive fares and indicated a readiness to increase frequencies based on growing demand.
Sen. Bassey Otu, the Cross River State Governor, commended Aero Contractors for maintaining the state’s aircraft in its fleet and for reintroducing scheduled services to the airport. Otu revealed plans to expand the state’s aircraft fleet to five soon, emphasizing the state’s determination to position itself as a tourism destination and attract air passengers.
The governor recognized the efforts of the immediate past Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade, for initiating the idea of an airline and putting the state on the aviation map. He also pointed out that plans were on to make the airport a 24 hour aerodrome as the airfield lightings are being installed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He added: “Calabar has been an international airport and we want to raise it to that standard. Flights will very soon be landing at this airport till 9pm. The government is installing the light and they are bringing the airport into total functionality so that it will be an international airport truly.
“Before now, it was a bit difficult coming into the state because of the state of the roads, but as from today henceforth, we can fly in here at anytime.
“By the time the Calabar Carnival is on, the traffic to this airport will surge. We want to make aviation a very big business for Cross River State.”
The symbolic flight, a Boeing 737-300 with the registration number 5N-BYR, received a warm welcome at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, with the governor and dignitaries present to mark the occasion. The governor expressed optimism that the increased air travel options would significantly contribute to making aviation a thriving business for Cross River State.
