By Maurice Asuquo
There is the need to encourage air transport operation in Akwa Ibom state
Air transportation is the movement of passengers and cargo from one location to another in the air using airplanes, jets, rockets, helicopters, and drones.
Each of these means of air transportation has a unique way of achieving speed and the sustainability of it voyage.
However, there are other types of air transportation that may or may not be used for conveying goods, but could be used for recreational purposes, they include hot air balloons, blimps, and gliders, to mention but a few.
Air transportation is a critical enabler of economic development and growth. On a national, regional, and international scale, it allows integration into the global economy and provides crucial connectivity. It aids in the generation of revenue, the promotion of tourism, and the creation of job possibilities.
It is the fastest means of transportation. Unlike railways and road transport, there is no need to spend money on the construction of any tract or road, only airports have to be constructed, it can be used for internal and external security.
It is also advantageous to convey expensively, light, and perishable commodities via air transport because it is free of physical boundaries such as rivers, mountains, and valleys, and it can be utilized for rescue missions in the event of an earthquake, flood, accident, hunger, or war or conflict.
Today in Nigeria, with particular reference to Akwa Ibom State, air travel is rapidly becoming an acceptable means of international and domestic transportation. It is on this note that kudos must be given to past and present leaders in the state who saw the need to establish Ibom International Airport and of course introduced Ibom Air.
Ibom Air is a Nigerian Airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government and founded in 2019 under the able leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Ibom Air is one of Africa’s most dynamic startup Airlines, but could dramatically change the landscape of Nigeria’s aviation industry within a short period of time.
In fact, with the award of the best 2020 Airline of the year presented on March 4, 2021, at the Victor Attah International Airport, it has shown that the organization is living up to its vision and mission statements.
The award could also signify that the entire organization has been able to close the gap between knowledge and execution through a well-articulated culture of excellence across all levels.
In the face of the current economic constraint, it is heartwarming to note that the state government has added two new aircraft to the fleet, making it seven.
This feat is attributed to Governor Udom Emmanuel because never in the history of this nation had a state gone into air operations, a gesture that earns him accolades across the state and beyond.
However, it is instructive that the state government should also venture into land and sea transportation business to help boost the economy of the state.
In all, we should be appreciative of the fact that the present government which has brought forth infrastructural renaissance, will make the state join the league of strong, vibrant, and self-reliant economies, even as we encourage air transportation operation in Akwa Ibom state.
