The airport has, since October 8, 2018, witnessed increased commercial flights locally and it’s expected to emerge one of the busiest hubs on or before January 2019.
Executive Assistant to Governor Okowa on Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, while giving the hint in a statement, said the Asaba Airport would attract all major domestic airlines in the country.
The reason for the projection, he said, was the result of the world-class facilities that have been put in place to make the airport one of the best in the country.
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He noted that Okowa administration met the airport in a shambles such that it was downgraded by the Federal Aviation authorities as a result of the bad runway and other sub-standard facilities installed by the previous contractor that handled the project.
Oghenesivbe further disclosed that the contract was later re-awarded to Setraco Nigeria, which was able to deliver within an agreed time frame, resulting in the upgrade and re-branding of the Asaba Airport.
He disclosed that a popular airline made her “welcome back” maiden flight into Asaba on October 8 this year as a proof that the facility is now fit and certified to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft like any other international airport around the world.
Oghenesivbe further enthused that the socioeconomic implication of the resumption of full-scale commercial flights in and out of Asaba airport is the creation of more jobs, more revenue generated through airport tax, overnight parking, airport advertising services as well as increased turnover for hoteliers, airport taxi operators and grand staff doing business at the airport.
“The travelling public is now to enjoy a variety of air services as more domestic airlines have signified their interest to fly in and out of Asaba from different local and international airports.
“Governor of Delta State is excited about the return of Air Peace Airlines, and other airlines have been earmarked to resume flights into Asaba Airport, in the near future.
“Okowa administration remains focused and determined to fulfil all electoral promises made to Deltans in 2015, which is why Dr Okowa and his team have been working round the clock.
“The governor shall continue to manage the state financial resources in the most prudent and responsible manner for the benefit of all Deltans.
“Asaba Airport shall soon become a major hub in the country as a result of her strategic location, serving Delta and neighbouring South-East states.
“Cargo Airplane shall soon resume flights into Asaba Airport, making it more convenient and cheaper for South-East business people and importers to fly their products and goods into Asaba and spend little for haulage from Asaba Airport to any of the South-East states,” the governor’s noted.
It will be recalled that recently, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential executive jet flew into the Asaba Airport to attend the 2018 Guild of Editors annual event.
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