By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Government has secured all necessary licences to operate a state-owned airline, with the aircraft already procured and expected to commence operations upon completion of final documentation, the Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, has said.

Mrs. Obichukwu made the disclosure on Tuesday at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, shortly after the departure of 92 overseas scholarship awardees sponsored by the state government.

According to her, Ebonyi Air is a reality and not a political statement, stressing that aviation operations are driven by strict safety procedures and regulatory compliance.

“Aviation is not a ministry of land transport; it is purely safety-oriented. Our priority is to ensure that all aviation operations at this airport are fully compliant and safe,” she said.

She disclosed that the state recently completed the construction of a permanent control tower, replacing the mobile tower that had been in use for the past five years.

“About three days ago, we completed the permanent control tower. The governor has graciously delivered this critical infrastructure, which is a major milestone for the airport,” she stated.

Mrs. Obichukwu added that the airport now has a functional elevator system within its nine-storey tower, making access easier for aviation personnel.

She further revealed that the airport is now equipped with modern runway lighting, enabling safe night operations.

“With the runway lights in place, pilots can operate without difficulty at night. This is a key requirement that many airports still lack,” she noted.

The commissioner confirmed that the airport has been fully licensed for flight operations and that the state has also obtained approval to operate its own airline.

“We now have licences for all flight operations. Let me assure you that Ebonyi Air is real and operationally grounded,” she said.

Addressing concerns over the visibility of the aircraft, Mrs. Obichukwu explained that the state does not yet have aircraft hangars, noting that such facilities are currently available only in Lagos and Abuja.

“The aircraft cannot be parked here for now because we do not have hangars. Once all documentation is completed, full operations will commence,” she said.

She assured residents that Ebonyi State would soon witness cargo, commercial, domestic, and international flights, stressing that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru does not engage in empty political promises.

“The governor will not mislead Ebonyi people. All processes are being completed, and operations will begin at the appropriate time,” she added.