ENUGU—The
first cargo plane yesterday landed at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in
Enugu.
The landing of the Ethiopian Airline Boeing 757 cargo plane was
witnessed by an
enthusiastic crowd and other dignitaries including Governor
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Addressing the large crowd of people on the occasion,
Governor Ugwanyi described the incident as a historic occasion that would
increase the profile of the airport and boost the economy of the state and the
entire South East zone.
Ugwuanyi
explained that the momentous event was consistent with the objectives of the
first ever Enugu State Investment Summit held in April where he had declared
that Enugu State was “ready for business.”
According to him, it was noteworthy
that the cargo plane landed exactly three years on August 24, 2013 when a
jubilant crowd welcomed the first ever international flight to Enugu operated
by the Ethiopian Airlines.
“Today we have gathered again to celebrate the first
landing of cargo at this same airport, and which once more has happened
courtesy of the Ethiopian Airlines,” he added, pointing out that the
development meant that people from the region could fly to all parts of the
world and have their bulk cargo delivered to them through the same airport
since, “It will save costs, enhance convenience and safety in importation of
goods,” apart from promoting employment and raising the international profile
of the airport and the entire region.”
Ugwuanyi then commended both the Federal
Government and the Ethiopian Airline operators for making the age-long dream of
the entire South-East region come to fruition, asking investors and the
business community to take full advantage of the new opportunity to expand
their businesses and develop the region and the country at large. He also
reassured “the company of the unremitting goodwill of our people and of our
continued support, partnership and cooperation.”
Thanking his hosts for the
warm reception, the captain of the airline, Captain Williams praised the Akanu
Ibiam International Airport’s lovely environment, adding that it was a nice
experience because their landing was smooth. Also speaking on the occasion, the
Traffic and Sales Manager of the airline, Mr. Biniam Addisu said: “We expect to
get from the Federal Government the kind of support we have been getting from
the Enugu State government.
“We are comfortable with the aviation equipment
installed here, and hopefully in a few months’ time the international terminal
will become fully operational for things to get better.”*Vanguardngr*
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