Three Aircrafts Land at New Anambra Int’l Airport Amidst Cheers And Encomium

By Izunna Okafor

It was a moment of joy for Ndi Anambra, as the new Anambra State International Cargoes and Passengers Airport witnessed the official first landing of three aircraft at the virgin airport.

Located at Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, the airport received three aircrafts on Friday, which all landed on test-running status. Two of the aircrafts belong to Air Peace (owned by Anambra-born Allen Onyema), while the other, a private jet belongs  to another indigene of the state, Sir Ernest Obiejesi.

Speaking at the  event, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano,  noted that the airport was constructed in less than 15 months, even as he  described it as a revolution in the aviation industry.

According to him, the airport has 3.7 kilometres runway, 11 storey tower and other facilities that make it the biggest in the country. He also revealed that the most interesting thing about the airport was that the state government did not borrow any money to build it.

While reiterating that the Anambra airport was geared towards boosting economic activities and revolutionizing import and export businesses in Nigeria, the Governor further explained it "has two hundred meters by three hundred meters apron, sixty meter width, three point seven kilometer runway with one kilometer RESA each at both ends of the runway, a thirty-four point meter control tower, the tallest in Nigeria, terminal building, park for up to seven hundred and fifty cars, two taxi ways, safety zones, diversion channel, water and fire stations emergency road, energy operation centre, power House," and other security and special features.

Recalling that the dream for airport in Anambra began almost thirty years ago, starting from Oba but was never realized, Obiano also emphasized that  the airport would  create job opportunities for 3,000  persons directly and 2,000 indirectly, boost, not only the economy of the state, but that of the South-East region at large.

On his own part, the MD/CEO of Air Peace who was onboard the first aircraft, and incidentally emerged as first passenger to land on the airport, described it as the biggest and best in Africa.

He revealed that he shed tears of joy on arrival because the dream has finally become a reality. 
The Air Peace Boss also thanked the Federal Government for immediate and quickest approval of the airport, saying that it is a testament that facilities in the airport are of accepted standards.

Earlier speaking, the state's Commissioner for Works in Anambra State, Engr. Marcel Ifejiofor expressed joy that the airport project has been achieved and under his tenure as the  Commissioner for Works, even as he appreciated Governor Obiano for his vision, and Ndi Anambra for their support.

The event attracted many dignitaries from within and outside the state, who trooped out en masse to witness the flight landing.

It also featured Governor Obiano making special presentations to Chief Allen Onyema, as well as the pilots and other flight crew, including Anambra-born international female pilot, Miss Nwando Okpalaeke, who hails from Azia, and was the first pilot to officially land flight at the airport.