By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
A SIGNIFICANT stride towards self-sufficiency in aviation maintenance and training is imminent as an aircraft maintenance repair facility and a flight training school for young pilots and auto engineers are poised to commence operations at the Gateway International Agro Cargo and Passenger Airport.
This transformative initiative aims to put an end to the need for Nigerian aircraft to travel abroad for routine maintenance, thereby bolstering the nation’s aviation sector.
Gbolahan Abatan, President of Air First Maintenance and Repair Facility, revealed the ambitious plans during a press briefing following a productive meeting with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Abatan expressed optimism about collaborating with the state government to establish the Aircraft Maintenance Facility at the Agro Cargo Airport in Ilishan Remo saying that the facility’s scope will extend to aircraft assembly, and promising to generate employment opportunities for local residents and individuals from neighboring states.
In his statement, Abatan lauded the governor for spearheading the development of a world-class airport in the state and expressed gratitude for the assurance of full support extended by the governor to expedite the project, outlining the timeline for operational commencement and targeting the end of June pending certification processes.
He said additionally, plans are underway to establish a flight training school, with a focus on nurturing young talent in piloting and automotive engineering.
Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, hailed the airport’s facilities as top-notch, boasting the country’s longest runway and state-of-the-art technology for aircraft and airport management.
Dairo commended Air First for its stellar track record in aircraft maintenance and welcomed the establishment of the leading maintenance company at the airport.
