By Praise Chinecherem
The Anambra State Government says it is talking with airlines in France, Germany and the United States of America ( USA) to commence international flights at the Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri in the Anambra East Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Transport, Patricia Igwebuike, disclosed this on Monday to journalists in Awka, Anambra State.
The Anambra State International Car
go and Passenger Airport, Umueri was built and commissioned by the immediate past governor of the state, Willie Obiano, some months before the end of his tenure on March 17, 2022.
Igwebuike explained that the government currently has two airlines operating in the state, adding that it was discussing with other airlines, including international airlines.
She added that the government was doing things systematically and learning from those already in the system.
She said, “According to available report, from Anambra to Miami is just eight hours, so we are engaging with them to find out ways we can make it possible for airlines to carry passengers from Anambra to Miami directly.
“Commerce is our second name, and we are always open for business. We are ready to build relationships and interface with our contemporaries around the world. We are also looking for partners from airports around the world. We are new, and the advantage of being new is that we get to do things in line with international best practices.
“We are ready to use that level of standard. We are looking for investors and experts that will assist us in capacity-building. Also, we want to grow our revenue base.
“We do not believe in reinventing the wheel. We have engaged with some companies in France, Munich, and now we are engaging the Maimi Dade County. We will seek a partnership or some sort of collaboration. We are going to acquire all the necessary footprints to make ourselves known.”
On whether the airport has started generating revenue for the state, the Commissioner said, “Anambra Airport is built as an international cargo and passenger airport and we are still growing.
“We have generated revenue from the airport for the government of the state. It is very promising from the way we are going and when we grow it the way we want to grow it, both the commercial arm and others, it will be self-sustaining. That is where we are going.”
