By Chuks Okoh
Aviation minister Chief Osita Chidoka has urged members of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers NAAPE to continue to maintain safety standard already in place just as he promised to maintain the tempo of present airport remodelling.
speaking at the seminar/NEC meeting of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) Chief Chidoka who was represented by a deputy director safety and technical policy in the ministry Engr Clement Awogbawi,said transformation in the aviation industry has been very remarkable with the improvement of airport across the country that has remained user friendly.
Chidoka said the transformation will not be complete without the recognition of NAAPE in aircraft maintenance and the building of aircraft maintenance hangers in the country.
He said, the availability of maintenance hangar in the country will not only reduce the high cost of aircraft maintenance carried out outside Nigeria but will also generate employment opportunities and reduce capital flights.
Chidoka noted that the quest for Nigeria to become a hub in the sub region cannot be attained without adequate aircraft maintenance hangar facilities in the country.
He highlighted on the issue of security and safety to be pursued vigorously during his tenure in order to provide safety and security in the sector.
According to the Minister, in order to realize the dream of the hangar projects, governments alone cannot do it and called for private participation in the system to achieve the success of the project.
He commanded the Akwa Ibom state government for taking a lead towards this direction by building a hangar that will accommodate wide bodied aircraft.
Governor Godswill Akpabio in his speech say the second Ibom International airport runway will soon be completed to attract international operations to the airport.
Governor Akpabio who was represented by the state commissioner for transportation Godwin Ntukude said the Ibom airport was a world class airport designed to accommodate wide bodied aircraft.
He noted that the state has over four hundred trained engineers and pilots scattered all over the country and assured that they will be recalled home to contribute to the development of aviation sector in the state.
Governor Akpabio said the state was not depending on the federal government for the MRO but partner with the federal government in terms of security.
He assured that soon, the MRO will begin work given the enabling environment.
Earlier in this welcome speech, the President of NAAPE Engr. Isaac Balami described aircraft maintenance as one of the most costly items on the budget of an airline which required up to 15 to 40% of annual expenditure and depending on the fleet type and operating model.
Engr. Balami stressed the need for urgent maintenance, repairs and overhaul facilities at the Ibom airport to be completed and put into use in view of the emerging airlines in the country.
The NAAPE president revealed that they were partnering with Akwa Ibom concerns to facilitate an international investment forum on aviation with focus on the maintenance and repair organization in Uyo next year.
