Aviation professionals have challenged the claim by Hilary Umunna, Regional Manager of South East Airports and Manager of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, that Enugu Air’s arrival will significantly boost passenger traffic and revenue for both the state and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Debate among industry experts began after an aircraft bearing the ‘Enugu Air’ inscription landed at Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Friday.
Umunna stated that the airline’s arrival would increase passenger traffic, but industry experts disagreed, insisting that only Lagos requires another airport, not a new airline.
Over the weekend, Umunna also told journalists that the airline would not only boost revenue for the state and FAAN but also create jobs in the aviation sector and promote tourism.
He remarked, We foresee positive economic ripple effects for Enugu State and the South-East region, promoting trade, tourism, and business growth. One of FAAN’s goals is to strengthen and expand partnerships that will make Enugu a strategic aviation hub.
Umunna, who previously worked with the Cross River State Government on the development of Cally Air while serving as the Calabar Airport Manager, stated that AIIA Enugu has taken several measures to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s operational and regulatory standards.
These measures, he noted, include infrastructure improvements, enhanced ground handling services, bolstered security, and adherence to international safety and operational guidelines.
He also highlighted that FAAN had improved coordination among all stakeholders to ensure smooth airline operations.
I’m honored and thrilled to welcome Enugu Air to Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Their arrival enhances connectivity, stimulates economic activity, and supports our vision of making Enugu the leading aviation hub for the Southeast,he stated.
AIIA Enugu is committed to ensuring seamless and efficient operations for both the airline and its passengers,he concluded.
Reacting to Umunna’s comments, Captain John Okakpu, a licensed commercial pilot with over 30 years of experience at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, urged operators to look before leaping and ensure proper feasibility studies are conducted before starting a new airline.
He pointed out that only Lagos State, with over six million passengers and more than 100,000 flights, should be considering airport development, not necessarily the creation of new airlines.
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