The
first cargo plane yesterday landed at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in
Enugu. The landing of the Ethiopian Airline Boeing 757 cargo plane was
witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd and other dignitaries including Governor
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Addressing the large crowd of people on the occasion,
Governor Ugwanyi described the incident as a historic occasion that would
increase the profile of the airport and boost the economy of the state and the
entire South East zone. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday,
August 23, 2016, led other eminent dignitaries of the state to the ceremony
marking the landing of the first international cargo aircraft at Akanu Ibiam
International Airport, Enugu, courtesy of the Ethiopian Airlines. Governor
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, led other eminent
dignitaries of the state to the ceremony marking the landing of the first
international cargo aircraft at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu,
courtesy of the Ethiopian Airlines. Ugwuanyi explained that the momentous event
was consistent with the objectives of the first ever Enugu State Investment
Summit held in April where he had declared that Enugu State was “ready for
business.” According to him, it was noteworthy that the cargo plane landed
exactly three years on August 24, 2013 when a jubilant crowd welcomed the first
ever international flight to Enugu operated by the Ethiopian Airlines. “Today
we have gathered again to celebrate the first landing of cargo at this same
airport, and which once more has happened courtesy of the Ethiopian Airlines,”
he added, pointing out that the development meant that people from the region
could fly to all parts of the world and have their bulk cargo delivered to them
through the same airport since, “It will save costs, enhance convenience and
safety in importation of goods,” apart from promoting employment and raising
the international profile of the airport and the entire region.” Ugwuanyi then
commended both the Federal Government and the Ethiopian Airline operators for
making the age-long dream of the entire South-East region come to fruition,
asking investors and the business community to take full advantage of the new
opportunity to expand their businesses and develop the region and the country
at large. He also reassured “the company of the unremitting goodwill of our
people and of our continued support, partnership and cooperation.” Thanking his
hosts for the warm reception, the captain of the airline, Captain Williams
praised the Akanu Ibiam International Airport’s lovely environment, adding that
it was a nice experience because their landing was smooth. Also speaking on the
occasion, the Traffic and Sales Manager of the airline, Mr. Biniam Addisu said:
“We expect to get from the Federal Government the kind of support we have been
getting from the Enugu State government. “We are comfortable with the aviation
equipment installed here, and hopefully in a few months’ time the international
terminal will become fully operational for things to get better
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