Ondo woos more airlines as Overland resumes flights to Akure

Category: Business Published on Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:00 Written by Chris Agabi, Lagos

With a runway of 2.8 kilometres, a category six fire cover, an equipped VIP lounge and huge passengers who do business in Lagos from Akure, the airport is viable to airlines, the manager in charge of Akure airport, Mrs. Victoria Shin Aba has said.

She told aviation correspondents in Lagos that the Akure airport can host more airlines and it was viable as a result of its location in the South-west.

According to Mrs. Aba, the commencement of flight operations from Akure to Abuja and Abuja to Akure Monday through Friday by Overland airways has brought back activities to the airport and enjoined other operators to follow suit.

She also indicated that the airport was never abandoned, adding that two airlines - Arik and Associated - operated in the airport but stopped due to some internal administrative reasons.

She explained that the terminal building was being remodeled but is open to passengers, adding that air travelers should travel direct to Akure Airport instead of going to Benin or Ibadan.

Overland Airways on February 25, 2013 recommenced scheduled domestic flight services from the Akure Airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, “the resumption of flight services on the Akure – Abuja route is part of Overland Airways’ objective of improving interconnectivity and facilitating social and economic ties across Nigeria. With this new route, Overland Airways has now covered the whole of the South-west zone.”

Capt. Boyo adds: “Akure is an important city in the South-west zone of Nigeria, and by linking it with the nation’s capital city, Overland Airways will bring succour to the people of Ondo State and the neighouring states of Ekiti and Edo. Overland’s resumption of service to Akure will support the development drives of these states and other private initiatives geared at improving the socio-economic lives of their peoples.”