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. 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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