Duke, Dansuki, others join Ibom air maiden flight to Calabar
Former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, has said that the recently launched Ibom Air in Calabar, Cross River state capital city will increase commercial activities in the state, restoring it back to the destination it truly is.
Duke made this known while addressing newsmen immediately after flagging off the official launch of Ibom air in Calabar, he further said that the introduction of Ibom air in Calabar will boost the hospitality industry in the state as many more people will find their way into the state thus, increasing commerce and return the state to the destination it was known for as more people will now come into the state.
"...this adds more commerce to the city where people can go in and come out more frequently, then they are more visitors, so the hospitality industry will benefit so our people come in a lot more. and overall it becomes a destination. You are not a destination if people can get to you". He said.
Duke however, encouraged the company to continue in the high standard it has set in the industry while calling on Cross Riverians to patronize the new air business company in the state. Stating that the introduction of Ibom air in Calabar will further strengthen the relationship between Cross River and Akwa Ibom state
"Ibom is noted for living up to industry standards and they do things in the right way, even though it is new in the industry they have kept a very high standard. I want to encourage them to maintain that standard, and I also want to encourage our people to patronize them. I am sure that for them coming in, our state will be better off and I also believe that it will help further strengthen the relationship between the two state. The speaking of local dialects on the aircraft as added some nostalgic feelings into it". He said.
"Unfortunately, until lately it's only been one flight in and out of Calabar, so this adds to it, this adds more commerce to the city where people can go in and come out more frequently, then they are more visitors, so the hospitality industry will benefit so our people come in a lot more. and overall it becomes a destination. You are not a destination if people can get to you". Duke concluded.
Mr. Donald Duke, his wife, Onari, and a National Assembly member, Rt. Hon Daniel Asuquo and many others were among the first set of passengers on board the ultra-modern Bombardier CRJ 900 a trademark of the Ibom Air with registration number 5N - BWM, which landed the runway of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport at exactly 10.21 am West Central African Time.
Addressing newsmen, the Regional Manager, Mrs. Annie Essien Ette said although Ibom Air has national coverage plan, however, it will first address to the need of the people in the South-South region of Nigeria. She harped their services on safety, reliability, and comfort.
She added that even though the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about travel apathy, the company is in to give Nigerians a different travel experience that is timely, reliable, and lots more. Mrs. Annie concluded that though their route is just four, for now, the plans to cover the national route are ongoing and the industry will soon unveil another set of aircraft.
In his view the SA on Aviation to the government of Cross River State,
Hon. Solomon Aboh, while commending the Ibom Air for stepping in to bring succor to the people in the area of air travel appreciated his principal, Governor Ayade
for creating the enabling environment for the launch.
Announcing that the long-awaited Cally Air will be launch before the Calabar Carnival this year 2020.
The highpoint of the event was marked with the official cutting of maiden operational tape was conducted at the arrival lounge by Mr. Duke Duke flanked by his wife and other dignitaries such as Rt. Hon. Orok Duke etc and was followed by the cutting of the cake to mark the official operational launch of the airline in Cross River State.
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