The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has set up a technical committee for the launch of an indigenous airline in Edo State.The committee was constituted when the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, paid him a courtesy visit to advance discussions on the immediate activation of an indigenous airline for Edo State.Governor Okpebholo, who was accompanied by key members of his cabinet, stressed the urgency of establishing a homegrown airline to operate from Benin Airport, describing aviation as a critical driver for Edo State’s economic revival, investment inflow s job creation.
Okpebholo in a statement by the Media Aide to the Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood, revealed that the State government is already exploring several partnership options, including engagements with South African investors who have pledged to provide aircraft for the take-off of operations.He said, “If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately, like tomorrow, even before the election. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major hub”.
The Minister, who welcomed the initiative and described it as timely revealed that the Ministry has also been engaging potential investors who have shown growing interest in the Benin Airport and its commercial viability.
