The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has described the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a world-class facility capable of handling large aircraft, including the Boeing 777. Onyema made the remarks on Saturday after arriving at the airport aboard a Boeing 737, marking the first time such an aircraft had landed at the new facility.
Speaking to journalists after his arrival, Onyema commended the airport’s infrastructure, including its runway, apron, and terminal, which he described as “highly functional” and “aesthetically pleasing.” According to him, the airport is not only ready for domestic operations but also equipped to handle international flights.
“This is one of the best airports in the world,” Onyema stated. “The pilot was communicating with me during the landing and confirmed that this is one of the best runways he has ever seen. A Boeing 777 can land here without any issues. I am confident that in no time, Ekiti pilgrims and other travelers will start flying from here.”
Onyema highlighted the facility’s potential to serve as a hub for major aviation activities in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance for economic and social development in Ekiti State and beyond.
The successful landing of the Boeing 737 was hailed as a significant milestone by AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd), Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Projects. Makinde noted that the event demonstrated the airport’s capability to handle large aircraft seamlessly.
“This airport is not just operational; it is built to global standards,” Makinde said. “The infrastructure here is solid and ready to support both cargo and passenger flights.”
Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, described the project as transformative, underscoring its potential to boost economic growth through improved connectivity and agricultural exports. He credited Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for prioritizing infrastructure development aimed at positioning Ekiti as an economic hub.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is expected to play a key role in facilitating trade and tourism while enhancing access to global markets for agricultural products from the region.
