From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
In preparation for the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced the calibration of landing system at the airport.
The calibration aircraft BeechCraft (KingAir 350i), which conveyed the NAMA officials to the airport, was used for the calibration exercise.
The exercise is coming nearly a month after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations at the airport for a period of six months.
Calibration, in the air system industry, is a process that allows safety of air navigation by conducting regular flight inspection, calibration of test equipment systems and surveillance of airspace system. It is also part of the final stages of ensuring the facility meets global aviation standards for safe and efficient operations.
Speaking with newsmen at the airport, AVM Makinde (Rtd) said the landing of the calibration aircraft as well as the calibration exercise by NAMA officials was a major step in the final approval for commercial operations at the airport.
According to him, the exercise was to assess and fine-tune the navigational aids equipment installed at the airport which include instrument landing systems, communication radios and other essential equipment required for safe and efficient operations.
AVM Makinde, who expressed joy at the progress of the airport, said that the airport is fully ready for commercial operations, adding that it can accommodate any type of aircraft.
“What’s happening here today is actually a working flight operation, this plane is a calibration plane from NAMA. Basically what they came for is just to ensure that our systems, especially our navigations, are able to pick any frequency of any aircraft coming to Ekiti and also check our communication systems. The Ekiti Agro Cargo international airport is fully ready,” he assured.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun, explained that with series of inspections by relevant regulatory aviation agencies and certifications, the Airport is ready for smooth take-off.
Olatubosun described the development as a dream come true, adding that the airport would open new doors for investment, tourism and economic growth in the state as well as facilitate business, attract investors and make life easier for the people.
While assuring that the development would boost the socio-economic and industrial development of the state, the Commissioner said the completion of the airport is a testament to Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to the transformation of the state’s economy and establishment as a hub for both local and international connectivity.
Present at the airport to receive the NAMA team were the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (Rtd); Commissioners for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Environment, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe; Transport, Hon Kolawole Ajobiewe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr Yinka Oyebode; among others.