By Njoku Chijioke
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday commissioned two new aircraft for Cally Air, the Cross River State-owned airline, at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
The airline, currently managed by ValueJet pending the issuance of its operating license, now has four aircraft in its fleet.
Governor Bassey Otu announced plans to expand the fleet to seven.
“We already have two aircraft in operation; we are adding another two today, and very soon, we shall add three more to make it seven,” Otu said.
The governor noted that his administration is consolidating on three key development pillars initiated by his predecessors – tourism (Donald Duke), rural development (Liyel Imoke), and industrialisation (Prof. Ben Ayade), with a renewed focus on integrating these sectors to create a stronger economy.
He stressed that aviation development is central to boosting tourism in the state, adding that the government’s plans align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic growth and improved citizen welfare.
The expansion of Cally Air, Otu said, reflects Cross River’s commitment to strategic investments that drive tourism, stimulate the economy, and enhance the state’s profile as a leading travel destination.
