Kebbi State Government has flagged off domestic air services to the State by Max Airline in commencement of the memorandum of understanding MOU signed between the Government and the company.
The first flight touched down at Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi at 11: 07 pm this Thursday with passengers and officials of MaxAirline.
Kebbi State Deputy Governor, retired Colonel Samaila Yombe Dabai led the welcoming reception comprising top government functionaries and launched the beginning of flight operations to the state by Max airline on behalf of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu .
Colonel Samaila Yombe Dabai, the Deputy Governor who was excited with confidence, said that Kebbi State has one of the best aviation facilities in the world .
He said that Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi has been fitted with the best navigational aids and runway.
In addition, the governor also ensured that all equipment and facilities were duly maintained as and when due in order to safeguarding comfortable and safe air travel of passengers.
The Deputy Governor acknowledged that MaxAir possessed best equipment and aircraft as well as highly trained crew for smooth operations.
He directed The Airline to keep to time and prayed Almighty God for success and safety.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Chika Ladan while welcoming the Airline to Kebbi said the Airline would provide air services three times weekly with prospect of future expansion .
On its part, Kebbi State Government would provide the airline all the support required in consonance with the MOU, he said.
The Commissioner recalled that negotiations with the company started in 2019 but suspended midway after which Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu ordered the resumption of talks with the airline which paved way for signing of the MOU between the administration and MaxAir.
In response, the Son of the Executive Chairman of the company who represented his father, Alhaji Dikko Mangal thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for giving them an opportunity to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state through air services.
Alhaji Dikko Mangal was similarly appreciative about the welcoming reception accorded them at the airport led by the Deputy Governor of the State.
He said MaxAirline has expanded its domestic services to include Kano, Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri, Yola and now Kebbi as it continued to experience growth.
The MaxAirline executive official was glad about the kickoff of the MOU saying that they were in the state a month ago to kick-start negotiations.
In his comment, the Pilot of the plane, captain Usman Saleh said MaxAirline has recognised that Kebbi State is a bouyant and lucrative tourism hot-bed citing the Argungu international fishing and cultural festival which has continued to gather people from different parts of the world .
The captain informed the gathering that he has been a professional pilot for 36 years and would bow out in few weeks, commended Kebbi State for accepting to engage the services of MaxAirline.
According to him, the airline has been known for punctuality and safety, expressing hope that the friendship and relationship with the State would blossom.
The State Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safayanu Garba Bena, Majority Leader Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Faruk Aliyu Nassarawa, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, Accountant General and the State Surveyor General among others.
