Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha has launched “Imo Air”, an airline which is the initiative of the state government.
The first “Imo Air” flight landed at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport in Owerri on Tuesday, January 24.
The airline is currently being operated on the government’s behalf by Dana Air because the state does not have the license to operate a full – blown airline yet.
This is a happy moment in the State. The aim of going into the Air business is because I want to drive traffic to Imo State as Imo is genuinely becoming the fastest developing City outside Abuja and Lagos,” Okorocha said.
“For this, there is need for more airlines to cushion the effects of high traffic coming to the State. Imo government does not have an operating air license. So we needed to partner with a good and qualified airline operator.
“Hence, the choice of DANA Air because of its proven track record and sincerity of purpose. The Imo Air will be operated by DANA and we have a contract of ten years with them. We have five of this aircraft and the first one has just landed and four other ones will start operation in few weeks time.
“The International Cargo Airport will soon kick-start to supplement the efforts of Imo Air. In our pursuit of making Imo better, Imo International Cargo Airport will soon commence operations. Work is going on smoothly and by April God’s willing the fastest International Cargo Plane will arrive Imo State.
“This, we believe will help drive up commercial activities in the State. Imo is a hub for business and there is no better place to invest now in Nigeria than Imo State as inspite of the recession the State is still flourishing and progressing because of its visionary leadership,” he added.
Okorocha also said that Imo Air will offer 10% discount to all Imo indigenes and would employ Imo sons and daughters to make up 30% of its staff.
