An aircraft maintenance and repair center along with a flight training school for aspiring pilots and automotive engineers is set to begin operations at the Gateway International Agro Cargo and Passenger Airport.
Once fully operational, the facility will ensure that aircraft no longer need to travel outside of Nigeria for routine maintenance.
The President of Air First Maintenance and Repair Facility, Gbolahan Abatan, announced this in an interview with journalists shortly after meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at his office.
Abatan stated that his company is eager to collaborate with the state government on developing the Aircraft Maintenance Facility at the Agro Cargo Airport, Ilishan Remo.
He also mentioned plans to start assembling aircraft at the facility.
He added that the company, once fully operational, would create jobs for local residents and others from different states.
He praised Governor Abiodun for building a world-class airport in Ogun State.
“We had a very productive meeting (with the governor), and the encouraging part is that the Governor has assured us that he will provide all necessary support to move forward.
“So, ideally, with our certification process complete, we should be able to start operations by the end of June at the airport.
“We are also planning to set up a flight training academy for young pilots and automotive engineers. We have already identified some aircraft for use and, in the future, we aim to assemble airplanes at the facility to create jobs for locals and people from other states,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, noted that the airport has first-class facilities, including the longest runway in the country. He also mentioned that the technology used at the airport for aircraft and airport management is top-notch.
Dairo highlighted that Air First has a strong reputation for excellence in aircraft maintenance and expressed the state’s satisfaction with hosting this leading aircraft maintenance company at the airport.
