In a landmark move to reposition Cross River State as a premier destination for tourism and investment, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has received two Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft. The jets, each with a 100-seat capacity, landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday. This Cross River aviation boost signals the administration’s renewed push for regional connectivity and economic growth.
Accompanied by his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, and former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, the governor called the acquisition a major step toward reversing years of underdevelopment. “We are rewriting the story of Cross River. These jets represent a future where access to our state is seamless and efficient,” he declared.
The addition of these CRJ1000s brings the state’s fleet to four aircraft. Previously, two Boeing 737s acquired under former Governor Ben Ayade were handed over to Aero Contractors for operations. The newly delivered Bombardiers, however, will be operated temporarily by ValueJet Airline, pending the state’s successful application for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Commissioner for Aviation, Captain Imah Eno Utum, explained the strategic reason behind choosing the CRJ1000s. “These aircraft are perfect for regional operations like Calabar to Lagos or Abuja. They’re efficient, reliable, and significantly reduce flight delays,” he said.
The aircraft are scheduled for official commissioning on August 12, 2025. This event will take place under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Aviation. Governor Otu emphasized that the new jets will ease the burden of travel, particularly for residents, tourists, and business travelers. He further added, “We cannot grow our tourism economy without efficient air links. From the Carnival Calabar to Obudu Mountain Resort, people must be able to reach us easily.”
The governor stressed that transportation is key to unlocking the state’s tourism-driven economy. Access, he noted, has long been a bottleneck to growth. “These planes aren’t just for show—they are our gateway to economic recovery and prosperity,” he remarked.
Former Minister Edem Duke echoed the governor’s sentiment. He called the aircraft delivery a “transformational initiative” that reconnects Cross River with the rest of Nigeria. “This is a game-changer. We are finally breaking away from the long years of aviation neglect. Calabar is open again,” Duke said.
The impact of this aviation development is expected to reach beyond tourism. Experts predict a rise in investor interest, particularly in logistics, agribusiness, and the hospitality industry. “If you want to attract serious investors, you must provide infrastructure,” Governor Otu said. “This Cross River aviation boost is proof that we are serious about development.”
As the jets arrived to warm applause and cultural fanfare, the symbolism was powerful. Cross River is not only ready to welcome the world again, but it is also ready to thrive. “This is only our first flight into the future,” Governor Otu concluded. “Our People First mandate is taking off—literally and figuratively.”
