He further stated that unlike other states, Cross River will not hand over its new airport to the Federal Government. “Cross River is uniquely positioned historically, geographically, and economically. From being the first capital to hosting Africa’s largest street party, Carnival Calabar, to the Obudu Ranch Resort, we must retain full control of our infrastructure to develop our tourism and economy.”
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Cross River State is deepening its aviation infrastructure with the planned establishment of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the anticipated delivery of two CRJ-1000 aircraft. The acquisition of CRJ aircraft and an MRO project are part of a broader strategy to launch a viable state-owned airline, boost training and job creation opportunities.
The Commissioner for Aviation, Captain Imah Eno Utum, shared this during a working visit to the Lagos Aviation Academy. He explained that several components, including infrastructure and human capital, are being aligned to meet this vision.
“Our MRO project is key to unlocking sustainable growth,” said Captain Utum. “It is part of a long-term aviation ecosystem we’re building, alongside an aviation college and a new state-owned airline. These are capital-intensive projects, but we are committed to seeing them through.”
The plan to establish a world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility is one of the highlights of Cross River’s evolving aviation ecosystem. The MRO will not only support local aircraft but also attract maintenance contracts from other operators in West Africa.
Closely tied to this is the delivery of two CRJ-1000 aircraft already purchased by the state. These modern jets will serve as the backbone of the soon-to-be-launched state airline. This CRJ aircraft and MRO project are cornerstones in Cross River’s aviation development strategy.
In addition, the state has two Boeing 737-300s already on dry lease to Aero Contractors. The Commissioner confirmed that these are earning returns for the state until the government secures its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
“Our application for the Air Operator Certificate is being processed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Ministry of Aviation,” Captain Utum revealed. “We expect to secure the Air Transport Licence within 90 days, which will then pave the way for the AOC.”
The state’s airline project will begin operations with experienced contract pilots and outsourced crew. However, the plan includes robust in-house training to gradually build up a fully indigenous workforce.
“Our blueprint involves training a hundred aviation professionals annually,” said Captain Utum. “This will include pilots, flight dispatchers, cabin crew, and aircraft engineers.”
He added that local training will significantly reduce the cost of foreign exchange. According to him, Nigeria must focus more on building local aviation competence to achieve independence and sustainability in the sector.
While speaking at the Lagos Aviation Academy, he praised the institution’s facilities. “The academy’s facilities are impressive. We will recommend it for the training of our aviation staff. It will help conserve forex and ensure more Nigerians are equipped to handle key aviation roles,” he said.
Captain Utum further disclosed that Cross River is engaging aviation schools to facilitate large-scale training. Local partnerships are also being explored to keep the training costs low and outcomes high.
“We are building an ecosystem that includes training, employment, and infrastructure,” he emphasized. “The MRO and aviation college will absorb many skilled professionals currently idle in the industry.”
On the performance of Aero Contractors, he confirmed that the dry lease arrangement has been fruitful. “Aero is performing excellently under the lease. They handle staffing, operations, and return agreed revenues to the state while we await our own AOC.”
The Commissioner was asked if Cross River intends to match the model of Akwa Ibom’s Ibom Air. He acknowledged the comparison but stated that Cross River aims to compete strongly.
“Ibom Air has set a great standard,” he said. “We are working towards matching and even surpassing them in terms of frequency and service quality in the near future.”
Meanwhile, Cross River is also constructing a new airport at Obudu, where the MRO will be situated. The Obudu International Airport runway is already two kilometers complete, with the final one kilometer in progress. Completion is expected by December.
The Commissioner explained that the new airport is necessary. Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar has limited expansion potential due to its location.
“The Calabar airport is hemmed in by urban development,” said Captain Utum. “Expansion is no longer feasible. In the future, it may serve limited federal or military functions while Obudu Airport will handle full-scale commercial operations.”
He further stated that unlike other states, Cross River will not hand over its new airport to the Federal Government. “Cross River is uniquely positioned historically, geographically, and economically. From being the first capital to hosting Africa’s largest street party, Carnival Calabar, to the Obudu Ranch Resort, we must retain full control of our infrastructure to develop our tourism and economy.”
The Commissioner remains optimistic that by combining its CRJ aircraft and MRO project with training and partnerships, Cross River will become a strong aviation hub in Nigeria.
With the December deadline for the Obudu airport and the ongoing certification process for its airline, Cross River appears set on carving out its place as a regional aviation hub—guided by a vision of operational independence, skilled workforce development, and robust aviation infrastructure.
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