The Gateway International Agro Cargo and Passenger Airport is set to become a hub for aircraft maintenance and flight training, with a new maintenance repair facility and flight training school slated to commence operations soon.
This development will enable aircraft to receive routine maintenance in Nigeria, eliminating the need for foreign travel.
According to Gbolahan Abatan, President of Air First Maintenance and Repair Facility, the company is eager to collaborate with the Ogun State government to develop the aircraft maintenance facility at the airport.
Abatan revealed that the company plans to initiate aircraft assembly at the facility, creating job opportunities for locals and individuals from other states.
He praised Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his vision in building a world-class airport, which will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development in the state.
“We had a great discussion, and the encouraging thing is that the Governor has given us the assurance that he will give us all the necessary support to get things going.
“So, hopefully, with our certification process in place, we should be able to move in by the end of June to commence our activities at the airport.
“We also want to establish our flight training school for young pilots and auto engineers to be trained as well and we already have some airplanes in mind to use and we will eventually be able to assemble the airplane when we bring them in in parts there to be able to create jobs for the local indegenes and indegenes from other states,” he said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo noted that the facilities at the airport are first class with the longest runway in the country, adding that the technology being deployed at the airport for aircraft and airport management is the best.
Dairo, while noting that Air first has a track record of excellence in aircraft maintenance, added that the state is delighted with the citing of the foremost aircraft maintenance company at the airport.
The aircraft maintenance repair facility and flight training school are expected to boost the airport’s reputation as a hub for aviation services, attracting clients from across the country and beyond.
