As Governor Douye Diri and his cabinet hold a retreat in Cross River State, former Labour Party governorship candidate Udengs Eradiri has weighed in on the controversial proposal for purchasing an aircraft for Bayelsa State.
In a recent message titled “Bayelsa Airline Brouhaha: My Thoughts,” Eradiri emphasized that establishing an airline represents a strategic investment that would effectively utilize the state-owned Bayelsa International Airport. The state government’s plans, communicated through its social media channels, have sparked mixed reactions among citizens.
Eradiri stated, “The airline is a strategic investment for the state, especially considering the substantial funds spent on the airport. It is only logical to maximize this investment by launching our own airline.”
However, he underscored the necessity of implementing fundamental assets before the airline’s launch, including registering an airline company and securing a commercial operational license.
He elaborated, “Building a hangar for aircraft maintenance and repairs is essential. These preliminary steps are critical.” He also suggested forming partnerships with established airlines to facilitate initial route connections, similar to the strategy used by Akwa Ibom State when launching Ibom Air.
Furthermore, Eradiri called for the reconstruction of the terminal building to accommodate the expected passenger volume from the new airline.
He expressed concern that, unlike in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa State has yet to undertake these vital preliminary actions, allowing speculation and criticism to flourish around the governor’s plans.
Eradiri concluded, “While an airline is a commendable idea, it is crucial to revisit the approach and ensure that necessary groundwork is laid. Without this, Bayelsa’s aircraft could end up grounded in Lagos or other locations lacking the required infrastructure.”
