An aircraft maintenance repair facility and a flight training school for young pilots and auto engineers are preparing to commence operations at the Gateway International Agro Cargo and Passenger Airport soon. Once fully operational, the facility will eliminate the need for aircraft to travel outside Nigeria for routine maintenance, as it will be conducted at the Gateway International Airport.
President of Air First Maintenance and Repair Facility, Gbolahan Abatan, disclosed this during an interview with journalists after meeting with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office. Abatan expressed the company’s anticipation to collaborate with the state government in developing the Aircraft Maintenance Facility at the Agro Cargo Airport.
He mentioned the company’s plans to initiate aircraft assembling at the facility and emphasized that once operational, it would generate employment opportunities for locals and individuals from other states. Abatan lauded Governor Abiodun for establishing a top-notch airport in the state. He stated, “We had a productive discussion, and the Governor has assured us of providing all necessary support to kickstart our operations. Therefore, with our certification process underway, we aim to commence activities at the airport by the end of June.”
Additionally, the company intends to establish a flight training school for young pilots and auto engineers, with plans to utilize specific airplanes for training purposes and eventually assemble aircraft components on-site to create more job opportunities for locals and individuals from other states.
In his comments, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, praised the airport’s facilities, highlighting its first-class status and possessing the country’s longest runway. He emphasized that the airport management technology is top-notch. Dairo also acknowledged Air First’s outstanding track record in aircraft maintenance and expressed the state’s satisfaction with the location of the leading aircraft maintenance company at the airport.