The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun calibrating the landing systems at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, marking a significant step toward the commencement of commercial flight operations.

This development follows the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority?s (NCAA) recent six-month approval for non-scheduled flight operations at the airport. The calibration aircraft arrived at the airport at 4:13 pm on Friday, with the exercise commencing immediately.

Calibration in the aviation industry ensures the safety and efficiency of air navigation systems by inspecting and fine-tuning equipment such as instrument landing systems, communication radios, and other navigational aids. This process ensures that the airport meets global aviation standards for safe operations.

Retired Air Vice Marshal Sunday Makinde, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Project, described the calibration exercise as a pivotal step in securing final approval for commercial operations.

?What?s happening here today is actually a working flight operation, this plane is a calibration plane from NAMA. Basically what they came for is just to ensure that our systems, especially our navigations, are able to pick any frequency of any aircraft coming to Ekiti and also check out communication systems. The Ekiti Agro Cargo international airport is fully ready,? he assured.

Makinde added that the airport is equipped to handle all types of aircraft, positioning it as a key hub for aviation in the region.

Chief Taiwo Olatubosun, the Commissioner for Information, expressed optimism about the airport?s potential, calling the development a dream come true. He noted that the airport would serve as a gateway to investment, tourism, and economic growth in Ekiti State.

Olatubosun then stated that the completion of this airport is a testament to Governor Oyebanji?s commitment to transforming the state?s economy and establishing Ekiti as a hub for both local and international connectivity.

The exercise was witnessed by top government officials, including Commissioners for Environment and Transport, Chief Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe and Hon. Kolawole Akobiewe, and the Governor?s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Yinka Oyebode, among others.

The NAMA team is expected to conclude the calibration exercise and depart the airport on Saturday. Once operational, the airport is set to boost industrial development, attract investors, and improve the quality of life for the people of Ekiti State. (AriseNews TV)

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