PROJECT DATA
[info updated May 3rd, 2007]

Project Title: Akwa Ibom (Uyo) International Airport
Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Project Owners: Akwa Ibom State + DynCorp International (USA)http://www.hotjobs.com/logos/53864.gif
Project Budget: $300,000,000
Year Construction start: 2006
Design Consultants: LPA Group (USA)
Contractors: N/A
Promoter: Akwa Ibom State Nigeria
Designers/Architects: N/A
Features: Initial phase for the new airport will include a 3,600 meter runway with a CAT II approach, navigational aids, a four-gate terminal building, and a maintenance / repair / overhaul (MRO) facility capable of accomodating 2 Boeing 747-400 wide-body aircraft simultaneously. The construction cost of the initial phase is expected to exceed $125 million. This portion of the project is scheduled to be open for operations in 2007. The final phase will include a permanent passenger terminal and cargo facility which will result in total project costs in excess of $200 million.

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CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS TAKEN IN EARLY 2007:
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Above: Stone base installation on Runway looking south from Station 12+960
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Above: Preparation for stone base on Runway
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Above: Clearing Mobilization area for new Subcontractors
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Above: On-site Borrow Pit operations
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Above: Stone base installation on Runway looking south

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The following description was culled from the project website http://www.akianigeria.com/akwaibom/home/index

AKIA development will be undertaken in two phases. Phase 1, which started in November 2005, is scheduled to be completed for beneficial occupancy in the First Quarter of 2008 and consists of the following:

Airside facilities including a 3600 meter runway, aprons, an Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), fuel storage facility, and an Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Facility (ARFF).
Landside support including roads, utilities, and an interim passenger terminal.
National Hangar MRO Center.
Phase 2 construction will include expanded airside facilities (taxiway and aprons), an international passenger terminal, air cargo facilities, Administration Building, expanded terminal parking, fuel storage facilities, and access roads

Substantial progress has been made on the design, structure, supplies, and equipment for the MRO. In addition, works on the MRO are being coordinated with works on the airfield, since it is a prerequisite that the airfield be operational at the time that MRO construction is completed.

Structural Frame and Foundations-the design of the structural frame foundations and architectural finishes of the MRO Center is complete. The 4,500 ton structural package for the MRO Center is being fabricated in China with deliveries to the jobsite expected to occur in June – December 2007. The erection subcontract has been awarded and foundation work will commence in March 2007 with a substantial completion date in November. The massive double set of sliding hangar doors will be completed in early January 2008.
Crushed stone base is currently being installed on the runway in preparation for the cement-treated base and asphalt surface to follow.
A subcontract for construction of the ATCT, ARFF, Interim Terminal, and Lighting Vault has been awarded and construction will commence in March 2007.
Designs for the water, sewer and storm drainage packages are 95 percent complete. Electrical infrastructure design is in progress.
The design of the parallel taxiway that will connect the international terminal and cargo facilities to the runway is 100 percent complete and will be constructed as part of the Phase 2 facilities.
A subcontract has been issued for landside paving, and parking, and work has commenced.
Hangar Support Equipment (for work stands, tools, testing, and hydraulic equipment) has been identified and a request for proposals has been issued.
Computer Operations Systems have been tendered and proposals for supply, installation and training are being evaluated.
NAVAIDS, ATCT Communication equipment, and Weather Stations have been tendered and award of the subcontract for supply, installation, training, and site-acceptance testing will occur in March 2007.
Emergency vehicles for the ARFF have been ordered with delivery anticipated in November 2007.

Im not a big fan of the design of the airport, at this day and age we need more innovation!!

Im not a big fan of the design of the airport, at this day and age we need more innovation!!

I agree. The terminal building does not look contemporary nor African. It looks retarded, plain and simple! Nigeria should look at other low-cost airports in South Africa, North Africa, and elsewhere, and learn how to build low-cost yet visually attractive airports. In any case i hope that this project will at least give Uyo a functional, safe airport conforming to the highest specifications. Aesthetics is a secondary issue here...

I hope that this is not one of those white elephant projects. Does Uyo has the economic clout to adequately utilise an International airport of that size, moreso, when you already have one at calabar and Port Harcourt? The Government should rethink of a more value adding project like the Tinapa.

I hope that this is not one of those white elephant projects. Does Uyo has the economic clout to adequately utilise an International airport of that size, moreso, when you already have one at calabar and Port Harcourt? The Government should rethink of a more value adding project like the Tinapa.

despite the fact that we have both the portharcourt and calabar airport the uyo one is unique in the sense that a to d checks can be performed here on all types of aircraft including the airbus A380. it will also be the largest maintainance hangar in africa therefore being the new national hangar. in short we will no longer have to fly abroad to repair our planes plus it will bring more money into the economy in that other airlines in the region and the continent will fly to nigeria to maintain their planes as it is cheaper to do it here than abroad

I would agree the design in very great but it is the economic benefits to Nigeria that impress me . A maintenance airport form Nigeria with a FAA rating is going to provide some very good jobs to local people and that is the key to developing Nigeria beyond the petrochemical industries. This is huge money into Nigera and if executed well it could be the start on many other similair investments from foreign countries.

Communication Satellites, Dynacorp Aerospace Parks , developments in real estate and tourism, the bank sector expanding privately, government owned companies being bought with private capital it is all very good for Nigeria.

Construction Photos taken June 2007

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i also dont get the need for an airport in Uyo with Calabar 1 hour away. with good roads calabar even gets closer. Perhaps with calabar expanding to accommodate international flights it will leave more local business to uyo. additionally the repair component of uyo is very attractive.

who know, with those cities so close to each other, a very large metro area may emerge in the future and these two airports will be overwhelmed.

The UYO Airport is being built mainly to service Aircrafts that will normally be done in Europe

Lawmakers threaten showdown over A’Ibom airport
By Chukwudi Akasike
Published: Sunday, 12 Aug 2007
The Akwa Ibom State caucus in the National Assembly may be on a collision course with Dyncorp; the contractor handling the state‘s international airport project.

The caucus, which comprises all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate from the state, is dissatisfied with the stalled airport project.

The Chairman of the Caucus, Mr. Benard Udo said during a tour of the project on Friday that work on the project, which began in 2005 had unduly been delayed for so long to the detriment of the people of the state.

He expressed surprise that only 20 percent of the total work had been carried out at the airport site as no part of the runway had been tarred.

Udo explained that the contractors handling the airport project had been unfair to the people of the state.

He said despite the fact that the contractor had been at the site for 18 months, only 20 percent work had been done.

Udo, who is a member representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency became more angry when the Site Manager, Mr. Mike Cofilini could not state the amount that had been received so far for the project.

According to him, since the site manager failed to give account of what had been spent so far, the tour to the airport site by members of the caucus was not necessary.

Responding, Cofilini said he was only a technical man and could not ascertain how much had gone into the project so far.

The site manager, however, explained that the reason work on the project had been stalled was as a result of lack of funds.

He said though, the duration of the project was two years, Dyncorp would execute the remaining 80 percent work within six months if funds were provided by the state government.

A member representing Ini/Ikono Federal Constituency in the state, Dr. Ini Udoka told the site manager that the people of the state were angry over the slow pace of work on the project.

”It is unacceptable that the runway has not been tarred in a project that will last for two years and 18 months had already been spent,” he said.

Competent sources said that over N4 billion had already been spent on the project which will cost the state about N5 billion.

This airport is being built because Uyo has no existing airport.

Noooo.....REALLY? :lol:

The question is: Does Uyo need an airport or more hospitals?

oh come of it...the airportis gonna be vital to the economy of the state...the state doesnt have hospital problems and i know cos i'm 4rm that state

I'm mostly interested in the engineering aspect of this project.

Iluvnaija, it's going to take much more than your sentance to convince me that Uyo and Akwa Ibom "need" an airport, given Calabr is only 45 km away, while PHC is a mere 120 km away. I just can't see why this project was given priority instead of building power stations and competitive industries in the state! Bottom line: an economy feeds airport business, not the other way.

I'm not saying I'm against the project, only believe that this project costs waaay too much for what the state will get. It remains to be seen whether Attah and his DynCorp gang will account for their expenditure so far, yet the runway is not even paved yet...

On a similar note, I was astonished to learn that Osun State is also building an airport! This time reactivating an old project, for the sake of promoting a free trade zone. Geopolitics and rivalry between Nigerian states is truly petty, because I think much more can be accomplished if a wholistic air transport masterplan is drafted at a national level whereby states would cooperate and share FUNCTIONAL+SAFE airports. This would contrast with the current situation where the endless state governments build dysfunctional+unviable airport in each of Nigeria's 40+ state capitals.

My 2 cents...

yeahv but it'll be the only one in west africa and maybe the second in africa tht can offer full maintainance for all kinds of palnes..tell me when a whole lot of planes are coming from all over africa to fix they planes in your state it aint good...plus currently all nigerian airlines take their planes to europe to get fixed but now they can do it in the country enhancing the countries air safety and promoting airline growth by lowering the cost of maintainance

yeahv but it'll be the only one in west africa and maybe the second in africa tht can offer full maintainance for all kinds of palnes..tell me when a whole lot of planes are coming from all over africa to fix they planes in your state it aint good...plus currently all nigerian airlines take their planes to europe to get fixed but now they can do it in the country enhancing the countries air safety and promoting airline growth by lowering the cost of maintainance

is that the sole purpose of the airport or will it also handle commercial flights

it will also handle commercial and cargo

Substantial progress continues to be made despite continuing rains and funding delays associated with the transition of a new State government. The construction of temporary and permanent drainage systems, upgrading of temporary access roads, and the use of sand embankment has been implemented to allow most construction activities to resume quickly, even after torrential down-pours.

* The 3,500 ton structural package for the MRO Center is being fabricated to specifications by Atlantic Projects Company (HK) Ltd in China with deliveries to the jobsite expected to occur in November – December 2007.
* The 1,000 ton structural package for the ATCT, ARFF, Interim Terminal, MRO Pump House, and Lighting Vault is also being fabricated by Atlantic Projects Company (HK). The first two shipments have docked at Onne Port and are currently in customs clearance. Another six ships are currently at sea containing the balance of the steel for these buildings.
* Crushed stone base is currently being installed on the runway in preparation for the cement-treated base and asphalt surface to follow. Over 50% of the runway surface is now covered with stone base.
* The subcontract for construction of the ATCT, ARFF, Interim Terminal, and Lighting Vault has been awarded and construction commenced in June 2007. Footing excavation and blinding concrete has commenced on all buildings and column anchor bolts have been delivered. Placement of footings will begin in September.
* Designs for the water, sewer and storm drainage packages are complete. The Invitations For Bid will be issued after receipt of Customer approval of the Bidder's List. Electrical infrastructure design is in progress and nearing completion.
* The Substation site has been selected and cleared for mobilization of Cub Three, a subcontractor to Power Holdings Company of Nigeria for supply and installation of the 33/15 MVA Substation.
* The design of the parallel taxiway that will connect the international terminal and cargo facilities to the runway is 100 percent complete and will be constructed as part of the Phase 2 facilities.
* A subcontract has been issued for landside paving and parking, and work is progressing. Most of the 4.2 km of roads have received stone base and preparations to begin asphalt paving in early November (with the on-set of the dry season) are continuing. With Customer approval, the roads subcontractor (Marlum Nigeria Ltd) will also install the road and parking lighting system.
* NAVAIDS, ATCT Communication Equipment, ATCT Cabin, Approach Lighting, and Weather Stations have been tendered and award of the subcontract for supply, installation, training, and site-acceptance testing will occur after receipt of Customer approval.
* Three Titan 6x6 P-111 emergency vehicles for the ARFF 2007 were factory tested by E-One on 24 August in Ocala, Florida. The successful testing was witnessed by Customer and DynCorp representatives. The vehicles are scheduled to ship on 31 August for site delivery in late October.
* Security system infrastructure design drawings were issued for review by The LPA Group and prequalification of bidders for installation has commenced.

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Akwa Ibom releases N4.6 billion for aiport project, micro financing

ABOUT N3 billion was released to contractors handling the construction of Ibom International Airport in Akwa Ibom State.

The state government also released N1.6 billion on micro credit financing and provision of fishing facilities for rural areas.

Governor Godswill Akpabio disclosed this recently in Uyo during an interactive session with journalists.

"The airport project is on course and by April 2008, the airport's 3,600-metre runway will be ready," he said.

The governor also disclosed that about 500 youths in the state had been provided employment in the skilled and semi-skilled construction phases of the project.

"The airport project at its operational phase will also provide more jobs," he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the airport project, conceived by the Governor Victor Attah administration in 2001 has three main components.

These are airport maintenance, repairs and overhaul, cargo and passenger operations with a completion deadline of December 2007.

Akpabio added that the airport, when operational would fast track the development of the state's economy in many sub-sectors.

well its past april is the runway finished

well its past april is the runway finished
The project has been suspended, as DynaCorp has pulled out and the Akwa Ibom government is talking to potential new partners.

I know that Uyo airport will be unviable as a commercial airport. As for being a maintenance centre for A to D checks, bloody good idea if you ask me!! You only need to look at airports in Sokoto, Ibadan, Makurdi, Jos, Kano and Yola to name a few; to know that the soultion is not putting the cart before the horse. Let the economy drive the demand for air transport and it's associated facilities.The airports I previously mentioned have debunked the myth of "build it and they will come", how about "Market it and they will come" for a change. If you have the time, go to the FAAN website and see what the passenger numbers for the whole country are, from this figure subtract the Abuja, Lagos and possibly Port-Harcourt figures...what you're then left with divide by all the existing airports in the country...Still sound viable? I don't think so and nor would you.

I know that Uyo airport will be unviable as a commercial airport. As for being a maintenance centre for A to D checks, bloody good idea if you ask me!! You only need to look at airports in Sokoto, Ibadan, Makurdi, Jos, Kano and Yola to name a few; to know that the soultion is not putting the cart before the horse. Let the economy drive the demand for air transport and it's associated facilities.The airports I previously mentioned have debunked the myth of "build it and they will come", how about "Market it and they will come" for a change. If you have the time, go to the FAAN website and see what the passenger numbers for the whole country are, from this figure subtract the Abuja, Lagos and possibly Port-Harcourt figures...what you're then left with divide by all the existing airports in the country...Still sound viable? I don't think so and nor would you.
The Uyo Airport was conceived and driven (and was even going to be mostly financed) by the US's DynaCorp (and accordingly their pull-out should cause pause). It is conceived as primarily a cargo airport (with passenger traffic only a secondary benefit) to serve the entire Gulf of Gunea oil and gas basin (not just Nigeria). Accordingly, while one does not have access to whatever feasibility studies that DynaCorp may have conducted, one cannot rationally place the proposed Uyo Airport in the same category as those other "political" (and passenger) airports that you have cited. Unfortunately, the Uyo Airport project itself has apparently been subsumed in considerable politicking.

PS: Btw, the Kano Airport (that you list above) is actually one of Nigeria's busiest and most viable.

t itself has apparently been subsumed in considerable politicking.

PS: Btw, the Kano Airport (that you list above) is actually one of Nigeria's busiest and most viable.

Your statement above is ridiculous. KAN used to be relevent in the 1970s and 1980s when it handlded upto to 20-30 flights daily.

Today, the airport is a shadow of its past handling 4-5 flights at the most. This is besides 4-5 weekly cargo flights.

Your statement above is ridiculous. KAN used to be relevent in the 1970s and 1980s when it handlded upto to 20-30 flights daily.

Today, the airport is a shadow of its past handling 4-5 flights at the most. This is besides 4-5 weekly cargo flights.
Yes, Kano used to much busier in fact up to the mid-1990s (flights began to drop off considerably around 1995), and has declined parallel to the substantial de-industrialization of the North, in general, and Kano, in particular. The degeneration of the physical plant itself (the MAKIA terminal and associated infrastructure) did not help the situation (and the renovations have dragged on for seemingly forever). Nevertheless, MAKIA Kano still remains economically viable and currently handles the fourth largest volume of air traffic in Nigeria, only behind MMIA (the commercial capital), Abuja (the political capital) and Port Harcourt (the petroluem capital).

A'Ibom airport to begin operation next year

THE Akwa Ibom State Government has said that the state international airport will be ready for operation by March next year.

Though the construction of the airport was stalled by the sudden disappearance of DynCorp; the contractor handling the project, the state government expressed optimism that the airport would be completed next year.

Speaking in Uyo on Saturday, Governor Godswill Akpabio explained that his administration had put everything in place to ensure the completion of the airport.

Akpabio promised that the first plane would land in the airport before the end of March 2009, adding that his administration was committed to the completion of all projects it inherited from the immediate past administration.

Disclosing that his administration had expended the sum of N81bn on the reconstruction of federal roads, Akpabio said the state government expected a refund from the Federal Government.

i wish the airport in calabar was expanded instead of the one in Uyo created. it seems like cannibalism. they both feed off the same market and are about 1 and a half hour apart.

the plane repair facility is interesting but overall it'd have been better to simply expand calabar. do states get to just built airports? isnt this a federal area?

i just got back from nigeria and many in Uyo thought the airport may be viable because many oil folsk would use it instead of the port harcourt airport because of the kidnapping issue

i wish the airport in calabar was expanded instead of the one in Uyo created. it seems like cannibalism. they both feed off the same market and are about 1 and a half hour apart.

the plane repair facility is interesting but overall it'd have been better to simply expand calabar. do states get to just built airports? isnt this a federal area?

i just got back from nigeria and many in Uyo thought the airport may be viable because many oil folsk would use it instead of the port harcourt airport because of the kidnapping issue
Well, the Uyo Airport is a state govt project (actually, it started as a PPP project with DynCorp, before DynCorp pulled out). The idea was a primarily CARGO airport that would service the entire Gulf of Guinea oil basin (I think those ambitions may have been pared down a bit). The Calabar airport is federally-owned (and run by the FAAN), but there was an announcement of planned state-federal project to expand the airport under the Obasanjo administration. It's uncertain what's become of the project.

Well, the Uyo Airport is a state govt project (actually, it started as a PPP project with DynCorp, before DynCorp pulled out). The idea was a primarily CARGO airport that would service the entire Gulf of Guinea oil basin (I think those ambitions may have been pared down a bit). The Calabar airport is federally-owned (and run by the FAAN), but there was an announcement of planned state-federal project to expand the airport under the Obasanjo administration. It's uncertain what's become of the project.

i think calabar has no money to fund the airport. that stalled it

ANybody knows what the status on ground is? The govt. is promising to inaugurate this project on Sept. 23, 2009, but probably this the usual govt. unfullfilled promises.

Who really know what's stalling the project? There's range of issues that could have led to the backwardness of it - from financial crisis to the state capabilities and many more could be a possible effect.

ANybody knows what the status on ground is? The govt. is promising to inaugurate this project on Sept. 23, 2009, but probably this the usual govt. unfullfilled promises.
Reportedly, the first phase would be commissioned this year.

How many international airports will Nigeria have?

How many international airports will Nigeria have?
Good question. Maybe, three to four, or even more.

nigeria looks intresting i think ill visit.

ANybody knows what the status on ground is? The govt. is promising to inaugurate this project on Sept. 23, 2009, but probably this the usual govt. unfullfilled promises.

the airport is suspodely almost complete. i heard this from a forumer living in uyo.

How many international airports will Nigeria have?

currently the 5 true international airports in calabar, abuja, lagos, port harcourt, and kano. enugu airport is currently being upgraded to international standards. whe uyo and enugu airports are finished there should be 7.

currently the 5 true international airports in calabar, abuja, lagos, port harcourt, and kano. enugu airport is currently being upgraded to international standards. whe uyo and enuguairports are finished there should be 7.

I question the reasoning behind making the airport at Uyo international given
Uyo's proximity to Calabar :ohno:

You can't have these two int'l airports so close together.

ive questioned it too.

I question the reasoning behind making the airport at Uyo international given
Uyo's proximity to Calabar :ohno:

You can't have these two int'l airports so close together.
Of course you can: New York and Newark; Gatwick and Heathrow, etc.

However, the Uyo Airport was originally conceived as a primarily cargo airport, and I suspect that this first phase will only have domestic capacity.

I question the reasoning behind making the airport at Uyo international given
Uyo's proximity to Calabar :ohno:

You can't have these two int'l airports so close together.

Also Port Harcourt International is right in te same area as well.

Of course you can: New York and Newark; Gatwick and Heathrow, etc.

However, the Uyo Airport was originally conceived as a primarily cargo airport, and I suspect that this first phase will only have domestic capacity.

well of course new york and london can do it. there very populated and many of them use public transport more often than private.

Of course you can: New York and Newark; Gatwick and Heathrow, etc.

However, the Uyo Airport was originally conceived as a primarily cargo airport, and I suspect that this first phase will only have domestic capacity.

You fail to take into account the income level of people residing in these areas.
Every town or city in Nigeria cannot afford to have an international airport.

Big Metro areas like Kano, Lagos, Abuja etc - yes; but not all these smaller towns/cities. Such airports will end up being white elephant projects.

I hope you realize that the New York/Newark airports are serving the NY tri-state area (Connecticut/New York/New Jersey) and the Heathrow/Gatwick airports are generally serving London and its environs.

Even Kano, a big metro area with lots of business people and others that can afford to fly, has
seen its fortune go down tremendously, thanks to abuja int'l airport.

Calabar airport is underutilized as we speak and you support building another
international airport less than 50 miles/km from it :ohno:

Also Port Harcourt International is right in te same area as well.


Precisely !

I think the inherent problem is that the states don't cooperate and coordinate among each other to tap areas of comparative advantage. Further compounding the problem is the non-implementation and non-transparency of the Nigeria transportation master plan which was allegedly produced some years back during OBJ's administration.

Basically, it's a problem of bad leadership.

Grow the economy and the airport becomes more meaningful.It's simple as that!

You fail to take into account the income level of people residing in these areas.

Every town or city in Nigeria cannot afford to have an international airport.

Big Metro areas like Kano, Lagos, Abuja etc - yes; but not all these smaller towns/cities. Such airports will end up being white elephant projects.

I hope you realize that the New York/Newark airports are serving the NY tri-state area (Connecticut/New York/New Jersey) and the Heathrow/Gatwick airports are generally serving London and its environs.

Even Kano, a big metro area with lots of business people and others that can afford to fly, has
seen its fortune go down tremendously, thanks to abuja int'l airport.

Calabar airport is underutilized as we speak and you support building another
international airport less than 50 miles/km from it :ohno:
So long as you recognize that the determining factor has nothing to with "closeness" (or proximity). :lol:

Grow the economy and the airport becomes more meaningful.It's simple as that!
Exactly. The viability (or otherwise) of any project depends on if one is building for present circumstances or planning for the future.

As I previously noted, the Uyo Airport (which was actually privately conceived and promoted before the US's DynaCorp pulled out of the project) is planned as a primarily cargo airport (with maintenance facilities) to be developed over several phases with the aim of ultimately serving as a hub for the Gulf of Guinea (not just Nigerian) oil and gas basin. And since Calabar's Margaret Ekpo Airport is actually not an international airport, we are really talking about the PH and future Uyo airports servicing both of the Nigerian and Gulf of Guinea exploration regions. Unfortunately, much of Nigerian planning and commentary tend to focus on the immediate or near-term.

What is the reason behind the American Company pulling out of the project?

It pulled out soon after the new state government assumed office. Presume the new regime in Uyo stopped payment after "deep flaws" were noticed on the site as well as a serious delay in the overall schedule of the project. The state argues the contractor was not qualified anyway to undertake the airport project.

Well if they were unqualified why appoint them from the beginning?

I smell corruption. Attah was one of the most corrupt governors I hear.

They should indict him if they smell any foul play by the gov.

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Akwa Ibom International Airport will fulfill a significant, unmet demand in West/Central Africa. As the first and only facility of its kind in the region, the AKIA will offer time and downtime for critical maintenance, repairs and overhaul services.
It will:

◦Bring the needed new capacity to our local and national air travel system;

◦Inspire socio-economic development;

◦Promote technology transfer and more importantly;

◦Generate employment for our youth and unemployment graduate, skilled and semi-skilled technicians.

In addition to the obvious appeal of the MRO Hangar, easy access ad proximity to the global market will draw foreign investment and visitors to the State for both business and pleasure.

Economy hub

Create a hub of economic activities in and around the state, and greatly enhanced the air cargo transport needs of the regional market.

Competitiveness

It will make the state more economically vibrant and competitive in the region as major developments in the oil and gas industry will attract more foreign investment to the state.

'Akwa Ibom Committed to Airport Project'

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that its airport project, currently under construction, meets international standards in all ramifications.

This commitment was reiterated by the Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, when he received the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Airport implementation Committee, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd.) and a team of officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on a courtesy call at the Government House, Uyo.

Chief Akpabio, represented by his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, mentioning that the "international airport is at the heart of every other effort the present administration is making to enhance the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom," assured that the State would not hesitate to release necessary funds as at when due, in order to realize the speedy completion of the project.

The different and unique components of the airport, the governor noted, would help stimulate economic activities in and around the State, thereby providing alternative revenue sources. This he said was of importance to the future of the State, since according to him, "oil money may not continue indefinitely."

Commending the NCAA team for living up to its responsibilities, by monitoring to ensure that requisite international standards are met at every stage of the airport project, the State Chief Executive equally saluted the tenacity of the Implementation Committee and the Ministry of Special Duties towards ensuring the completion of work as planned.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Airport Implementation Committee, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd.), held that "the visit of the NCAA team is an eloquent testimony of the desire of the Akwa Ibom State Government to make the State a destination."

Observing that the regulatory agency had worked in commendable partnership with the State government, he mentioned other regulatory and safety bodies with which the airport maintain good relationship with to include Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and; Nigeria Airspace Maintenance Agency, NAMA.

Otuekong Nkanga who mentioned that the Akwa Ibom International Airport "is going to be one of the biggest in Nigeria," said huge sums of money had been invested by the State government on staff training in relevant fields.

On his part, the team leader of the NCAA, Engr. Ajayi Sunday, who commended the State government for the project, which he said, would contribute immensely to economic and physical development, praised the State for carrying along regulatory agencies.

While pledging the readiness of the NCAA to work with the State Government towards the successful completion of the airport project, he emphasised that "safety will not be compromised."

allafrica.com (http://allafrica.com/stories/200906170040.html)

It's nice to know they are serious with the airport project this time around.

I heard it is almost completed, please we need pixs of what is going on

Photo is always the issue about Nigerian projects here.

Culled from Weekly Insight Newpaper (3rd August, 2009)

The Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi said Monday July 27th 2009 that they were impressed with the standard and quality of work done at the Ibom International Airport under construction in Akwa Ibom State. He stated that they were satisfied with what they saw on ground and hoped that the standard would be upheld. “It has been a good experience. We are really impressed with the standard and quality of work at the Ibom Airport”, he said.
Amadi said he and his colleagues were in support of the project as such would benefit Akwa Ibom people, Nigeria and Nigerians as well as neighbouring countries and called on the Federal Government to encourage and support the project, as the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Hangar(MRO) alone would be of immense benefit to the whole country. According to him, “we support and encourage the federal government to support this project to succeed”.
Hon. Amadi made this known soon after inspecting the construction work at the Ibom International Airport in company with other seven members of the House Committee on Aviation, the Chairman of Airport Implementation Committee (AIC), Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga and the Committee Secretary, Engr. Etido Inyang , Special Adviser to Governor Akpabio on Technical Matters and other AIC members.
Receiving the Chairman and members of House Committee on Aviation at the Ibom Le Meridien and Golf Resort earlier, the Chairman of the Airport Implementation Committee, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga said the Ibom International Airport which idea was conceived in 2001 by the government of Obong Victor Attah, “is a Category two Airport” that can land Airbus 380, and other bigger aircrafts plus those carrying Cargo and haulages from all parts of the world.
He charged the team to persuade the Federal government to grant waivers on tariffs on the imported equipment meant for the Airport Construction to facilitate work as the State government was already paying so much on import duties to get the equipment into the country.
He said it was the pride of Nigeria to have such an Airport which at completion will serve Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Otuekong Nkanga revealed that the Aviation Ministry gave approval for the construction of the Airport on 31st March 2005 while the Federal Government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006 approved the designation of the MRO as the National Hangar.
Explaining further, the AIC Chairman said that the MRO was a big project with 130metres gate that will attract all airports in Nigeria as it would have seven workshops. He condemned the idea of Federal government proposing to build a Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Hanger(MRO) in Abuja saying that “Abuja is not the right place to put an MRO...it does not need to be at Abuja to be a national project”. Otuekong Nkanga advised from the professional point of view that Abuja was not free as any time the presidential fleet was air-borne no other aircraft would be allowed to fly until the presidential flight landed and that such security arrangements were not comfortable for airports operating an MRO.
He commended Chief Akpabio's government for the training of 251 personnel to provide the needed human capital for the functional operation of the Airport when completed, adding that Akwa Ibom State government was, by so doing, also preparing such personnel for the manpower needs of the Nigeria's Aviation Industry now and in the years to come.
While presenting on slides the various developmental efforts of Chief Akpabio's government to the Chairman and members, House Committee on Aviation and AIC members at Le Meridien, Engr. Etido Inyang who is the Secretary, Airport Implementation Committee, said the project was structured to be completed in three phases.
According to his presentation, Phase I includes the 3600m Runway, MRO, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, Air Traffic Control Tower(ATCT), Interim Passenger Terminal(IPT), Technical and Administrative Building, Aviation Fuel Farm, Emergency Operating Centre(EOC) and Clinic.
He stated that Phase II will include the construction of Cargo Terminal and associated Apron; while Phase III will add the second Parallel Runway, Passengers Terminal Building, 3-5 Star Airport Hotel, Aviation Training College and other ancillary facilities.
Engr. Inyang revealed that for the last two years, four Aviation regulatory agencies(NAMA, NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), and Nigeria Meteorological Agency(NIMET)) have made six joint visits to Ibom International Airport and that at a recent joint inspection by a team comprising Nigeria Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) officials, the project was endorsed as having met the ICAO recommended standard.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State government had since promised that come the end of the third quarter of this year, phase I of the Airport would be delivered and possibly an aircraft would land at Akwa Ibom International Airport(AKIA), but at the project site one of the construction engineers said the MRO would be ready by March 2010.
The level of work at the Interim Domestic Terminal, ARFF, ATCT, and other sections of Phase I have reached various stages of completion giving hope that the end of the third quarter of this year promised Akwa Ibom people by the State government would likely be feasible.
Other members of the House Committee on Aviation who made the inspection team are Mr Boniface Emenalo (Clerk of the Committee), Mr Chinedu Eluemunoh, Sir Austine Nnachukwu, Surveyor Aniedi Ikpong King and Darlington Okereke. Otthers are Abdulkareem Saliu and Florence Akinwale.
The AIC team led by the Chairman Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga include Engr. Etido Inyang(Committee Secretary), Enobong Umoetuk(Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties), Sir Edet Amana, Engr. Waco Ferini(Project Coordiantor), Engr. I. W. Udofia, Rev. Engr. E.I.I. Etteh, Dr. Chris Akpan, Austin Brendan(Contract Accountant), Engr. B.E. Inyang, Engr. Mohammed Sadiq(Electrical Consultant), Barr. Solomon Etuk and Michael Ukpong (Technical Adviser to the Committee Chairman).

Culled from Weekly Insight Newpaper (3rd August, 2009)

The Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi said Monday July 27th 2009 that they were impressed with the standard and quality of work done at the Ibom International Airport under construction in Akwa Ibom State. He stated that they were satisfied with what they saw on ground and hoped that the standard would be upheld. “It has been a good experience. We are really impressed with the standard and quality of work at the Ibom Airport”, he said.
Amadi said he and his colleagues were in support of the project as such would benefit Akwa Ibom people, Nigeria and Nigerians as well as neighbouring countries and called on the Federal Government to encourage and support the project, as the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Hangar(MRO) alone would be of immense benefit to the whole country. According to him, “we support and encourage the federal government to support this project to succeed”.
Hon. Amadi made this known soon after inspecting the construction work at the Ibom International Airport in company with other seven members of the House Committee on Aviation, the Chairman of Airport Implementation Committee (AIC), Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga and the Committee Secretary, Engr. Etido Inyang , Special Adviser to Governor Akpabio on Technical Matters and other AIC members.
Receiving the Chairman and members of House Committee on Aviation at the Ibom Le Meridien and Golf Resort earlier, the Chairman of the Airport Implementation Committee, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga said the Ibom International Airport which idea was conceived in 2001 by the government of Obong Victor Attah, “is a Category two Airport” that can land Airbus 380, and other bigger aircrafts plus those carrying Cargo and haulages from all parts of the world.
He charged the team to persuade the Federal government to grant waivers on tariffs on the imported equipment meant for the Airport Construction to facilitate work as the State government was already paying so much on import duties to get the equipment into the country.
He said it was the pride of Nigeria to have such an Airport which at completion will serve Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Otuekong Nkanga revealed that the Aviation Ministry gave approval for the construction of the Airport on 31st March 2005 while the Federal Government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006 approved the designation of the MRO as the National Hangar.
Explaining further, the AIC Chairman said that the MRO was a big project with 130metres gate that will attract all airports in Nigeria as it would have seven workshops. He condemned the idea of Federal government proposing to build a Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Hanger(MRO) in Abuja saying that “Abuja is not the right place to put an MRO...it does not need to be at Abuja to be a national project”. Otuekong Nkanga advised from the professional point of view that Abuja was not free as any time the presidential fleet was air-borne no other aircraft would be allowed to fly until the presidential flight landed and that such security arrangements were not comfortable for airports operating an MRO.
He commended Chief Akpabio's government for the training of 251 personnel to provide the needed human capital for the functional operation of the Airport when completed, adding that Akwa Ibom State government was, by so doing, also preparing such personnel for the manpower needs of the Nigeria's Aviation Industry now and in the years to come.
While presenting on slides the various developmental efforts of Chief Akpabio's government to the Chairman and members, House Committee on Aviation and AIC members at Le Meridien, Engr. Etido Inyang who is the Secretary, Airport Implementation Committee, said the project was structured to be completed in three phases.
According to his presentation, Phase I includes the 3600m Runway, MRO, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, Air Traffic Control Tower(ATCT), Interim Passenger Terminal(IPT), Technical and Administrative Building, Aviation Fuel Farm, Emergency Operating Centre(EOC) and Clinic.
He stated that Phase II will include the construction of Cargo Terminal and associated Apron; while Phase III will add the second Parallel Runway, Passengers Terminal Building, 3-5 Star Airport Hotel, Aviation Training College and other ancillary facilities.
Engr. Inyang revealed that for the last two years, four Aviation regulatory agencies(NAMA, NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), and Nigeria Meteorological Agency(NIMET)) have made six joint visits to Ibom International Airport and that at a recent joint inspection by a team comprising Nigeria Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) officials, the project was endorsed as having met the ICAO recommended standard.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State government had since promised that come the end of the third quarter of this year, phase I of the Airport would be delivered and possibly an aircraft would land at Akwa Ibom International Airport(AKIA), but at the project site one of the construction engineers said the MRO would be ready by March 2010.
The level of work at the Interim Domestic Terminal, ARFF, ATCT, and other sections of Phase I have reached various stages of completion giving hope that the end of the third quarter of this year promised Akwa Ibom people by the State government would likely be feasible.
Other members of the House Committee on Aviation who made the inspection team are Mr Boniface Emenalo (Clerk of the Committee), Mr Chinedu Eluemunoh, Sir Austine Nnachukwu, Surveyor Aniedi Ikpong King and Darlington Okereke. Otthers are Abdulkareem Saliu and Florence Akinwale.
The AIC team led by the Chairman Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga include Engr. Etido Inyang(Committee Secretary), Enobong Umoetuk(Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties), Sir Edet Amana, Engr. Waco Ferini(Project Coordiantor), Engr. I. W. Udofia, Rev. Engr. E.I.I. Etteh, Dr. Chris Akpan, Austin Brendan(Contract Accountant), Engr. B.E. Inyang, Engr. Mohammed Sadiq(Electrical Consultant), Barr. Solomon Etuk and Michael Ukpong (Technical Adviser to the Committee Chairman).That's good news but one thing is still important, how strategic is this airport in Nigeria.

imo its of little importance

I found out on the internet that international sea ferries would do better in that location. I also come to term with the idea of having the airport cos the Calabar has a touristic potentials. Maybe for the foreseable future it will be very useful than present plan.

Culled from Weekly Insight Newpaper (3rd August, 2009)

The Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi said Monday July 27th 2009 that they were impressed with the standard and quality of work done at the Ibom International Airport under construction in Akwa Ibom State. He stated that they were satisfied with what they saw on ground and hoped that the standard would be upheld. “It has been a good experience. We are really impressed with the standard and quality of work at the Ibom Airport”, he said.
Amadi said he and his colleagues were in support of the project as such would benefit Akwa Ibom people, Nigeria and Nigerians as well as neighbouring countries and called on the Federal Government to encourage and support the project, as the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Hangar(MRO) alone would be of immense benefit to the whole country. According to him, “we support and encourage the federal government to support this project to succeed”.Hon. Amadi made this known soon after inspecting the construction work at the Ibom International Airport in company with other seven members of the House Committee on Aviation, the Chairman of Airport Implementation Committee (AIC), Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga and the Committee Secretary, Engr. Etido Inyang , Special Adviser to Governor Akpabio on Technical Matters and other AIC members.
Receiving the Chairman and members of House Committee on Aviation at the Ibom Le Meridien and Golf Resort earlier, the Chairman of the Airport Implementation Committee, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga said the Ibom International Airport which idea was conceived in 2001 by the government of Obong Victor Attah, “is a Category two Airport” that can land Airbus 380, and other bigger aircrafts plus those carrying Cargo and haulages from all parts of the world.
He charged the team to persuade the Federal government to grant waivers on tariffs on the imported equipment meant for the Airport Construction to facilitate work as the State government was already paying so much on import duties to get the equipment into the country.
He said it was the pride of Nigeria to have such an Airport which at completion will serve Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Otuekong Nkanga revealed that the Aviation Ministry gave approval for the construction of the Airport on 31st March 2005 while the Federal Government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006 approved the designation of the MRO as the National Hangar. Explaining further, the AIC Chairman said that the MRO was a big project with 130metres gate that will attract all airports in Nigeria as it would have seven workshops. He condemned the idea of Federal government proposing to build a Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Hanger(MRO) in Abuja saying that “Abuja is not the right place to put an MRO...it does not need to be at Abuja to be a national project”. Otuekong Nkanga advised from the professional point of view that Abuja was not free as any time the presidential fleet was air-borne no other aircraft would be allowed to fly until the presidential flight landed and that such security arrangements were not comfortable for airports operating an MRO.
He commended Chief Akpabio's government for the training of 251 personnel to provide the needed human capital for the functional operation of the Airport when completed, adding that Akwa Ibom State government was, by so doing, also preparing such personnel for the manpower needs of the Nigeria's Aviation Industry now and in the years to come.
While presenting on slides the various developmental efforts of Chief Akpabio's government to the Chairman and members, House Committee on Aviation and AIC members at Le Meridien, Engr. Etido Inyang who is the Secretary, Airport Implementation Committee, said the project was structured to be completed in three phases.
According to his presentation, Phase I includes the 3600m Runway, MRO, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, Air Traffic Control Tower(ATCT), Interim Passenger Terminal(IPT), Technical and Administrative Building, Aviation Fuel Farm, Emergency Operating Centre(EOC) and Clinic.
He stated that Phase II will include the construction of Cargo Terminal and associated Apron; while Phase III will add the second Parallel Runway, Passengers Terminal Building, 3-5 Star Airport Hotel, Aviation Training College and other ancillary facilities.
Engr. Inyang revealed that for the last two years, four Aviation regulatory agencies(NAMA, NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), and Nigeria Meteorological Agency(NIMET)) have made six joint visits to Ibom International Airport and that at a recent joint inspection by a team comprising Nigeria Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) officials, the project was endorsed as having met the ICAO recommended standard.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State government had since promised that come the end of the third quarter of this year, phase I of the Airport would be delivered and possibly an aircraft would land at Akwa Ibom International Airport(AKIA), but at the project site one of the construction engineers said the MRO would be ready by March 2010.
The level of work at the Interim Domestic Terminal, ARFF, ATCT, and other sections of Phase I have reached various stages of completion giving hope that the end of the third quarter of this year promised Akwa Ibom people by the State government would likely be feasible.
Other members of the House Committee on Aviation who made the inspection team are Mr Boniface Emenalo (Clerk of the Committee), Mr Chinedu Eluemunoh, Sir Austine Nnachukwu, Surveyor Aniedi Ikpong King and Darlington Okereke. Otthers are Abdulkareem Saliu and Florence Akinwale.
The AIC team led by the Chairman Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga include Engr. Etido Inyang(Committee Secretary), Enobong Umoetuk(Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties), Sir Edet Amana, Engr. Waco Ferini(Project Coordiantor), Engr. I. W. Udofia, Rev. Engr. E.I.I. Etteh, Dr. Chris Akpan, Austin Brendan(Contract Accountant), Engr. B.E. Inyang, Engr. Mohammed Sadiq(Electrical Consultant), Barr. Solomon Etuk and Michael Ukpong (Technical Adviser to the Committee Chairman).

I rather think if we think of this project in terms of passenger traffic we would be getting it all wrong, from what i read here, the primary aim of this airport is not for passenger traffic rather its star feature is the MRO facility which presently in the whole of the west African subregion does not exist, i think the proponents of this airport had this in mind before commencing construction. This will bring some good revenue to the country if the federal government plays is part well and the facility is managed properly.

That's a good thing.

Guardian newspaper, Friday, August 14, 2009

Akwa Ibom to commission airport next month
From Ayoyinka Olagoke, Uyo

AKWA Ibom State government has re-emphasised its readiness to land the first aircraft on the state's international airport on September 23, 2009.

The Secretary of the Airport Implementation Committee, Etido Inyang made this known recently in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation inspected the airport.

Inyang who had earlier spoken with The Guardian disclosed that government had obtained due approvals and license from relevant aviation agencies and institutions to operate the airport.

He added that adequate machinery have been put in motion to bequeath a standard modern and world-class airport to the state. He also said that the first phase of workforce had completed their training from both international and national training institute while the phase II has been flown abroad for required training.

Inyang said that the state's international airport would not just be commercial, but a world class airport that would be in the map of numbers of airport that has maintenance repair and overhauling facilities/national hanger as well as a cargo.

The secretary, Airport Implementation Committee, who is also special adviser to the state government on technical matters revealed that the airport was capable of landing Boeing 380 air craft added that such airport was not common in the world.

Inyang added that the new airport has 3.6km runway, expandable to 4200 metres with 60 metres wide which could also land Boeing 747, which could not land on any part of airport in the country.

He added that the Phase 1, had Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facilities, Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), Interim passenger, Technical Administrative building, Aviation Fuel Farm, Emergency Operating Centre (EOC), and clinics which will be ready for landing of the first aircraft September this year.

His words: "Landing an aircraft at the airport is a capital project for the state. It is a flagship and we promised to land an aircraft on the Akwa Ibom International Airport come September 23rd, 2009. The landing of the first aircraft at the runway of the AKIA would herald the beginning of series of concluded process to have the airport read for commercial end of this year."

"We have a lot more because it is a new airport we have runway of 3.6km with 60 metres wide. This can land Boeing 747, Boeing 380 aircraft, which cannot land on any airport in the country. It is the state of the art airport. Apart from the runway, we have a license and we are building a national hanger for the maintenance repair and overhaul of aircraft, which should be completed by December. We are building a cargo facilities knowing that Akwa Ibom State is strategic, economic wise."

He added that primarily there was a functional runway, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, Air traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and terminal building.

He explained that the government through the Airport Implementation Committee was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that there was historic landing come September 23rd, 2009.

He maintained that all the police, military, and commercial aircraft with capital flight in the country which are mostly flown outside the country for maintenance will be brought to the state for maintenance which will reduce crashing of aircraft which may be due to delayed maintenance.

His words: "The airport is a thing of pride. We intend to make the airport more viable by attracting aircraft from all over the world for maintenance. The nearest airport that has a national hanger is in Kenya. We have license facilities on ground. All the police aircraft, military aircraft in the country are always been flown outside for maintenance."

Aircraft for commercial capital flight we can maintain here in Nigeria. We will bring in a world class company that will run a management and maintenance of the place that will be PPP. We have infrastructures on ground. We can take care of aircraft maintenance from A, B, C, D checks. C and D checks are the greatest checks that people fly out of the country to go and do."

The secretary, Airport Implementation Committee, who is also special adviser to the state government on technical matters revealed that the airport was capable of landing Boeing 380 air craft added that such airport was not common in the world.

Inyang added that the new airport has 3.6km runway, expandable to 4200 metres with 60 metres wide which could also land Boeing 747, which could not land on any part of airport in the country.
I think this dude or (more likely) the reporter is mixing up his Boeings and Airbuses. :lol:

That boeing airline is amongthe commonest.Lol!

747's and a380's can land in lagos, kano and abuja. wat are they talking about.

Air transportation in Africa, catalyst for economic growth, says Fadugba GUARDIAN
12 Apr 2008: Wole Shadare


RESPECTED aviation expert, Nick Fadugba, has disclosed that air transportation in Africa can be a catalyst for economic development on the continent and one that can bring African people together.

Fadugba made the assertion recently at the just concluded 17th Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) conference organised by African Aviation Services in Cairo, Egypt.

He reiterated that for air transport to grow in the continent, there has to be improved safety, adding that the only way to do so was to have airworthy aircraft through periodic maintenance.

His words: "If you look across the continent, you find out that there are only a few areas of MRO excellence in Africa, even Egypt had not developed then, but in Durban, yes; in Ethiopia and Morocco and maybe one or two other places. In fact, it is shameful that even on the West Coast, we don't have anything to speak of even in Nigeria. I am not happy with the situation in Nigeria. There is the need to have a safe aviation in the African continent, run by African airlines, and don't forget that our aircraft are older and the older they get the more maintenance they need and therefore we said if airlines don't have the money to buy new aircraft then they must maintain adequately the old ones they have".
Fadugba disclosed that the need to safer skies occasioned by periodic aircraft maintenance made him to push for MRO Africa "and over the past 17 years it has grown and I think there is a large turn out here, over 200 people are registered, a lot of more foreign organisations from North America, from China and of course Europe and African countries", he added.

He noted that the idea for yearly summit was to bring the foreign experts here, like Lufthansa, Delta, KLM, Air France "and through building relationships we can move forward because to be honest with you I don't think many African countries have the capabilities to build maintenance facilities on their own.

"There is no need to re-invent the wheel. These people have it. Through JVs (joint ventures) you achieve win-win situation. We can get the infrastructure; even in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines is in partnership with Lufthansa Technic) you can see the transformation. They are very proactive. It is to me a mark of great concern that in Nigeria which is probably the most active aviation market in the African continent in terms - when you look at the whole strata of the Nigerian society - from the market woman to the board chairman, everybody is flying, while in other countries in the continent may be the top class are flying. In South Africa how many people are flying when you look at the strata of the society? Nigeria is very unique; we have a vibrant industry; we have a population, but unfortunately the facilities in aviation are very poor and need to be improved", he added.

Fadugba, who is also the publisher of African Aviation magazine, regretted that that there is no way the aviation industry could be grown without having a major MRO facility.

According to him: "How can you grow an industry if you don't have a major MRO facility? People have been trying here and there but why don't we have the calibre of Egypt or Ethiopia or South African Airways or Royal Air Maroc? These guys are making money. MRO is a profitable business. If you put your aircraft there you can spend million of dollars to put it up to shape, so it is not that you are not making money".

He lamented that long after a blueprint on national hangar was drawn, he said the project was yet to take off, stressing that the documents need to be polished up just as he called for private sector participation in the project.

Speaking on growth in air traffic in recent times, he explained that after September 11 (2001) the market fell flat, adding that it was interesting to know that after September 11 when traffic across the North Atlantic to New York fell, many European airlines used their aircraft capacity to fly to Africa.

"Flights to Lagos were increased; flights to Johannesburg were increased, to Mauritius, to Seychelles - all European were turning their attention on Africa, rather than have idle aircraft and of course the margins they enjoy in Africa are astronomical. They are earning a good living in Africa, maybe at the expense of Africa airlines. That is the fault of African airlines and government.

"African governments over generously give airlines from outside Africa frequencies at the expense of their own industry. That should be rectified. But what am saying is, in terms of growth, even though IATA (International Airlines Transport Association) is predicting a downturn in 2008, if you look at the average growth rate globally, Africa is higher than the global average. I believe globally is about five per cent, while Africa is about eight per cent.

"This is not bad. It shows progress, that we are moving in the right direction. Though we have to start with a small volume and hoped it would be better; but it could be worse. So we have to thank God for that. What does it mean to have a Boeing market? It means that the airlines are making money; it means that they are more bank-able; they are more financiable. They can buy modern aircraft new or nearly new. They can bring the aircraft; increase their net worth, services quality etc", he stated.

Asked if government was right in concessioning some airports in the country, Fadugba wondered why government should privatise the viable airports when others that are unviable are yet to be taken a look at.

"Many of the airports are not profitable. Why would you privatise the most profitable and keep the loss making? Who is going to finance them? If you want to bring private enterprise let them keep the loss making and turn them to viable airports. States are still building airports while many of them are unprofitable. They are also building cargo airports. Which cargo airlines are in Nigeria? All these show that we have to think; we have to plan carefully, not just build white elephant projects.

"We have 21 airports already; let's take the ones which are not profitable, and now we say we are going to give away the most profitable and government say it has no money to take care of the airports. It was the profitable ones that were subsidising the unprofitable, so now who is going to take charge of them? Once you take the profitable ones and the unprofitable remain they will have to be shut down because there will be no radar and air traffic controllers and others", he added.




I went thru the internet to confirm this, i found out that yes Airbus A380 and boeing 747 can land in Nigeria so the reporter (or is it the government official:bash::bash::bash:) has got it wrong, but just as the aviation expert said above the country is losing a lot of money due to the lack of MRO facility in Nigeria, this very airport , i say if managed well will rake in a lot of money for the country.

Also, i heard from a nigerian that most ppl using the calabar airport are actually going to or coming from Uyo.

im not to sure about that. im know there definetly is some uyo bound passengers from calabar, but i think the majority of calabar airport passengers are going to or leaving from the calabar metro area.

I am waiting to see recent images of the airport.

nigeria got more international airport than the almighty south africa

nigeria got more international airport than the almighty south africa

Sure but in volume of international traffic SA beats Nigeria hands down. What I noticed that every little state in Nigeria wants an international airport but even if they're built it's an international airport in name only, and would receive charters at the most (Maiduguri, Kaduna, Sokoto, etc.).

of course

AVIATION MINISTER Scores AK Airport High
> Â
> The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba has expressed satisfaction
> with the standard of work at the Akwa Ibom International Airport, under
> construction.
> Â
> Mr. Omotoba who gave the impression shortly after a tour of the airport
> said he would have been surprised to see anything short of the standard on
> ground at the airport site, given the reported high level performance by
> Governor Godswill Akpabio so far.
> Â
> He observed that the airport was capable of growing the economy of Akwa
> Ibom, saying the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul facility at the airport
> would provide jobs and help curb capital flight from Nigeria.
> Â
> The Minister acknowledged that the hanger facility was capable of handling
> two Boeing 747 aircrafts at the same time and assured that the Federal
> Government would continue to provide the necessary technical support and
> conducive operational environment for the success of the project.
> Â
> He was accompanied on the inspection by the Akwa Ibom State deputy
> governor, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr.
> Umanah Okon Umanah; the Chairman, Airport Implementation Committee,
> Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga; Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Enobong
> Umoetuk and other members of the State Executive Council.
> Â
> The Minister, who arrived the airport site in a helicopter, inspected the
> runway, control tower, fire station and the hanger facilities of the
> project.
> Â
> The project Coordinator of the airport, Mr. Marco Fenini who conducted the
> Minister round the facility said the MRO facility would, on completion,
> serve the entire West African sub-region.
> Â
> He mentioned that everything was being done to ensure the completion of
> the airport as scheduled.
> Â
> from Idris Mabadeje
> Information Officer

Is the minister capable in inspecting the airport to know the standard?

Interim Terminal Building

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/AKIA4.jpg

Fire Fighting Center

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/AKIA3.jpg

Runway

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/AKIA2.jpg


Control Tower

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/AKIA1.jpg

Is the minister capable in inspecting the airport to know the standard?
I doubt that the Minister was there as a technical inspector.

Interim Terminal Building

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/AKIA4.jpg
Thanks for the pictures, dnaijaguy.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, "temp" structures tend to hang around for a long long time!

Hi guys , i came across visuals of models of the airport at conception, will like to share with u guys, i noticed very close resemblance to the real pictures i saw.


http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/front-term-01.jpg

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/jan08-01.jpg

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/jan08-02.jpg

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/overall-01.jpg

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Good to see they are doing something with the Oil Money.

Hi guys , i came across visuals of models of the airport at conception, will like to share with u guys, i noticed very close resemblance to the real pictures i saw.
Thanks. I see the resemblance as well.

Good to see they are doing something with the Oil Money.

democracy is gradually having its way... i hope it continues but at a much faster rate

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Nigeria: NCAA Okays Maiden Flight Into Ibom Airport


THE NIGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given approval for maiden flight into the $300 million Ibom International Airport, Okobo, on September 23, 2009.



Approval for the inaugural flight, which would take off from Abuja Airport, according to the Director General of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren, followed satisfaction of all the requirements for an international airport by Akwa Ibom State Government.



Demuren, who flew into the state for an on-the-spot inspection, said he was fascinated by the quality of the airport, the fire-fighting equipment and the control tower, submitting that they meet international standards.

"You are on the right path," he told Governor Godswill Akpabio. "You are also bringing dividends of democracy to your people and by the time you finish this airport and all facilities are put in place, you are going to have a first class international airport. I'll be very happy to celebrate with you," he added.

"When we spoke on phone, I said we could not do the flight. But few minutes ago, I told the Minister of Aviation that I've come; I've seen the airport and I'm convinced that we can take the maiden flight," Demuren added.



He said after a series of accidents in the country, the authorities now takes security issues very seriously. "When we came in today, we carried out a survey of the equipment; we've seen the state-of-the-art fire fighting equipment; we've never seen that anywhere across the country. What we've seen, we couldn't believe. This is very good indeed and very commendable. I just took a peep of our ambulances and I saw the emergency equipment right there. I saw the runway and I kept asking my staff why are they telling me it is international airport? But I found out that it has a Boeing 747 runway built-in. This is good! I have also seen the control tower. And when we saw the infrastructural layout, I want to urge that you must not deviate. You must continue with what you are doing. It is an excellent layout. Your Excellency, you are on the right path," he said.



While advising the government to extend the parameter fence round the airport, Demuren stressed that there was need to forestall accidents by straying cows and other animals.



"Your Excellency, we are delighted to see all these. I looked at the hanger project you are doing; you mean business for your people. You want to create jobs for your people. It does not appear yet what you are going to gain, but as you continue this work, you are going to gain prosperity for your people; you are going to gain more credit for your people. Aviation brings quick business; it's going to be a centre of activities - economic activities, international activities. You can tap from that and make a difference in the economy in future.

"Accordingly, Your Excellency, I've given permission to Arik Air to carry out the first flight to the Ibom Airport on Wednesday, out of Abuja to Akwa Ibom direct."



Governor Akpabio said the airport was part of his state's projects to assist President Musa Yar'Adua to re-brand Nigeria.



"We are prepared to give you the state-of-the-art in every respect - from the control tower, the navigational aides to the fire system. Everything that should be in a category Two Airport would be in that airport. What you've seen today, including the runway, is only the first phase. As soon as operation starts, we would be commencing the second runway and as usual, that would be about three miles apart in order to ensure that the airport is not closed at any point in time," the governor said.



He said the government has taken delivery of all the equipment for the maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities and that the construction was ongoing.



"I think this is something we should be proud of if we can achieve it in Nigeria. And if you look at the map of Nigeria very well, you would see that Akwa Ibom is strategically located in the Gulf of Guinea. So, this airport is one airport that you can recommend event to the European Union to utilise for search and rescue operations," he addedSource

I believe that those states that lack airports but can afford to build and operate one should go ahead and build;the only standard airports in nigeria were built by federal government and located in specific states.
Akwa Ibom is economically strong enough to host an airport and in the long term, it is a long term investment.

I believe that those states that lack airports but can afford to build and operate one should go ahead and build;the only standard airports in nigeria were built by federal government and located in specific states.
Akwa Ibom is economically strong enough to host an airport and in the long term, it is a long term investment.

And in the short term, the economic effects of this airport will surely trickle down (trickle effect) to the masses in one way or the other.
However, there really are still some basic things that the government hasnt done e.g stable power supply.

The Magic of Ibom International Airport
18 Sep 2009


Vision for Ibom International Airport and the Maintenance hangar has become a historic inaugural Plane landing as Akwa Ibom awaits D-Day. The story of its existence has since shifted from a question of if, to a matter of when the historic inaugural plane landing will be recorded. When weighed against the background of dismissive sarcasm that pervaded our State, nay Nigerian community when the idea of a facility of this magnitude was first uttered.

However, all that is history now, and like it is often said, better leave history for historians. The more important aspect of focus is the pace of development that has attended this all important project since the inception of the current administration of Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio.

In May 2007, when the administration took off, a technical audit was carried out on the level of work on the project then and it was ascertained that the airport only achieved 10 percent completion. It was at this point that the Governor announced to a jubilant state that short of all negative politics of ever trying to initiate "his own" new projects purely for their self promotional potentials, he was determined to continue with most of the projects initiated by his predecessor, the airport and the MRO (maintenance repairs and overhaul or the hangar) inclusive.



Today, the Akwa Ibom people together with their entire Nigerian compatriots are the best for it. This is because with his Policy of continuity on key inherited projects, the Governor has shown that he does not wield power for power's sake neither is he playing politics with everything. A leader that is sworn to total politics will play Politics with education, health care, and in critical strategic investments such as the airport project among others. And with politics, he could sacrifice anything just for his personal aggrandizement to the destruction of his people and community.



Right now, the Ibom International Airport and MRO facilities, assuredly and rapidly too, have assumed lives of their own. What? The scheduled historic inaugural flight landing slated for the 22nd Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, 23rd September 2009 is a dream come true, the state is bubbling with excitement and the entire community usually a beehive of activities due to the numerous developmental projects currently undertaken by the Akpabio Administration has launched into a mood of frenetic urgency with fanfare in the air.


Nowhere is this celebration and fulfilling mood more trenchant in the State than its promising aviation industry piloted by the exceptional former governor of the State, Air Cmdr. Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) where he serves as the chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Airport Project.

Here Nkanga, assisted by Engr. Etido Inyang, a young and diligent technocrat serving as the Secretary of the Committee and who also doubles as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Matters and a number of other professionals are working round the clock to make the D-Day a pleasantly memorable reality.



That is why in the last couple of weeks, the Committee and the State Government have been playing hosts to several experts and Authorities who have been trooping to the Airport to either statutorily assess the extent and quality of preparation for the D-Day or lends support and solidarity to the realization of this mega facility. Some of this authorities include, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Air space Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Service (NIMET), and also the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly Committee on finance and Appropriation.

First, to arrive on Friday the 4th of September, 2009 were the NCAA 3- member delegation and the team led by Engr. (Mrs.) Omodele A. Arowolo, the Dep. Gen. Manager, communication Navigation Surveillance who expressed joy at what she saw. On her impression on the readiness of the facility for the D-Day, She said “the pace of work since our last visit is most encouraging and we are happy". According to her, "if you continue this way in the days to come, then 23rd September, 2009 historic landing is very realistic".



The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) 5 man team led by Engr. R. O. Raheem, arrived on September 9, 2009. The General Manager, Air traffic Control Operations was no less pleased with the efforts of the Implementation Committee towards September, 23 so much that he confirmed it as being realistic considering the pace of work. He noted "If the concerted efforts are continued the way I am seeing, then the historic landing date is okay".



Also, the House of Assembly Committee team was very impressed with the turn of events, and the chairman, Hon. Sam Ikon who painstakingly inspected every installed facility ranging from the 3 .6Km runway, the Interim Terminal Building, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facilities to the Control Tower and The Communication Accessories together with the Clinic and Emergency Operations buildings could not hide his pleasure as he declared that "we are ready for the D-Day".



The Air France is at the moment targeting the Cargo wing of the breath taking edifice for what they see as its strategic relevance to the oil and gas-rich Gulf of Guinea region. Arik is looking at both the schedule passenger Service and the Cargo facilities.

However, the most remarkable appearance on the scene was that of the Nigeria Aviation Minister, Mr Babatunde Omotoba, on Thursday, the 10th of September 2009. Mr Omotoba, who can be termed the Regulator in-Chief, being the Nation's Aviation Minister, could also not hide his sweet feelings as he alighted from a helicopter that landed him at the airport. He observed that the airport would receive many flights as the nation's airspace had witnessed phenomenal increase in flight take-offs and landings in recent years. On the Ibom facility, the Minister declared "I am very impressed with your efforts; I will join you on the 23rd September". Omotoba for the umpteenth time repeated the promise that the Federal Government would provide possible assistance needed by the Akpabio administration for the completion of the Aviation edifice.



Right from the inception of the project the state Government has been consistent in requesting for the adoption of the Ibom Airport MRO as the National Aircraft Maintenance hangar by the Federal Government instead of the later trying to build another MRO for the Country with resources that can be deployed to other areas of National needs.



However, the State Government still believes that the Federal Government will not allow a situation where the state Government at times pay as high as $4m US Dollars on import duties alone to the Federal Government which have repeatedly promised "Every assistance needed" without any waivers granted so far to continue. The Implementation Committee Chairman, Hon. Ikon at one of the numerous inspection outings said, "the high port tariffs the state pays is burdensome; the sooner the Federal Government comes to our aid the better; this facility may answer Akwa Ibom name but the ultimate objective is to take the national aviation industry to the next several levels and also boost our national economy".



Nkanga could not have been more apt in his vision when considered against the backdrop of the basic characteristics of this project. An airport runway of 3.6km long expandable to 4.2km and a width of 45 meters main with 7.5metres shoulders on each side to give the runway a total width of 60 meters. The Airport is designed to attract to the country for the first time in our aviation annals such giant aircraft as the airbus 380 series, a massive passenger aircraft with capacity for about 800 passengers in a haul. The avio-bridge that is the passenger pathway connecting the aircraft to the terminal building is also designed for this purpose. This is the first of its kind in this country. The facility also guarantees landing at even as low as 30 meters decision height being a full complement category 2 Airport.



The Maintenance and Repair Overhaul is also the first of its kind. Built without columns and with a wide gate, is about 129.8 meters. It can stand simultaneously, at least two Boeing 747 jumbo jets standing wing tip to wing tip or six Boeing 737 aircraft also standing wing tip to wing tip. Besides, the gate of the MRO can be closed and opened electronically and kept completely air-cooled.



The State Government has since commenced massive sponsorship of Akwa Ibom indigenes to several world-class aviation training institutions within and outside Nigeria for the acquisition of relevant skills and techniques for the operation of this phenomenal project.



For instance, recently a group of over 60 people returned from Embry Riddle University in Florida, the US, where they had gone for training in critical areas like; Airfield maintenance Engineering, Avionics, Airframe and Power-plant engineering. Another badge of 22 Air-traffic Controllers and Air traffic Engineers were graduated from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Zaria. All are personnel needed for the success of Ibom Airport project. This training are to remain on-going for some years until enough manpower and even surplus is produced for the airport.



Akwa Ibom State Government has identified and adopted aviation as one of its areas of niche which readily accords with the vision of Governor Akpabio to make Akwa Ibom State an internationally acknowledged destination of preference for all manner of tourists and global business elites.


This readily finds synergy with President Yar'Adua's 7-piont agenda and the national vision 2020. therefore, it is only normal if not compelling that Akwa Ibom State needs all the support the federal Government, and sundry can bring and urgently too in very practical terms.

Arik Air on New Akwa Ibom International Airport
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ThisDay Newspaper
Arik Airline to Inject N30bn into A’Ibom Airport
09.26.2009


Lagos

Arik Airline (Nig.) Limited is to invest N30 billion in the development of Akwa Ibom International Airport , Okobo, that was heralded with the first flight Wednesday.
The aircraft owned by Arik Airline with registration No. 5N MJO 737 800 series with Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba and other top government functionaries on board, touched down the airport at about 2.12 p.m. amidst jubilation and celebration by the excited crowd.
Senator Aniete Okon, a director in the Airline who dropped the hint at the inaugural landing of the aircraft at the airport, Okobo stated the company’s commitment to the development of the airport.
Okon commended Akpabio-led administration for being committed and undaunted to the completion of the airport despite initial constraints, noting that “In the airport is seated an aircraft that would ply the state and the Gulf of Guinea as well as serve as a catalyst of social and economic development”.
Governor Godswill O. Akpabio expressed satisfaction at the fulfillment of one of his campaign electioneering promises through the establishment of the airport aimed at the economic transformation of Akwa Ibom State .

According to him, “In 2007, during the governorship electioneering campaign, I made promises. One of the promises was to transform the economic condition of Akwa Ibom people. With this airport sited here, I have fulfilled the promise. And I promise to change your life and after my administration, your life cannot be the same”.

The Governor was full of praises to the different stakeholders - Minister of Aviation, Nigeria Emergency Management Agency , Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) - for their co-operation and support to the successful inaugural flight, adding “I thank them for being committed to the safety of the airspace”.

He declared “When we came on board, we declared that there would be no abandoned projects. When I took over the reins of governance, Dyncorps, the company that initially handled but later abandoned the construction of the airport told us that they stopped the work at 17 per cent level. For me, I am not interested in the percentages but in the fact that ‘Akwa Ibom could fly”.

“Today, Akwa Ibom State is flying. We would not experience sufferings on the road again to another airport. Our airport is the largest in the Country and will remain the best when completed. Apart from the road construction linking the airport, it will attract industries and social amenities to enhance the economic life of Okobo and Akwa Ibom people as a whole”, Akpabio said.

Concerning the sister state, Cross River, he explained that the airport would accommodate cargoes to encourage the growth of Tinapa, the shopping centre in the interest of the South –South and the Gulf of Guinea.

Omotoba congratulated the state government for redoubling effort to ensure landing, the first aircraft from Abuja at Akwa Ibom Airport, pledging the Federal Government’s support to completing the airport pa1rticularly Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) for the economic benefit of the people.

Omotoba lauded the great feat exhibited by the government to confront tough challenges of the airport in the interest of Akwa Ibom people, describing him as a visionary leader who should be emulated by other states of the federation.

The Chairman of Akwa Ibom Airport Implementation Committee, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd.) said though Dyncorps that handled the initial construction of the airport allegedly agreed to have completed 17 instead of 10 per cent, the present administration completed 100 per cent safety of the airport.

Nkanga hinted that the airport which has a 3.6 kilometre runway is to be expanded to 4.2 kilometres to make the largest in the Country and is in Category 2 like Ikeja International Airport with 60 meters wide reinforced shoulders.

He said the airport would serve as the hub of cargo in the Gulf of Guinea capable of attracting numerous industries and large volume passengers seeking flight to promote development not only to state but also to Nigeria .

“We would put together a sophisticated cargo to attract people to the area. It is a new generation airline, it has to partner with a new generation airport”, the chairman noted.

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Im still yet to see the main terminal though...

The main terminal will be constructed in the second phase of the project, please read the article above and you will see the details of the project. What has been completed is the interim terminal to be used until the passenger traffic improves so that the main terminal can be built. From the renderings as you can see, the main terminal is a very large building.

This is the Animation of the Airport in 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtPGvc2qKYg


Video of the D-day-23rd September 2009, the first plane to land on the Airport, im sure you will find this interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zel7g_IEPUM

thanks, great vid

Airport MRO hanger underconstruction
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WOW!! thats a lot of photos u got there! thanks 4 the update
I have to say, Nigeria is the number 1 full black/sub saharan country
So the airport (apart from the MRO) is fully operational now?

Arik Air doing it big....just heard they are now doing direct flight to New York...

nice airport and nice pics...thanx.

Arik Air doing it big....just heard they are now doing direct flight to New York...

nice airport and nice pics...thanx.
Yes, they are as last Sunday (November 29). Arik also now has a direct Abuja-Heathrow flight (as from November 26), in addition to its earlier Lagos-Heathrow flight.

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Does that airport meet international standard?I am still wondering how that airport can make international rating.

supposedly it should later on. The current terminal they are using is suppose to be temporary because they plan to build a larger one. I don't know if and when the construction of a larger terminal will start.

supposedly it should later on. The current terminal they are using is suppose to be temporary because they plan to build a larger one. I don't know if and when the construction of a larger terminal will start.

When is it supposed to be built?
I didn't heard about this new therminal.
Mario

When is it supposed to be built?
I didn't heard about this new therminal.
Mario

Ibom airport, best in the world — Idongesit Nkanga

Former military administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, is the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Airport implementation committee. He spoke with Gill Nsa-Abasi on the project and the prospect of the airport.

As the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Airport implementation committee, we believe you are in a good position to let the public know how N9.5b provided for in the 2010 Budget of Akwa Ibom state will be spent on the airport project which is already operating commercial local flights.

Yes, we have started running commercial flights since 25th of November last year. At a time, we had a short break, but now it has stabilised. The thrust of the airport, which we said from the beginning, is the building of the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facilities (MRO). We are also adding on cargo, which was meant for phase two. We have phase one and phase two, and what we have done so far is just enough to get the airport operational in terms of passenger traffic. The major thing that will make the airport profitable for the state, because it is a business venture, is the need to put more money. If you go there now, the hanger is currently under construction. Even when we finish that frame, we need to equip it. All the seven workshops will be equipped. You know it’s a lot of money buying equipment. That is part of the expenditure. Airport business is very expensive and you have to put a lot of money into it before you can get something out of it. Yes, we have put a lot of money in, so far but we need to put in more. We have not even started the cargo area, and there is a lot of pressure on us now so that bigger aircraft can start coming in with their cargo. That is why we built the airport in the first place; basically for the MRO and cargo so that we can receive cargo aircrafts like 147 and airbus 380 and the rest. There is pressure for them to come in but you see, if they come in they must have where they can conserve some of the items they will come in with especially the ones that are perishable like food stuffs. So the areas by which we can conserve those things have not done, the airdrome has not been done. If they come in now, they will probably use the airpron of the MRO. If the 1747 flight comes in and another comes in, it will be tight, so there is still a lot to be done for us to really get to a point where we can say, ‘yes, we have an airport’. If it was an airport just for transporting passengers to Abuja, Lagos and other places, we wouldn’t need to put in what we have so far. I appeal to the people to understand that we use money to make money. Let us put in more money so that we can get to the point that we can start having returns on our investment.

Some people believe there is a sort of competition between the Calabar Airport and the Ibom Airport as Ibom Airport was to be only MRO and Cargo without passenger flights while Calabar, which is also an international airport, was designated for passengers, but Ibom Airport is now performing same function. Would you please clear the air on this?

I think it is a misunderstanding, I am not saying it is false because right from the beginning, the concept of Ibom Airport was clear, the main thrust is the MRO and Cargo,but if you have an airport, passenger traffic is just a routine thing. Everything is there, so you can’t tell the flight operators not to t carry passengers. In any case, there is no basis for competition. Calabar Airport is a federal airport and already, it has been listed for concession. The basis for comparism is just not there. The truth about it is that, if we are talking of passenger traffic, 80 per cent of the passengers that use Calabar are from Akwa Ibom. You cannot force people to continue going to Calabar when there is an airport here. It does not make sense. Calabar Airport has to do things to generate passengers. Like tourism, which is being promoted there, if they improve on it, people will go to Calabar. They should not expect passengers to come from Akwa Ibom, that will not last. In any case, we are seriously looking at cargo because of our location which is within the gulf region, and we have better proximity to the oil and gas area in comparism to Cross River. So, a lot of those people are putting pressure on us to speed up the construction because they need to bring in things through here. Aba people who are in commerce will like to use Ibom airport. However, it is important to state that the two airports can strive profitably. What we need to do is to build up and develop our area so that people will come in. We should concentrate on attracting people to our place and not sharing passengers.

There was a report that the Akwa Ibom State government is engaged in training locals who can handle the airport as it was conceptualised, what is the situation now?

Yes, that is true and it is ongoing. Some of the people we sent earlier have graduated and they have returned. I attended one of such graduation ceremonies last December in Florida. We have trainees that will eventually handle the maintenance, the cargo and the MRO areas. We will have about seven workshops, and as they come in they will work under supervision. We are almost finalising negotiations with one of the world’s renowned operators that will handle the Ibom airport; the MRO and the Cargo sections in particular. Many airlines in the country and in the sub region who take their aircrafts to this operator overseas will now come here because the facilities and the experts will be here. So we had to train our people so that we can benefit from this and also provide them with employment.

How soon do you think the airport will be due for commissioning?

Well, commissioning can be done at whatever point. For MRO, we are projecting that, all things being equal, by September it should be ready and become operational by the end of the year. We can actually start Cargo operations now, but it will depend on the dimension, like the type of cargo they are bringing. Some airlines may want to use a warehouses in the town, and although this will not be convenient, we could allow them and the customs department will inspect what they have and carry out their duties. So, we need our warehouse to be in place as soon as possible. So, if government wants to do the commissioning, they can do it at any time of their choice, but there will always be development and expansion at the airport. There is hardly anytime you can say an airport is complete, I can refer to Heathrow Airport which is just building terminal five. The airport started many years ago. The airport is always a construction area. Modification, expansion and construction are always ongoing at airports. The airport for now is operational and it is busy managing passenger traffic, so if they want to commission it, they can do it now but we want to get some other areas ready as well. Remember also that we are still going to have a second runway. We have not done the international terminal yet because the volume of the passengers is not yet enough. What we have there now is the interim. The budget is even small compared to what we have to do.

Is the present budgetary allocation enough to take you to an appreciable level?

Well, it’s enough for us to continue working but definitely not enough to cover all that has to be done. Aviation is very expensive.

It ‘s been rumoured that the state government entered a controversial agreement with Arik Airlines, the one that did your inaugural flight. What is the situation?

Well, what is important is that the place is busy, recording passenger traffic. It does not matter whether it is Arik or not. In fact, we are going to have more airlines operating here because some of them have been coming to do their due diligence check. Whether an airline operates or not is actually the prerogative of the airline. As a government, ours is to provide the conducive environment for their business to thrive. Why we even had that agreement with Arik was to encourage them because they were the first to break the ice. Now, everybody knows that it is a very viable route. Arik has come back since then but only on chartered flight. So, at any time they can come in; we are not selecting. Any airline can come in. Sometimes, airlines have some internal problems with a route and they reserve the right to withdraw and reorganise themselves. So, eventually we are not giving any specific encouragement to any airline other than ensuring that the facilities work and are up to date.

Talking about the facilities, what would you say about the safety standards at the airport?

From inception, we wanted the airport to be of international standard because we knew that most of the flights that will come to the airport will be international, not just passengers, but somebody bringing a 747 from Europe. You have to have what it takes for that flight. That is why we said we were building the airport with the longest runway in the country. Ours is the longest in the country. It’s a category two runway. It is only Murtala Mohammed airport that has the internal side as category two runway. The others are category one. This means that, anytime visibility is less then 800 metres in other airports you can’t go in but here with visibility as low as 300 metres, you can come in with the assurance of safety and reliability of equipment, that is why it is category two. Of course, we know the problem with airports which usually do not have fences, but in Ibom airport we have two levels of fencing. The perimeter fencing and the airside fencing, so the possibility of cows or other animals straying into the airpot is not there. This has to do with safety; it has to do with security. The equipment we have in the airport are state of the art. If you have the opportunity, you can actually stop by and talk to the people there. We have people from NAMA, FAN and NIMET. They are all there because our people are working with them. So, talking about the quality of equipment in the airport, you can’t surpass it anywhere in this country. We decided to do this not because we want to build the best airport in Nigeria, but because we want to build the best in the world. We are doing it for Nigeria and Africa and not just Akwa Ibom.

How do you visualise the impact of the airport on the people of Nigeria and the West African sub region?

Absolutely, it will be impactful. I am happy that the state government is doing other things to complement this effort. For instance, they are developing a new seaport within the area. With an international airport of that size and a big seaport there, this area is already open to the rest of the world. There is nothing that opens up a place more than that. Lagos will not be what it is today if not for the international airport and the seaport. So, in the next five to six years, the entire area here will change.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/features/3992-ibom-airport-best-in-the-world--idongesit-nkanga

Land , Sea and Air Transport facilities in Akwa Ibom State and Adjoining areas

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/183331_1898492464641_1311532698_2193688_1884979_n.jpg?t=1312027846

Runway 03 AKIIA

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/180419_1841583801960_1311532698_2091919_7444025_n.jpg?t=1312027362

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/166614_1841548201070_1311532698_2091863_2064348_n.jpg?t=1312029014

Aircraft on Taxiway at the Akwa Ibom International Airport(AKIIA)

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/175491_1898488064531_1311532698_2193664_64089_o.jpg?t=1312026894

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/175491_1898488024530_1311532698_2193663_5763335_o.jpg?t=1312026914

Sections of The Akwa Ibom International Airport(AKIIA) under construction

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/167660_1841587722058_1311532698_2091937_6963215_n.jpg?t=1312029692

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/180419_1841583881962_1311532698_2091921_3657206_n.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/163440_1841647243546_1311532698_2091983_7494868_n.jpg?t=1312028823

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/195156_1299528586152_1768539397_539072_4714205_o.jpg?t=1312028723

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/194200_1299523706030_1768539397_539071_3515418_o.jpg?t=1312029114

Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Hangar under construction at The Akwa Ibom International Airport(AKIIA)


http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/172799_1898505504967_1311532698_2193743_2437228_o.jpg?t=1312026944

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/172799_1898505424965_1311532698_2193742_987695_o.jpg?t=1312026967

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/172799_1898505384964_1311532698_2193741_2520301_o.jpg?t=1312026996

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/172624_1299522706005_1768539397_539069_6701191_o.jpg?t=1312027016

First International Passenger Airlift at the Airport to Jerusalem

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/169726_188039114557422_100000540039164_610495_2440792_o.jpg?t=1312030435

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/171114_188042614557072_100000540039164_610518_3897007_o.jpg?t=1312030956

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/171254_188031821224818_100000540039164_610358_5935012_o.jpg?t=1312030772

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/171254_188031827891484_100000540039164_610360_5877594_o.jpg?t=1312030859

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/171413_188293774531956_100000540039164_611675_2532613_o.jpg?t=1312030901

Airport Staff on duty

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/170106_188035961224404_100000540039164_610460_6584413_o.jpg?t=1312031316

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/209753_206773902683943_100000540039164_740465_4093192_o.jpg?t=1312031627

A Section of the Control Tower

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/169726_188039111224089_100000540039164_610494_5441395_o.jpg?t=1312032474

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/akwafina/169726_188039107890756_100000540039164_610493_5550446_o.jpg?t=1312032628

source- http://www.aksgonline.com/articlePage.aspx?qrID=956

A visit to the airport reveals that it has been playing host to an unprecedented number of passengers since the commencement of commercial operations there, and of recent, owing to maintenance currently going on at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, and the fact that most air travelers to this part of Nigeria prefer the world’s newest airport, passenger traffic has skyrocketed with its resultant booming revenue generation. But in the view of Austin Thomas, a businessman and regular user of the airport, ”the vision of Governor Akpabio in seeing to the realization of this project has saved us all the harrowing experience of traveling several hours to either Port Harcourt or Override for the purpose of making a less than an hour trip to Lagos or Abuja.”

The chart and table showing the year on year comparison of passenger traffic and total revenue on passenger volume from the date of its inaugural flight till date made available by the airport authorities, show an outstanding growth in commercial activities at the airport.

For instance, in 2011, just between January and April, a total of 57,198 air passengers used the Akwa Ibom International Airport. March had the highest volume with 15,715 while January, February and April followed with 15,292; 13,899 and 12,292 passengers respectively. May, may break this record.

And in 2010, a total of 138,699 passengers either touched down at or took off from the airport. In December alone, about 16,395 used the airport. There were also great passenger flows in August and September with 15,393 and 15,331 passengers for each. They were closely followed by the November and October traffic with13,832 and 13,553 passengers respectively.

The chart also showed that the highest volume of the travelers in 2010 came from the Lagos-Uyo and Uyo-Lagos routes with 5,991 and 5,041 passengers. Abuja-Uyo had 3,388 while Uyo-Abuja had 2,515 air travelers who used the Akwa Ibom International Airport. As the airport becomes the hub of activities, it goes with a commensurate revenue spinning for the airport and Akwa Ibom State at large.

:okay:

Lovely airport!

Updates. I passed through the Airport on the 26th of December and took this pixs. Hope you like them.


MRO Hangar
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/s720x720/166970_2969246712828_1311532698_3226626_1570819274_n.jpg


MRO Hangar & Control Tower
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/396779_2969249832906_1311532698_3226629_400766672_n.jpg


MRO Hangar
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/404836_2969254713028_1311532698_3226634_146495319_n.jpg


Control Tower & Fire Fighting Station
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395020_2969255753054_1311532698_3226635_1692908392_n.jpg


Car Park @ interim Airport Terminal Building
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/385558_2969269713403_1311532698_3226644_568073261_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/385558_2969269713403_1311532698_3226644_568073261_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/397810_2969273673502_1311532698_3226655_1144629846_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/397297_2969276473572_1311532698_3226661_541891701_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/404944_2969279713653_1311532698_3226665_443119925_n.jpg

Interim Terminal Building
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/404392_2969281153689_1311532698_3226666_1620063799_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/397647_2969283193740_1311532698_3226667_1173904586_n.jpg

Interim Terminal Building
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/383286_2969289713903_1311532698_3226671_968237764_n.jpg

What is that building? A Hanger?

What is that building? A Hanger?

yes the MRO hangar. It has a 130m gate. Happy new year mate.

Airport Administrative Building
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/390425_2969291673952_1311532698_3226672_1200915279_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/395548_2969294114013_1311532698_3226673_1294614767_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/377375_2969296874082_1311532698_3226675_2122928300_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/379479_2969298314118_1311532698_3226677_391653117_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/408414_2969301034186_1311532698_3226679_277333865_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/394709_2969304874282_1311532698_3226683_362120193_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/382768_2969309634401_1311532698_3226686_1562117531_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/403681_2969329034886_1311532698_3226689_377839290_n.jpg

Airport Administrative Building
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/397664_2969332154964_1311532698_3226691_1228194884_n.jpg

It is funny many people on this forum said the state does not need an Airport because Uyo is 50km from Calabar and 100km from Port-Harcourt. But in actual fact Uyo is 100km or 1hr 48mins away by road from Calabar and 133km by road from Port Harcourt or 2 hrs drive. This state really needs this airport and it is paying off. Travel time has been reduced, Exxon Mobil, NNPC, RUSAL-ALSCON, etc makes use of the same airport to move it's staff around the country, flight trainings that hitherto had to be done at other airports like Lagos, PH and Calabar are now done at this Airport and the MRO is steadily reaching completion.

https://topgov-media.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/photos/IMG_3102_large_thumbnail.JPG

https://topgov-media.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/photos/IMG_3115_large_thumbnail.JPG

https://topgov-media.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/photos/IMG_3116_large_thumbnail.JPG

https://topgov-media.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/photos/IMG_3120_large_thumbnail.JPG

fixed

Why do u have the word "fixed" everywhere, Gareth?

the pictures stopped showing, i had to change the url a little.

Nice find Gareth

I thought they would have been done with the MRO by now. It seems like the contractors are slow.

Well the contractor and the court cases are slowing the Governor down, so I heard.

Akwa Ibom Airport International Terminal To Gulp N18.05B


UYO, January 24, (THEWILL) - Akwa Ibom State government and Messrs ALCON Nigeria Limited Monday signed a contract of N18.05 billion for the construction of the international terminal of the Ibom International Airport.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony at the Government House, Uyo, the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio said the ceremony was in line with his administration’s quest to continue the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom state particularly from being a pedestrian state into a destination state.

He said at the advent of his administration in 2007 that he promised the people that it was his commitment to complete the first phase of the airport. Saying that not minding the controversy that surrounded the percentage of work done at the airport when he took over the mantle of leadership of the state, he met and ongoing project and he was determined not to abandon it.

Akpabio disclosed that since the commencement of the inaugural flight on September 23 2009 till date, the statistics available shows that the Ibom airport has been rated as the most industry compliant airport as well as the fastest growing airport in the country since 1960.

According to him, so far a total number of 403, 663 passengers using about 7749 flights in and out of the airports have been recorded in the last two years of operation in the airport.

Akpabio stated that this modest success including the recent international flights that airlifted pilgrims to Israel, Rome and Greece were made possible with the use of the interim terminal building and that considering the number of passengers and flights the terminals have been overstretched and also have become inadequate.

He maintained that to further consolidate on the status of the airport and to attain the necessary NCAA and ICAO and other international regulatory standards that he has approved the commencement of the construction of the state of the art international terminal.

While commending the contractor for winning the bid Akpabio urged the company to continue with the standard of work it did in the first phase of the airport and put everything on ground to deliver this project within 24 months as agreed.

He warned that his government will not welcome any variation in bid price except if new facilities are to be added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of ALCON Nig. Ltd, Mr. Gianfranco Falcioni assured the governor of his company’s readiness to complete the project on schedule even if it means working day and night thanking the state government for the confidence repose on his company for a second time.

Akwa Ibom Airport International Terminal To Gulp N18.05B


UYO, January 24, (THEWILL) - Akwa Ibom State government and Messrs ALCON Nigeria Limited Monday signed a contract of N18.05 billion for the construction of the international terminal of the Ibom International Airport.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony at the Government House, Uyo, the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio said the ceremony was in line with his administration’s quest to continue the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom state particularly from being a pedestrian state into a destination state.

He said at the advent of his administration in 2007 that he promised the people that it was his commitment to complete the first phase of the airport. Saying that not minding the controversy that surrounded the percentage of work done at the airport when he took over the mantle of leadership of the state, he met and ongoing project and he was determined not to abandon it.

Akpabio disclosed that since the commencement of the inaugural flight on September 23 2009 till date, the statistics available shows that the Ibom airport has been rated as the most industry compliant airport as well as the fastest growing airport in the country since 1960.

According to him, so far a total number of 403, 663 passengers using about 7749 flights in and out of the airports have been recorded in the last two years of operation in the airport.

Akpabio stated that this modest success including the recent international flights that airlifted pilgrims to Israel, Rome and Greece were made possible with the use of the interim terminal building and that considering the number of passengers and flights the terminals have been overstretched and also have become inadequate.

He maintained that to further consolidate on the status of the airport and to attain the necessary NCAA and ICAO and other international regulatory standards that he has approved the commencement of the construction of the state of the art international terminal.

While commending the contractor for winning the bid Akpabio urged the company to continue with the standard of work it did in the first phase of the airport and put everything on ground to deliver this project within 24 months as agreed.

He warned that his government will not welcome any variation in bid price except if new facilities are to be added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of ALCON Nig. Ltd, Mr. Gianfranco Falcioni assured the governor of his company’s readiness to complete the project on schedule even if it means working day and night thanking the state government for the confidence repose on his company for a second time.

Sweet...I will send images as construction progresses.:)

^^ do u live in Akwa Ibom?? ;)

^^ do u live in Akwa Ibom?? ;)

I spend half of the year working in Akwa-Ibom, and half in Lagos.

Model of Proposed International Terminal

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/dnaijaguy/404470_321906247848406_141108252594874_904725_1752699599_n.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYvnyPz-12k

dYvnyPz-12k

I really like this governor along with fashola....there are actually people doing their jobs in naija....infastructure development is one the key areas that should really focused on....we have the governor of delta state having his picture in the newspaper over 50 times because he was celebrating his birthday....fucktard mindset....shows individualism!

Akwa Ibom State Government plans to construct 10,000 housing units in the state before 2015.


Already, the government is constructing 2,000 housing units in each of the three senatorial districts of the state.


Governor Godswill O. Akpabio who stated this Tuesday when the elders of Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area led by Air Vice Marshal Nsikak Eduok (rtd.) paid him a courtesy visit at Governor's Lodge, Uyo said this was to address the housing needs of the people.


Akpabio further stated that the state government has awarded contract worth about N12 billion for the construction of a second taxi way in Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo.


On the Ibaka Industrial City, he hinted that the Federal Government would soon present Free Trade Zone licence to the state government for the commencement of a 25-year Development Plan in the city sitting on 14,000 hectares that will consist of fertilizer plant, refinery, hospital and schools, among other facilities.


The Governor also announced plans by the government to introduce new town planning laws to cope with the developmental challenges of the emerging Uyo metropolis.


Chief Akpabio described the area as a political think-tank of the state and thanked the people for ably supporting his re-election bid in the 2011 governorship elections.


He said in reciprocation of the support, his administration awarded contract for dualisation of Aka-Nung Udoe Road with many appurtenances, assuring that the road would be commissioned by May this year.


The State Chief Executive equally announced the on-going construction of the third Ring Road, three other flyovers and Olympic-sized sports stadium in the state.


On the forthcoming local government elections in the state, the Governor assured them that in line with democratic tenets, they would be allowed to select and elect leaders of their choice, advising them to appeal to their children to refrain from criminal activities.


Earlier, Air Vice Marshall Eduok (rtd.) had commended the Governor for his gigantic development projects in the state particularly the construction of Aka-Nung Udoe Road and assured him of their support and cooperation.


Eduok announced that on March 12, this year, the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, Chief Ita Etuk, formed ''Uyo Ibesikpo-Asutan'' group to formulate the development agenda of the area, while the group met on March 29 and came out with a communiqué.


He attributed rancour, bitterness, robbery, murder and kidnapping in the area to poor leadership, noting ''The leaders are selfish and insensitive to the plights of the people''.


The retired air chief requested the Governor to allow them play a major role in selecting and electing responsible leaders at the grassroots level who will hearken to their yearnings and aspirations, remarking ''If the people are give opportunity to choose their representatives, things would be better''.


The Second Taxiway is underway!

The Second Taxiway is underway!

:lol::lol: :nuts:

I frequent this airport and there is no real taxi-way, I guess the GOV wanted to say a second Runway. Considering the size of this Airport Each Runway should have a standard Taxiway to back it up, but to my surprise even the existing runway has no parallel Taxi way, so Air-crafts Landing use the same runway to taxi back to the terminal.

ya Akwafinaa, thanks for putting it in proper perspective. I think what is being talked about is a taxi-way construction for the airport and not a second one or a second runway.

New Uyo International Airport Terminal

HjgZAW5j7us&list=UU44hqJiIK_HYYflwAkOqAQQ&index=1&feature=plcp

New Uyo International Airport Terminal

HjgZAW5j7us&list=UU44hqJiIK_HYYflwAkOqAQQ&index=1&feature=plcp

Na wa ohh for this Gov. Akpabio, please if I am in a dream do not wake me up. let the show continue...

Akwafinaa, funny enough this is no dream its reality, enjoy reality!

Akwafinaa, funny enough this is no dream its reality, enjoy reality!

Sometimes I am tempted to underestimamate this man, but when I see pictures and videos of what he has done, my respect for him doubles!!!:cheers:

Akpabio Inaugurates Phase II of Ibom International Airport
05 May 2012


Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated construction work on Phase II of the Ibom International Airport, which consists of a second runway/taxiway, apron and new terminal.

The commencement of work on the project is in keeping with his campaign promises and resolute drive to transform the state into a major player in Nigeria and the world.

The immediate-past administration of Obong Victor Attah in the state awarded the airport project Phase I to Dyncorp, which achieved about 18 percent completion of the project before Akpabio came on the saddle. Committed to delivering on his campaign promises, Akpabio re-awarded the runway to Messrs Gitto Nigeria Ltd with a marching order to complete it in 12 months.

Gitto delivered the project in ten months and the airport went into operations and has been running for more than two years.

In furtherance of its political milestones, the Akpabio administration embarked on Phase II of the project to enhance the international status of the airport. In this phase, which involves a 3.4 km runway-taxiway, apron and new terminal, Gitto Nigeria Ltd was awarded the runway/taxiway and apron.

The commencement of the construction work was attended by the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Permanent Secretaries, top functionaries of the state government, the Managing Director of the airport and dignitaries from all walks of life.

Inaugurating the project, Governor Akpabio enjoined the people of the state to take advantage of the development opportunities being thrown up by the programmes of his administration.

Speaking on his infrastructural programmes, Akpabio said: “My vision and mission is to put all major infrastructure for sustainable development of the state in place. This will make it easier for subsequent administrations to build on those solid foundations and sustain the momentum of development for the benefit of the people of Akwa-Ibom towards a greater Nigeria.”

He congratulated Gitto Nigeria Limited for winning the contract and commencing work.

Akpabio commended the company for being a committed and reliable partner in the development of the state, recalling that Gitto constructed the first runway to specification and completed it in record time.

The governor said he was, therefore, not surprised that the company won the contract for the new runway/taxiway and apron.

The project consultant commended the earlier work done by Gitto, stating that when the new runway/taxiway and apron are completed, the airport would have the capacity to receive such aircraft as Airbus 380, which is currently the heaviest aircraft in the aviation industry.

He said he had no iota of doubt that the contractor would maintain its standards of performance and prompt delivery of project.

The Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Etido Inyang, said Gitto was performing very well in Akwa-Ibom because the government was giving it the necessary support, making available to it administrative and technical efficiency of all the departments of government involved in project delivery.

He also spoke of prompt payment for certified works.

Reacting to allegations in some newspaper reports against the quality of work of Gitto Nigeria Limited, the company’s Managing Director, Domenico Gitto, said he would prefer that his works and his clients speak for him as such would be based on verifiable facts.

He promised that if the client kept to the letters and spirit of the contracts awarded and the community provided the company the enabling environment, Gitto would deliver projects within the contracted timeframe.

The airport Managing Director said the project would improve the service delivery capacity of the Ibom International Airport and place it in a better position to contribute its quota in driving the Akwa-Ibom economy towards industrialization and by so doing improve the standard of living of the people.


source (http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/akpabio-inaugurates-phase-ii-of-ibom-international-airport/115180/)

http://www.ibomairport.com.ng/images/ibom%20airport.JPG

Akwa Ibom International Airport is located 40 kilometers from Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State.

Air service is currently provided by Arik Air and Aero Contractors offering access to Lagos and Abuja.

Construction of the airport began in 2006 and had its inaugural flight on September 23, 2009. Scheduled passenger service commenced on December 2, 2009, when Arik Air began offeing flights to Abuja and Lagos.

The airport served over 100,000 passengers in 2010 and over 300,000 passengers in 2011.

ARIK AIR
MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS DEPARTURE

LAGOS
>>
UYO
9:20 AM

UYO
>>
LAGOS
12:40 PM

UYO
>>
ABUJA
11:05 AM

ABUJA
>>
UYO
1:00 PM

SUNDAYS



LAGOS
>>
UYO
12:00 PM

UYO
>>
LAGOS
5:20 PM

UYO
>>
ABUJA
1:50 PM

ABUJA
>>
UYO
3:40 PM

AERO CONTRACTORS


LAGOS
>>
UYO
11:00 AM

UYO
>>
LAGOS
12:45 PM

http://www.ibomairport.com.ng/images/mro_.JPG

https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553296_258927304218427_173354730_a.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/553296_258927304218427_173354730_n.jpg

when will the new international terminal open?

http://i.imgur.com/bw9nncS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UtBQAUd.jpg

3TI Architecture & Engineering Consultants JLT has been engaged in Design for the International Terminal Building, at the Ibom International Airport in Uyo – Nigeria, as design consultant of Alcon Nigeria Ltd, the contractor awarded the D&B Tender. The project consists of the following three sections: • the new international air passengers terminal (1.5 mln pax/year, 750pax/hour peak); • the air side apron, with fixed fittings and equipments; • the land side access road system and car park system. The terminal is composed of 3 levels: Arrivals at the lower level, Departures at the higher level and an interposed technical floor. Both levels have separated entrances and are served by a direct road. The departure level is linked to the land-side with a covered pedestrian bridge that crosses the Arrivals road. The terminal features 4 fingers, for up to 6 appropriate modern aircrafts. There is a connection system for VIP access with a dedicated covered walkway. The terminal is furthermore equiped with halls, lobbies, waiting rooms, offices for staff, check-in areas, areas for police and security services. The land-side area is divided into a parking lot, a green landscaped area with two water fountains and areas for bus and taxi stops. The road network is dedicated to Arrivals Area, Departures Area and bus/taxi Area.

Source (http://europaconcorsi.com/projects/218477-International-Terminal-Building-Ibom-International-Airport-Uyo-Akwa-Ibom-State-NIGERIA/print)

More Renders

http://i.imgur.com/zbTFStk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lM2ec7T.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vWeOcGc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7MPpkYy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/e9oMQAv.jpg

Wow, impressive!!!

It looks fabulous.

Jesu, it actually looks good. Lets hope this is a sign of things to come.

6e6BJJotY24

AKIA Phase 2 - International Terminal Facility

Detailed Engineering Design, Procurement, Construction and Installation of International Terminal Facility at the Akwa Ibom International Airport. Scope includes a world-class Terminal building with annual traffic of 1.5 million pax, Roads and Parking network and a 35,000 sqr. mtr concrete Apron.

source: Facebook Page "Alcon Nigeria Limited"
contractors to the State Govt.

https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-c.ak/hphotos-ak-ash3/12810_299700630142771_1279616945_n.jpg

https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-e.ak/hphotos-ak-prn1/644118_299700650142769_266488389_n.jpg

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https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-c.ak/hphotos-ak-prn1/22123_336077613171739_514104242_n.jpg

Alcon Nigeria Limited "Construction of the National Hanger/Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) facility which will allow for maintenance checks ond overhaul of commercial aircraft up to and including 'D' checks. The Hanger will accommodate two 747-400 aircraft, parked side-by-side, nose-in, fully contained within the building. The hangar clearance, arrangement, and support shops allow flexibility for serviceing a wide range of aricraft both in Africa and abroad." This facility would be the first in West-Africa.

https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-g.ak/hphotos-ak-snc6/p206x206/262146_303786903067477_1685736381_n.jpg

https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-a.ak/hphotos-ak-prn1/65336_303786929734141_258073471_n.jpg

https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-d.ak/hphotos-ak-prn1/156750_303786953067472_1053035025_n.jpg

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https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/sphotos-g.ak/hphotos-ak-snc6/262146_303786903067477_1685736381_n.jpg

AKIA Phase 1B - MRO Hangar

Construction of the National Hanger/Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) facility which will allow for maintenance checks ond overhaul of commercial aircraft up to and including 'D' checks. The Hanger will accommodate two 747-400 aircraft, parked side-by-side, nose-in, fully contained within the building. The hangar clearance, arrangement, and support shops allow flexibility for serviceing a wide range of aricraft both in Africa and abroad.

http://www.alcon-nig.com/images/phocagallery/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_p1050807-640.jpg

http://www.alcon-nig.com/images/phocagallery/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_p1050810-640.jpg

Akwa Ibom State International Airport - AKIA (Phase II)



SCOPE OF WORK:

Construction of main terminal building, APRON, road network, parking and walkways.

NEW INTERNATIONAL AIR PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING (approximately 14.000 sqm)
ACCOMODATE AND OPERATE 5 STANDARD JET WAYS
3 COMPLETE TERMINAL FINGER SYSTEMS
1 TERMINAL DOOR TO BE EQUIPPED FOR VIP PLANES
1 OPTIONAL COMPLETE TERMINAL SYSTEM FOR AIRBUS 380
LAND SIDE
ACCESS ROAD NETWORK (approximately 32.000 sqm.)
CAR PARK SYSTEM (approximately 10.000 sqm.)
TRAFFIC
MAXIMUM AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC: 1.50 Million passengers per year
TYPICAL PEAK HOUR PASSENGERS: 750 passengers
APRON (approximately 35.000 sqm)
NOT INCLUDING RUNWAY CONNECTION TAXIWAYS
AIR-SIDE FIXED FITTINGS AND EQUIPMENT.
CLIENT

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT

Site

UYO

Project Description

Akwa Ibom State International Airport (Phase II)

Scope of Work

Construction of International Terminal Building Phase II (UYO International Airport in Akwa Ibom) [Main Terminal]

Actual Progress

32% - Detailed Design – On going

Total Amount (USD)

$120,368,000

http://www.alcon-nig.com/index.php/under-execution/akiaphaseii

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.299396683506499.69337.296915733754594&type=3

Gov. Akpabio hinted recently in Toronto Canada that the state has plans to start a regional airline whose hub will be in Uyo. To be called Ibom Airline it will link Uyo with Major cities in the Gulf of Guinea and also serve as a cargo hub.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1pDuLgBIxQ

Gov. Akpabio hinted recently in Toronto Canada that the state has plans to start a regional airline whose hub will be in Uyo. To be called Ibom Airline it will link Uyo with Major cities in the Gulf of Guinea and also serve as a cargo hub.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1pDuLgBIxQ

^^ Good!

Tell me, Are You Akwaafina forumer?

^^ Good!

Tell me, Are You Akwaafina forumer?

:)