By Deborah Nnamdi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday, inaugurated Xejet’s state-of-the-art Flight Support and Engineering Hub at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, valued at $10 million.
He said that while the government may not have all the money to give to the private sector, it would create an enabling environment and the right policies to support this type of growth and development.
Keyamo emphasized that the current administration would support the growth and development of local operators.
His words: “This is a huge achievement; the concept alone, getting the backing and bringing it to fruition like this, to start work, with one of the best construction companies we have, is a dream come true. Let me say that we have also attracted similar projects to the part of the airport you’re seeing.
“Xejet, we will be here with you throughout, from the beginning to the end. Our technical team will be here, and the MD FAAN will put the engineering team together to ensure that they support you and that you comply with all regulations. The DG NCAA, too, will do the same to ensure that what we have here will be world-class.”
On his part, Xejet CEO Emmanuel Iza said that the facility represents the company’s pledge to elevate aviation services in Nigeria to global standards.
According to him, “Through cutting-edge technology, superior engineering, and unparalleled flight support, Xejet seeks to not only improve operational efficiencies but deliver an exclusive experience that sets us apart in the industry.”
Speaking of the cost implications, he said the project is in two phases.“The first phase is to prepare the ground, to create the taxiway that is going to connect the runway to our facility and the apron. That’s roughly more than $5 million. And we are expecting to put the structure of equal amount on top of it there.”
