The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), on Friday, January 10, 2025, commenced the calibration of landing system at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in readiness for commencement of commercial flight operations.
This is coming barely a month after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti airport for a period of six months.
The calibration aircraft that conveyed the NAMA officials touched down on the runway of the airport at exactly 4:13 p.m. on Friday with the exercise commencing immediately.
Calibration, in the air system industry, is a process that allows the safety of air navigation by conducting regular flight inspection, calibration of test equipment systems, and surveillance of airspace system. It is also part of the final stages of ensuring the facility meets global aviation standards for safe and efficient operations.
On hand at the airport to receive the NAMA team were the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd); Ekiti State Commissioners for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun; Tosin Aluko- Ajisafe (Environment); and Kolawole Akobiewe (Transport); as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Yinka Oyebode; among others.
Briefing journalists at the airport, Makinde said the landing of the calibrator aircraft as well as the calibration exercise by NAMA officials was a major step in the final approval for commercial operations at the airport.
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According to him, the exercise was to assess and fine-tune the navigational aids equipment installed at the airport which include, instrument landing systems, communication radios, and other essential equipment required for safe and efficient operations.
Expressing his delight at the progress of the airport, Makinde explained that the airport is fully ready for commercial operation, adding that it can accommodate any type of aircraft.
“What’s happening here today (Friday) is actually a working flight operation; this plane is a calibration plane from NAMA. Basically, what they came for is just to ensure that our systems, especially our navigations, are able to pick any frequency of any aircraft coming to Ekiti and also check out communication systems. The Ekiti Agro Cargo International Airport is fully ready,” Makinde stated.
In his remarks, Olatubosun said with a series of inspections by relevant regulatory aviation agencies, and certifications, the airport is ready for smooth take-off.
Describing the development as a dream come true, Olatubosun said the airport would open new doors for investment, tourism, and economic growth in Ekiti State as well as facilitate business, attract investors, and make life easier for the people.
The NAMA team is billed to depart the airport on Saturday, January 11.
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