First International Flight Flew Out Of Asaba Airport Amid Jubilations

A Boeing 737 aircraft belonging to Max Air, one of Nigeria’s leading airline on Thursday landed at the Asaba International Airport, sparking widespread jubilation around the Delta state capital of the readiness of the airport to receive international flights.

BigPen Online learnt that the airplane with code number 5N-MHM landed around 5:22pm and later took off about 6:55pm with Super Eagles team on board.

It was the first time an international aircraft is landing and taking off in the airport which was built by former governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and upgraded by incumbent Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa after it was initially downgraded.

The Super Eagles team have been in Asaba preparing for the Saturday’s clash with the Bafana Bafana football team in a Nation’s Cup qualifier in South Africa.

The flight landed Asaba International Airport  to convey the Super Eagles team that had their training session at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba to South Africa.

BigPen Online recalls that Governor Okowa, by way of motivating the team had on Tuesday promised them $25,000 (N9.13 million) for every goal scored in their game against South Africa on Saturday.

The aircraft pilot, Captain Yahaya Pam, after landing told newsmen who laid siege at the airport that the facilities were among the best in the country and of international standard.

“The Asaba Airport runway was among the top three in the country, “, Pam said,  adding “it is very smooth, good and long in line with international standards”. He said that the ramp was of top notch.

He commended the state government for the facilities at the airport.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who was at the airport to see the Super Eagles team off as they travel to South Africa for the qualifier match, described the event as a dream come true and a major feat in the fulfillment of his SMART agenda of government.

Okowa who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, explained that the recent upgrade of the airport especially the improvement on the runway has made this effort possible, stressing that a provisional approval was given to the airport to airlift the team to South Africa for their match against Bafana Bafana.

Meanwhile, Asagba of Asaba who was excited about the development had delegated a group of palace chiefs to the airport.

Obi Ngozi Kowea, who led the delegation from the Asagba of Asaba palace, said that with the successful landing and subsequent take-off of the first international flight, critics of Governor Okowa has been proved wrong, and gave the assurance that the Asaba people were fully behind him in next year’s election and throughout his tenure in office.

State Information Commissioner, Patrick Ukah and the Director of the Asaba Airport Project, Mr. Austin Ayemidejor who spoke separately, said that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA has upgraded the Asaba airport to category six.