MaxAir Flags Off Maiden Flight Operations To Birnin-Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government and Max Airline have flagged off domestic air services to the State, in the operation of the pact, signed by both parties.

The Media Aide to the Kebbi State Governor, Yahaya Sarki told insidebusinessNG that the first flight touched down at Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi at 11:07 pm on Thursday with passengers and officials of MaxAirline.

Kebbi State Deputy Governor, retired Colonel Samaila Yombe Dabai, who led the reception which comprised of top government functionaries, launched the beginning of flight operations to the state by Max airline on behalf of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Colonel Samaila Yombe Dabai, the Deputy Governor, was excited with confidence, said that Kebbi State has one of the best aviation facilities in the world.

He said that Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi has been fitted with the best navigational aids and runway.

In addition, the governor also ensured that all equipment and facilities were duly maintained as at when due, in order to provide comfortable and safe air travel of passengers.

The Deputy Governor acknowledged that MaxAir possessed the best equipment and aircraft as well as a highly trained crew for smooth operations.

He directed MaxAir to keep always to time and prayed the Almighty God for success and safety.

The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Abubakar Chika Ladan, while welcoming the Airline to Kebbi said the Airline would provide air services three times a week, with the prospect of future expansion.

“We admonish you to always keep to time and follow all professional safety measures. On our part, the Kebbi State Government would provide MaxAir with all the support required in consonance with the MOU,” he said.

The Commissioner recalled that negotiations with the company started in 2019 but were suspended midway until Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu ordered the resumption of talks with the airline which paved the way for the signing of the MOU between the administration and MaxAir.

In his response, the son of the Executive Chairman of the company, who represented his father, Dikko Mangal, thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for giving them an opportunity to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state through air services.

Mangal was similarly appreciative of the reception accorded them at the airport which was led by the Deputy Governor of the State.

He said MaxAirline has expanded its domestic services to include Kano, Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri, Yola and now Kebbi as it continues to experience growth.

Te MaxAirline executive official was glad about the kickoff of the MOU, saying that they were in the state a month ago to kick-start negotiations.

The Pilot of the plane, Captain Usman Saleh also added that MaxAirline has recognised Kebbi State as viable and lucrative tourism hot-bed, citing the Argungu international fishing and cultural festival which has continued to gather people from different parts of the world.

The captain informed the gathering that he has been a professional pilot for 36 years and would bow out in few weeks but commended Kebbi State for accepting to engage the services of Maxairline.

According to him, the airline has been known for punctuality and safety, expressing hope that the friendship and relationship with the State would blossom.

The State Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Acting Head of Service, Safayanu Garba Bena, Majority Leader Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Faruk Aliyu Nassarawa, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, Accountant General and the State Surveyor General among others.