Africa: El Rufai, Sirika, Aviation Chiefs, stakeholders welcome Ethiopian Airlines flight into Kaduna

By FRIDAY NWOSU -It was fanfare at the Kaduna Airport, Tuesday as the Governor of State Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Aviation Chiefs and other stakeholders in the industry officially welcomed the commencement of Ethiopian airlines’ operation into the state.
The airlines touched down at the airport about 12noon to the admiration of jubilant air travellers who hitherto had travel to Abuja to board a flight on the carrier to other destinations.
The governor who was on ground to welcome the Chief Commercial Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Busera Awel to Kaduna Airport urged employees of the state to fly with the Africa’s leading carrier.
Speaking at the airport El Rufai noted that Ethiopian airlines was the only carrier that stood with the country during the rehabilitation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
He said: “Every staff of Kaduna State must travel with Ethiopian Airlines as their partners. The closure of Abuja Airport opened our eyes.”
“Ethiopian Airlines showed courage and stood with us when everyone abandoned us as African brothers. We will stand with them too.”
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who was also on ground said out of 5 states that have showed interest in having Ethiopian airlines operate into the state only Kaduna is ready. The minister said they are opening up the Aviation space to grow the economy.
The Ethiopian airlines’ flight arrived the airport with Captain Erbenlioglu Recep with other nine crew members on board.
Stakeholders on ground to receive the airline include the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, General Manager ET, Mr Solomon Begashaw and heads of parastatals in the sector.
ATQ News