|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Turkish Airlines made a maiden flight to the Port Harcourt International Airport Tuesday, with the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, saying that the commencement of the airline’s operations there would lead to greater economic development for the state.
Wike said at a ceremony marking the maiden flight that the Rivers State Government was ready to partner with Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for more airlines to operate international flights from the state.
“We are happy that Turkish Airlines is now operating from the Port Harcourt International Airport. This will positively impact the economy of the State. Outside Lagos and Abuja, Port Harcourt International Airport should be the next destination for international flights and other business opportunities,” he declared.
He said the State government was willing to partner with key stakeholders to ensure that more airlines operated from the state.
Wike said Rivers State had great economic opportunities that would be beneficial to investors, noting that the economy of the state could sustain itself.
Wike reiterated his approval for the dualisation of the
road leading to the Port Harcourt In Airport, disclosing that engineers from the State Ministry of Works took road measurements on Tuesday.
Senior Vice President of Turkish Airlines, Karem Sarp, said that the Port Harcourt route was the 324 destination of the Airline in 124 countries, and the 57th in Africa.
He said that the Port Harcourt route links India, United States, China, and other important global destinations.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Group Captain Usman Sadiq, said that the Port Harcourt International Airport deserved more flights, and promised that FAAN would continue to work towards more flights for the state.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Turkey, Audu Paragalda said the new destination would improve relations between Turkey and Nigeria.
The General Manager of Turkish Airlines Lagos/Port Harcourt, Yunus Ozbek, thanked the Rivers State Government and FAAN for creating the opportunity for the airline to operate from Port Harcourt. He assured that the Airlines would live up to the expectations of the people.
Ignatius Chukwu
