The Commissioner for Aviation in Cross River State, Capt. Imah Utum (Rtd), says state-owned airline Cally Air is preparing to resume operations with improved standards aimed at making it the preferred choice for travellers.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Utum said the relaunch would be based on a new operational foundation aligned with international best practices.
“We are not launching just to be another airline in the Nigerian airspace. We are launching on a new foundation that will see us operate with international best practice,” he said.
He recalled that the state’s aviation venture began in October 2019 when then governor Ben Ayade acquired two Boeing 737-300 aircraft, which were managed by federal contractors. The current administration, he said, decided to restructure the airline, opting for two CRJ-1000 aircraft that will be unveiled soon.
Utum explained that the state has applied to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for an Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC), and has already secured security clearance from the Department of State Services (DSS).
On reports that the state owes Aero Contractors ₦900 million, the commissioner dismissed the claim as “unfounded,” adding that records show Aero Contractors once owed the state instead.
He noted that the airline’s existing aircraft remain operational, with one recently repaired after an engine replacement. “Since November 27, when it flew into Calabar and was received by the governor at the Magnitogor International Airport, it has been in service,” he said.
Utum disclosed that the two new aircraft cost $32.5 million and will be managed privately. “Cross River State is not planning to manage the aircraft by ourselves. It’s a purely private company and will be run as such,” he added.
