Cally Air said it has conducted its maiden commercial flight from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with a B737-300. Cally Air is the state-owned airline of Cross River State in South Eastern Nigeria, promoted by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State.
Governor Ayade expressed excitement over the actualization of Cally Air dream which started in 2016 without borrowing by the government.
“This is the beginning of Cross River state’s emancipation and complete decoupling from dependence on the federal government. My strong conviction is that Cally Air is the beginning of the privatization process of actually creating a private sector that never existed before. It is also the beginning of creating an alternative economy that never existed in Cross River state,” Gov. Ayade said.
“Cally Air reality is a strong message to sub-nationals that they can become fully independent. Cally Air is going to increase passenger traffic to Cross River state and the Obudu international airport which will start operation in December, 2021.”
Governor Ayade further stated: “Let the people know today that anything your mind conceives can be achieved. Cally Air will also be flying Obudu and Obudu cattle ranch will have its huge traffic.”
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State is living his dream of Cally Air as airline for Cross River Sate
The governor urged aviation stakeholders to prioritize safety and punctuality, while adding that the airline’s involvement in the Nigeria’s aviation industry would improve industry standards for other aviators to follow.