Asaba airport gets ILS, AGLS certification
- Targets international flights
Asaba Airport in Delta State has upgraded its devices and has disclosed plans to target international flight operations with the successful verification of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the facility.
The Trumpet recalled that the airport was downgraded to a category three facility by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in February 2015. But on assumption of office, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, embarked on massive rehabilitation of the runway, taxiway and other ancillary works.
Okowa completed the perimeter fencing and evacuated the hill besides the airport for provision of hitch-free zone for the runway, as required by the regulatory authority.
Upon completion of the ILC and Airfield Ground Lighting System (AGLS) to enable the airport to airport to handle night operations, it was fitted with a medical centre, while the formally unserviceable Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS) and the low (LLWSAS) were fixed. Consequently, the facility was upgraded to category six, which would enable it to handle large aircraft and operate international flights.
Managing Director of the Asaba Airport Company, Christopher Penninck, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the ILC verification process was successful, adding that the Nigeria Aviation Management Authority (NAMA) would formally carry out the certification following the successful verification.
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Corroborating the Managing Director, Aniagwu disclosed that the assurance of safety and attractive routes have continued to attract new airlines to the airport, which was earlier concessioned to first investment.
He explained that the airport now ranked above its counterparts in the country with better traffic and greater number of navigation facilities, adding: “We look forward to the real intention of upgrading the airport to an international hub for the South-South, other states of the country and beyond.
