Overland Airways, Nigeria’s leading commuter airline, has launched its City Ticketing Office in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The office, which is located at SBG House, along Barde Way was commissioned by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Rebo Usman.
Commissioner of Works, Dr. Tafarki Eneme Agbadu and Galadima of Muri, District Head of Jalingo, Alhaji Lamido Abba Tukur, presented goodwill messages on behalf of stakeholders and the community respectively.
The Executive Director, Overland Airways, Mrs. Aduke Atiba gave the closing remarks.
The City Ticketing Office essentially will provide easy access for the purchase of Overland Airways tickets and for other enquiries.
The airline operates thrice-weekly flights (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) between Abuja and Jalingo.
With the launch of this City Ticketing Office, the people of Zing, Jalingo, etc. can easily avail themselves of Overland Airways’ services without necessarily travelling to the airport.
To date, Overland Airways is Nigeria’s most consistent longest serving airline providing uninterrupted flights and opening up Nigeria’s remote economies over the last 13 years.
Overland Airways is also the only airline in Nigeria older than 6 years that is not taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) because of debt burden.
With a robust economic base, Overland Airways assures Jalingo and Taraba residents and visitors of reliable, safe and comfortable air services, now brought closer home by the establishment of the City Ticketing Office in Jalingo.
According to Capt. Edward Boyo, the Managing Director of Overland Airways: “We commend the government and people of Taraba State for embracing air transport as a key driver of Taraba State’s economic development. This service is for Taraba people. And the present government of Darius Ishaku will be remembered today and by posterity because Overland Airways is here to stay.
“Development takes such deliberate plans and efforts to be achieved. At a time Nigeria’s economy needs pragmatic diversification from over-dependence on crude oil, States are now required to look inwards to transform their numerous resources. Taraba State is in the frontline of regions to change the trend in Nigeria. Overland Airways is committed to partner in the realization of the economic, social, cultural and other potentials of Taraba State, even in harsh economic conditions as we have seen in the past weeks and months”, he added.
Overland Airways launched the first-ever scheduled commercial airline flights to Jalingo airport last December, thus opening the State to unprecedented economic development in tourism, agribusiness, small- and medium-scale industries, etc. Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State had expressed delight at the launch of flights to Jalingo which provides a strong boost to economic development efforts in Taraba State. The launch of the Jalingo City Ticketing Office adds new excitement to the service.
According to Mrs. Aanu Benson, Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways: “We want to get closer to the people and identify with their needs. We want to let them see how air transport can improve their business and economic lives as Overland Airways provides them with safe, comfortable, consistent, reliable and unique air services. The launch of this City Ticketing Office in Jalingo today adds a huge value to Jalingo and Taraba State.
“As a partner in economic development, Overland Airways is committed to opening up Nigeria’s hinterland economies because we have the best aircraft – the turboprops – for the short flights into Nigeria’s hinterland economies which many Nigerian flyers are excited about.”
Taraba State is located in the tropical belt with a vast geographic area featuring alluring mountains, hills, mineral deposits and high-yield arable land. With air connectivity, these potentials could more easily be accessed and exploited for the benefit of the State and its citizenry.
Overland Airways is renowned for launching first-ever flights to several Nigerian secondary airports such as Asaba, Dutse, Katsina and Minna, which has effectively created an extensive web of economic development in these regions and their environs.
By: Sade Williams