Some Air Peace passengers on Monday, described the Makurdi route flights by the airline as a welcome development that would boost socio-economic activities of Benue.
Some of them who spoke to TBI Africa after the inaugural flight on Monday, urged other airlines to follow suit.
Mr David Mojekwu, an engineer, based in the UK, said that the airline would attract more indigenes to invest in the state.
Mojekwu said: This is the first local flight l have boarded since l came back from Nigeria and it’s impressive.
” It’s a welcome development for the state after so many years. I hope our people will make use of this opportunity and support the organisation.
” I paid N29,000 for ticket from Abuja to Makurdi and personally to me, it’s very cheap. I hope this will be sustained,” he said.
He said that this was part of Air Peace efforts to spread its services across major states in the country.
Mr Alistair Oduah, Special Assistant to the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume, said the newly inaugurated flight to Makurdi would also impart positively on other neighbouring states.
Oduah said flights to Makurdi had been a long awaited project in the state, adding that this would also fast track economic development to communities of the state.
According to him, Benue, is a central state for states like Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa and others.
” This will fast track effective and efficient goods amd services to neighboring states.
” It’s a good initiative that everybody must embrace and laud. We hope subsequent governments will be able to sustain the gesture, ” he said.
The minister’s assistant, appealed to Air Peace to be considerate in their ticket fares to attract more patronage.
He said that with the Air Peace flight running thrice a week, it would bring development and investments to the state.
Mrs Lami Adamu, a Civil Servant, said with the airline operating three frequencies weekly from Lagos and Abuja, it would encourage indigenes to visit home regularly.
She said that Air Peace flights into Makurdi would create unity among people of diverse groups, promoting culture and strengthening values.
She, however, expressed satisfaction at the high level of service delivery by the crew members of the airline, adding that this would save passengers from the rigors of going through roads.
According to her, the aircraft is clean, modern and comfortable. The cabin crew members are also courteous and welcoming.
” I enjoy the lovely reception alongside the in-flight entertainment which is awesome and can be compared to that of any star airline.
Air Peace on Dec. 7, commissioned it’s first flight from Lagos-Makurdi-Abuja
