By Stephen Osu
Jalingo
Overland Airways Nigeria limited has introduced the ATR-72 aircraft on the Abuja-Jalingo route thereby increasing capacity on the route it previously serviced with an ATR-42 aircraft. The ATR-72 aircraft sits 70 passengers while the ATR-42 sits 48 passengers, the airline is about to introduce cargo services to Jalingo airport.
The introduction of the bigger ATR-72 aircraft is in response to the increasing demand for Overland Airways services on the route. This is also in line with the determination of Overland Airways to support the realisation of the potentials in the fast-growing Taraba state economy.
A press statement from the airline states that besides passenger services, Overland Airways plans to
extend and enhance its cargo services to Jalingo. Already, Overland Airways cargo network is being expanded to cover Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Ilorin and Akure.
According to the statement, Capt. Edward Boyo, CEO of Overland Airways, says: “Jalingo and Taraba State are blessed with huge economic potentials.
It is vital to support the realization of their potentials that are waiting to be harnessed. We appreciate working in partnership with the government and people of Taraba State to make Taraba a destination of choice in Nigeria.”
Also in the statement, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mrs. Anu Benson of Overland Airways, says: “We are pleased to keep up our commitment to be one of the drivers of the Taraba state economy. That is why we have added capacity with the ATR-72 on the Abuja-Jalingo route. It does not end there. We look to increasing to daily flights on the route; and that is what we commit to doing for air travelers on all our routes for the ultimate benefit of the Nigerian economy.
“When Overland launched Jalingo-Abuja flights December 2015, they had the confidence and anticipated this increase in capacity. Our ATR-42 was a perfect fit for that launch and provided superior economics, safety and comfort on that sector. And now, the ATR-72 has taken the excellence further to the next level. We are partners providing economic support to accelerate the economic development of Taraba state,” the operations officer added.
Residents and other travelers to Taraba welcomed Overland Airways services to Jalingo with excitement, and have continued to show strengthening partnership with the organisation. The introduction of the ATR-42 will provide increased opportunity for quick travel on the Jalingo-Abuja route.
