The Manager, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Dr Nkechi Ihekwaba has called on investors, airline operators and individuals to take advantage of the fast growing airport to invest as its active apron accommodates four B737 800 series while the extended apron accommodates ten small bodied aircraft at a time with category 7 Aerodrome Fire Fighting Services.
Presenting a paper on ‘Investment Potential of the Airport’ at the just concluded Aviation Business Summit and Expo 2024 in Lagos, Dr Ihekwaba disclosed that the first community airport in the country was able to record a minimum of 62, 000 passenger movements (both arrival and departure) monthly during peak period and a minimum of 39,000 passenger movements (both arrival and departure) monthly during off peak period.
Describing the airport as a viable Airport attracting traffic, she added how Imo state and its neighboring communities have really benefitted from the Airport.
While saying how Imo state is blessed with natural solid , Liquid and gaseous mineral resources as well as agro based raw materials needed for industrial processing, the general manager declared that the airport has the potential for passenger growth with available statistics.
She remarked that the terminal building with the capacity of 1200, during peak period records 2000 with General Aviation Terminal
She revealed that the maintenance culture in SMICA has improved to 98 percent since she took over the running of the airport.
According to Ihekwaba, four airlines Air Peace Airline, United Nigeria Airline, Green African Airways and Dana Airways Airline (currently suspended for operations ) Aero Contractors are currently operating to the airport covering, Owerri -Abuja -Owerri and Owerri –Lagos-Owerri on daily basis, while it records over 37 aircraft movement during political movement
She noted that in 2015, the former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the upgrade of the Airport to an international Cargo Airport, on strict compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation Requirements.
This led to the construction of a Cargo terminal with warehouse facilities in the Airport.
Her words: “I ensure all critical facilities are maintained as of when due for seamless operation and utmost efficiency. SMICA has recorded a good security network for safe airport operations through my cordial relationship with all the security agencies , host community chiefs and youth leaders and state government.
“I ensured that our airport is customer friendly by encouraging team work , good communication and synergy with SMICA Heads of Departments, Airlines and all stakeholders. This enabled the Airport to record zero incidents and accidents since my resumption”
Ihekwaba said all abandoned projects in the airport are being followed up to ensure contactors are back on site.
Speakinh on the Airfield lighting installation project sponsored by the state government, she said the project has been completed, a job completion report submitted to FAAN by the contractor, inspected by the NCAA team on the directives of the Governor of Imo State and awaits NCAA further directives before it can be put to use”
According to the SMICA manager, the airport’s strategic location in Imo State, after the activation of this cargo terminal, goods and services, will be supplied to nearly 50 million people in the neighboring markets and major commercial hubs within the SS and SE zones in Nigeria.
She said since inception, the airport has recorded to be one of fastest growing and ever busy domestic Airports in the country and was built by the communal efforts of the people of the old Imo State now known as Imo, Abia and Ebonyi State.
The airport won the “All Nigeria Airport Manager Business Forum Contest” at the Airport Business Summit and Expo 2024 held recently in Lagos.
