Another Nigerian state has revealed plans for a state-owned airline, this time Kano State, with Governor Abba Yusuf announcing that the proposed Kano Airline is expected to begin operations within the next year to create jobs for locally trained pilots.
Yusuf unveiled the plan during the state's 40th executive council meeting at Government House in Kano after receiving an award from the Kano State Pilot Association recognising his administration's support for pilots completing their aviation training, the newspaper Punch reported.
"By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline will commence operations within the next one year. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure its successful operation," the governor said.
He said the airline would provide employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who had completed professional pilot training, including graduates of a state-sponsored programme in Jordan launched by a previous administration.
The announcement adds Kano to a growing list of Nigerian state governments pursuing airline ventures. According to ch-aviation research, Nigeria currently has five state-backed airlines in operation or under development: Ibom Air (Akwa Ibom), Cally Air (Cross River), Enugu Air (Enugu), Air Bayelsa (Bayelsa), and Ebonyi Air (Ebonyi).
Other states, including Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and Sokoto, have announced ambitions to establish their own carriers or partner with existing operators, while six northeastern states are jointly developing a proposed North-East Air Shuttle regional airline.
