Gov. Yusuf Announce Kano State-Owned Airline for Pilots

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced plans to launch a state-owned commercial airline aimed at creating jobs for indigenous pilots.

The governor disclosed the plan during the 40th Kano State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Kano.

At the meeting, Yusuf received several awards, including one from the Kano State Pilot Association for supporting members through their aviation training.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the proposed airline is expected to begin operations within the next year.

Yusuf said the airline would give Kano indigenes who have completed professional pilot training a platform to work in the industry.

“By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline is expected to commence operations within the next one year,” the governor said.

He assured that his administration would provide the support needed for the project’s successful take-off.

Governor Praises Jordan-Trained Pilots

Yusuf also expressed satisfaction with the performance of Kano-sponsored pilots trained in Jordan under a programme started by a previous administration.

He described their achievements as encouraging.

The Jordan training scheme has, over the years, produced several licensed pilots from the state, many of whom are yet to secure roles with commercial carriers.

Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Kano’s aviation sector and ensuring trained pilots get opportunities to contribute to the state’s development.

Pilots’ Association Seeks Further Support

Earlier at the event, the chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended Yusuf for facilitating the revalidation of members’ flying licences.

He described the intervention as a major boost for the pilots’ careers.

Ibrahim appealed to the governor for further assistance in helping members secure their final certifications.

Those certifications would qualify the pilots to operate commercial flights within Nigeria and internationally.

If realised, the proposed Kano Airline would join a small number of state-backed carriers in Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has struggled with high operating costs and frequent airline collapses in recent years.

For now, attention turns to how quickly the Kano State government can move from announcement to operational aircraft within its one-year target.