Cally Air has taken a major leap forward with the addition of two Bombardier CRJ 1000 jets—bringing its fleet strength to four—at a commissioning event held earlier this week at Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar. Vice President Kashim Shettima officiated the launch on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Bassey Otu confirmed that Cally Air isn’t stopping there: three more planes will be added in the near future, raising the fleet to seven. He explained that the airline is a critical part of the state’s strategy to drive tourism, infrastructure, and economic diversification.
Shettima praised Governor Otu’s bold vision during the inauguration, calling the expansion “a clear example of what strong subnational leadership looks like.” He emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the federal “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aiming to upscale regional connectivity and independence.
Launched in 2021 under Governor Benedict Ayade, Cally Air currently operates two Boeing 737‑300s and now two CRJ 1000s. Management is being handled by Aero Contractors and ValueJet as the airline awaits its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
Governor Otu tied the aviation push to his broader economic development model—merging the tourism engine started by Donald Duke, rural development from Liyel Imoke, and industrialization under Ben Ayade. The aim? Build an economy less reliant on federal allocations.
With the boosted fleet, Cross River is positioning Cally Air to serve not just domestic routes but also become a leading regional aviation hub for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. Observers expect the move to enhance intra-African travel and catalyze business growth.
With Ibom Air thriving and Cally Air now scaling rapidly, enthusiasts hope that other states like Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa could follow suit. A trend of state-run airlines could unlock jobs, strengthen regional economies, and fortify domestic aviation.
