FG sets aside N2.9bn for local assembling of aircraft at NCAT

Federal Executive Council ( FEC) has approved N2.29 billion for the assemblage of light aircraft at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in Kaduna State.

The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, disclosed this to journalists after the FEC meeting held in Abuja during the week which was presided over by the Vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

Sirika said today that the renewed demand for the “spin recovery aircraft” necessitated the production of the light aircraft which he said is durable for the training of military and civilian pilots.

He noted that the first set of the assembled aircraft is expected to fly within the last four months of the Buhari regime.

Asked why the government chose Zaria as the assembling base, Sirika said the existing college of aviation provides a ready facility which will save the cost of building another.

He added that situating the plant in Zaria further expands the capacity of NCAT as a Federal Government Agency.

The Minister also revealed that the FEC approved N546.11 million for the procurement and installation of Category IIIC landing system in 15 airports nationwide.

He stated that the installation will begin from the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and the Katsina Airport.

The M   inister explained that the Cat IIIC landing system enables pilots to land in zero-visibility conditions.