You must have heard a lot about Imo Air since it came into existence in 2017. And probably curious about the present state of the Airline. You are in the right place.
There is no much of information on Imo Air. This because the airline is still under construction and yet to begin work activities. But keep reading, you will find all the information that you need and more.
Imo is the first Nigerian state to have its own Airline. Imo Airline was launched on 25 January 2017 and is operated in partnership with Dana Air.
The Airline was set to operate regularly scheduled flights to Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Sokoto as well as other major states in Nigeria.
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Imo Air was to immediately enter into competition with the likes of Arik Air on the flight route between Owerri and Lagos, Owerri and Abuja, etc.
The Imo government said that it was hopeful that the Airline would stimulate interstate trade and also create job opportunities.
Importers and exporters can make use of the airline, thus reducing their earlier reliance on international Airports in Nigeria.
During the then Imo state governor’s Airline launch speech, he said that this is a happy moment for the State.
In his words, The objective of entering the aviation business is to drive traffic to Imo as the state is becoming the fastest developing city, outside Abuja and Lagos.
It is, however, sad that the Airline is still yet to begin operation.
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Imo Air Partnership With Dana Air
When you mention Imo Air, you automatically have to mention Dana Air too. Since Imo Air or Imo Government do not have a license to operate scheduled passenger flights, it was a requirement for the Airline to partner with a licensed one.
And that gave birth to the Imo Airline partnership with Dana Air. The partnership between these two Airlines is about a period of 10 years.
Quoting the Communications Manager for Dana Air, The partnership was borne out of their desire to increase business activities in Imo. It also aims to improve tourism drive, diversify its economy and provide employment opportunities for the state’s citizens.
The Imo/Dana fleet was to consist of five 140 seater Aircraft, with an additional four to be delivered in due course.
Dana Airline is one of Nigeria’s top Airlines with more than 25 scheduled flights being operated between Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Uyo each day.
The airline has flown millions of customers since its official launch. Therefore the Imo State government believe that their partnership is with a respectable airline.
According to the former governor, Rochas, Imo Air needs to partner with a qualified Airline operator. Dana Air was chosen because of its proven track record and sincerity of purpose.
He further added that about 200 indigenes have applied for positions with the new airline. Also the ten per cent discount on flight tickets, automatically awarded to indigenes.
Despite all of these grandiose plans, it remains a shock that in 2020, two years after the launch of the Imo Air, there is still not a single trace of evidence that the Airline exists or can ever exist.
Although there is no trace of the much talk about Imo Air, Dana Air is still very much in business.
Has Imo Air Began Flight Operations?
Imo Air was to begin operation in Nigeria by April 2017. However, this has not been so. There has been a lot of rumour as to the particular state of Imo Air.
Hopefully, they will begin operation, and you can start to book your flight tickets.
Imo State Airport
The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport also Imo State Airport, serves Owerri, the capital city of Imo State. Other cities served by the Airport are Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba, Umuahia and Arochukwu in Abia State.
The Sam Mbakwe airport also serves some parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River State.
Sam Mbakwe Airport is named in honour of a former governor and politician-philanthropist, the late Chief Sam Mbakwe of Imo State.
Although the whereabouts of the Imo Airline is yet to be known, the Imo State Airport is still very much in use by other Airlines.
Lagos To Owerri Flight
Popular Airlines flying from Lagos to Owerri are Air Peace, Dana Airlines and Arik Air. Direct flights from Lagos to Owerri are available.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Owerri From Lagos
The duration of flight trip Lagos to Owerri is about an hour. Some flights may make it in less time while some may make it in more, although the difference will not be much.
What is The Distance From Lagos To Owerri?
The distance from Lagos to Owerri is 447 kilometres, which is about 278 miles.
How Much Is Flight Ticket From Lagos to Owerri
Dana Air Lagos to Owerri | $100/₦36,000 |
Sosa Air Lagos to Owerri | $177/₦63,720 |
The average flight | $109/₦39,240 |
Imo Air Website
The official Imo Air website address is yet be known. However, it’s currently not www.imoAir.com or www.imoAir.com.ng, therefore beware of scam sites that may want to play a fast one.
So while we wait for the Imo airline official launch, please enjoy the comfort and safety that the other airlines provide.
Hopefully one day, you can book your flights with Imo Air and have a pleasant flight experience. I sure hope so!
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