Nigeria’s Cally Air Set to Resume Operations Amid Calabar Festival Surge

Nigeria’s Cally Air, a virtual carrier based in Cross River state, is poised to recommence operations on November 30, according to the state government. The decision to reactivate Cally Air comes in anticipation of increased passenger demand during the upcoming Calabar Festival period, as stated by Eno Utum Inah, Cross River’s commissioner for aviation.

Cally Air, a joint venture between the state government and Aero Contractors, faced a setback earlier this year when municipal support was withdrawn amid a dispute over outstanding service fees amounting to NGN900 million (USD1.2 million). Despite the temporary hiatus, Aero Contractors continued to utilize aircraft featuring Cally Air’s livery for its own services. Aero Contractors, known for its diverse aviation services, operates fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, along with an MRO business.

The commissioner highlighted that resuming Cally Air flights would address a sudden capacity vacuum created by the reported suspension of flights by Ibom Air. However, Ibom Air promptly denied any suspension of operations, dismissing such claims as an “underhanded business strategy.”

It’s worth noting that earlier this month, a Cally Air liveried B737-300, operated by Aero Contractors, skidded off the runway after landing at Abuja. The aircraft, registered as 5N-BYQ with manufacturer serial number 30334, is one of two -300s operated by Aero on behalf of Cally Air.

ch-aviation has reached out to Aero Contractors for further comment on the situation.