Cally Air expands fleet amid rising travel

The Cross River State Government has commended Cally Air for plans to expand its fleet by delivering a new CRJ aircraft this September.

The expansion is part of a phased fleet renewal programme expected to continue into early 2027, with the additional aircraft expected to increase the airline’s capacity and improve air connectivity within the region.

The Commissioner for Aviation, Cross River State, Capt. Inah Utum (retd.), stated this in a statement on the airline’s expansion plan.

The aircraft, with registration number 5N-CRF, is expected to provide additional capacity and greater flexibility across Cally Air’s network, including increased flight frequencies where required.

Cally Air currently operates three aircraft, with the new addition expected to strengthen its domestic operations amid growing demand for air travel in Nigeria.

Utum said the expansion would have broader implications for economic activities across the region.

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“The expansion reflects the continued development of air connectivity within the region. Increased capacity can support movement between communities and create additional opportunities for trade, tourism and investment,” the commissioner said.

Cally Air’s flight operations are managed by ValueJet, which will support the airline during the aircraft induction process and subsequent expansion of its operations.

The Managing Director of ValueJet, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, said the phased approach would ensure that each aircraft was properly integrated into the airline’s operations.

“The phased addition of the aircraft allows each one to be properly integrated into the operation before the next is introduced. Our focus is on ensuring the process is carried out safely and efficiently while supporting Cally Air’s operational requirements,” he said.

The phased expansion is expected to enable the airline to gradually increase its capacity while maintaining operational and safety standards during the integration process.

The airline said the additional capacity would support its existing domestic network and provide a platform for future growth, including possible expansion into the West African region.

Princess Etuk is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience covering national development and the economy. She focuses on public policy, infrastructure, agriculture, and related sectors, producing insightful features and exclusive reports. Princess’s work reflects a strong commitment to accountability journalism, sectoral development reporting, and informed public dialogue.