Sokoto — Sokoto is to enjoy a boost in number of flights, as Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria is to commence operations there Monday 28th January, 2013.

At present only Arik Airline flies Sokoto.

Acting Managing Director of the company, Mr Obaro Ibru while in Sokoto on courtesy call to Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko said, "It's important that we extend our reach throughout the country to be truly Nigerian".

Ibru described Aero Contractors as the oldest aviation company in West Africa saying it has been in operations 53 years ago.

He said the company is now 100 percent owned by Nigerians and it has been waxing stronger.

Ibru said the company looks forward to being a catalyst in driving the economy of the state.

In response, Governor Wamakko expressed appreciation to the company for choosing to come to the state at a time the service was needed most.

He called on the airline to include Saturday services in its operations in Sokoto as there are no flights in the state on Saturdays.

Wamakko described Sokoto as the most peaceful state adding that it has potentials for growth.

The governor assured of good partnership with the company.

The Aero Contractors management was also at the sultan's palace where Sultan Abubakar Sa'ad III urged them to ensure they don't compromise on standards and safety.

He described air travel as still the safest but said it should be more affordable.

The Sultan however stressed that operators should not risk standards for affordability but strike a balance between them.