The Cross River State Government has announced plans to expand the fleet of its state-owned airline, Cally Air, with the addition of a new CRJ aircraft as part of efforts to strengthen air connectivity and support economic activities in the state.
The new aircraft, with registration number 5N-CRF, is expected to be delivered in September 2026 as part of a phased fleet expansion programme that is expected to continue into early 2027.
The development was disclosed by the Cross River State Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Inah Eno Utum (retd.), who said the expansion would provide additional capacity and greater flexibility for the airline's operations.
According to the commissioner, increased capacity could strengthen movement within the region while creating additional opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.
Cally Air currently operates three aircraft, with the additional aircraft expected to support increased flight frequencies and provide greater flexibility across its domestic network.
The airline's flight operations are managed by ValueJet, which will oversee the induction of the new aircraft and support the expansion programme.
ValueJet Managing Director, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, said the aircraft would be introduced through a phased process to ensure proper integration, operational efficiency and compliance with aviation safety standards.
The latest development adds to Cross River's efforts to build its aviation capacity and improve connectivity to Calabar and other destinations.
The expansion also comes as several Nigerian states continue to invest in state-backed airlines. Akwa Ibom operates Ibom Air, while Enugu and Ogun states have also entered the state-owned airline space with Enugu Air and Gateway Air respectively.
For Cross River, increased Cally Air capacity could provide additional support for the state's tourism and commercial activities by making air travel more flexible, particularly during periods of increased passenger demand.
The state government has previously indicated plans to further expand Cally Air's fleet. In August 2025, two additional CRJ 1000 aircraft were inaugurated for the airline, with the government stating that it intended to increase the fleet further.
The latest aircraft addition is therefore part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at strengthening Cally Air's domestic operations and potentially creating a platform for future expansion into the West African region.
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