AKITA Announces Construction of New Rig

CALGARY, ALBERTA, April 27, 2006 –AKITA Drilling Ltd. announced today that it has reached substantial completion on the construction of a new drilling rig which has been custom designed for use in northern applications. The total planned cost for the rig is $13.2 Million. AKITA anticipates that this rig will be operated under one of its existing joint ventures and that the Company will maintain a 50% ownership position once operations commence. AKITA is currently in negotiations with a senior oil and gas producer for a term contract for this rig.

AKITA is an Alberta company engaged in the contract drilling business. AKITA's Class A Non-Voting Shares and Class B Common Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "AKT.NV.A." and "AKT.B"; respectively.

For further information please contact Murray Roth, Vice President of Finance,
(403)292-7950. Web site: http://www.akita-drilling.com