Why We’re Launching 3rd Airbus A220-300 For IbomAir – Gov Eno

Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said his vision for the state-owned Ibom Air Group is to position the airline as a leading carrier and make the state a leading aviation hub, with the sector serving as a major driver of tourism and economic development.

Eno disclosed this when he led a delegation of state executives and members of Ibom Air’s management team to a pre-delivery inspection of the airline’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada.

The inspection was conducted ahead of the formal delivery and reception of the aircraft in Akwa Ibom.

Speaking at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, Eno said the inspection reflected the state government’s commitment to the continued growth of Ibom Air as a strategic asset for Akwa Ibom.

He said the investment was in line with the state’s ARISE Agenda and its vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.

The governor said the state looked forward to formally receiving the aircraft and benefiting from the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity would create for trade, tourism, investment and regional development.

The group manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, described the acquisition of the third Airbus A220-300 as another significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy.

She disclosed that the governor had concluded the necessary documentation with the manufacturer for the aircraft to be flown to Uyo, the state capital, later this month.

According to Essienette, the pre-delivery inspection formed part of the formal acceptance process before the aircraft enters commercial service.

She said the aircraft was Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 and the second A220 to be received under the airline’s firm order for 10 Airbus A220 aircraft placed in 2021.

She added that its addition would further strengthen Ibom Air’s capacity and connectivity while supporting its ambition to operate one of Africa’s most modern fleets.

The delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, during the inspection.

Also speaking, the chief executive officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, described the pre-delivery inspection as an important milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion programme.

He said the development brought Ibom Air one step closer to welcoming the aircraft to Nigeria, adding that the airline remained focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort as demand for air travel continued to grow across its markets.

Uriesi said the Airbus A220 remained ideal for Ibom Air’s network strategy and would support the airline’s expansion and growth objectives.

Chevasson, who spoke on the partnership with Ibom Air, said Airbus was honoured by the airline’s confidence in the A220 family.

He described the A220 as suitable for Ibom Air’s fleet modernisation because of its operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance across domestic and regional networks.

He assured that Airbus would continue to support Ibom Air’s growth as the airline expands its operations.