New Airbus A220-300 Strengthens Ibom Air’s Position Among Nigeria’s Leading Airlines — Gov Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the addition of a brand-new Airbus A220-300 to Ibom Air’s fleet as a major milestone that strengthens the airline’s position among Nigeria’s leading carriers.

Eno spoke during a reception and water-cannon ceremony at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to formally welcome the aircraft into the airline’s fleet.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of activities for the inauguration and commissioning of 39 projects across Akwa Ibom State as part of events commemorating the state’s anniversary.

The governor said the acquisition of the Airbus A220-300 represented another significant step in the growth of Ibom Air and the broader development of the state’s aviation sector.

According to him, an efficient and reliable air transport network is essential to boosting tourism, attracting investment and improving connectivity between Akwa Ibom, other parts of Nigeria and international destinations.

Eno commended previous administrations for laying the foundation for the state’s aviation development, saying Ibom Air’s progress reflected years of sustained commitment, continuity and strategic investment.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the designation of Victor Attah International Airport as an international airport.

The governor said the development would enhance Akwa Ibom’s connectivity with other parts of Nigeria and the international community while supporting the state’s ambition to become a major tourism and investment destination in the South-South region and West Africa.

Performing the ceremonial tape-cutting to formally receive the aircraft, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Eno as an invaluable asset to Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio commended the governor for what he described as significant development strides recorded by his administration, adding that the arrival of the new aircraft represented another milestone for the state.

The Senate President, who attended the ceremony alongside members of the National Assembly, reaffirmed his commitment to the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom.

Also speaking, Chairman of Ibom Air, Capt. Mfon Udom, praised Eno for his administration’s commitment to the growth of the airline and for supporting efforts to secure financing for the acquisition of the aircraft.

Udom said the governor’s decision to personally lead the state delegation to receive the aircraft demonstrated the government’s continued commitment to the sustainability and expansion of Ibom Air.

He disclosed that the additional aircraft would help strengthen the airline’s operations, with plans to operate three flights daily throughout the week.

The Ibom Air chairman also announced plans to expand the carrier’s regional network, including the proposed resumption of flights from Uyo to Douala in Cameroon and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea, as well as the introduction of another regional destination.

According to him, the expansion would improve connectivity between Akwa Ibom and destinations across West and Central Africa while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

In separate goodwill messages, Director-General of Campaigns, Amb. Assam Assam, and the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, commended Eno for what they described as his commitment to delivering on promises made to the people of Akwa Ibom.

They said the arrival of the Airbus A220-300 demonstrated the administration’s determination to sustain projects and initiatives capable of stimulating economic growth and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, business and investment.

The ceremony attracted government officials, members of the National and Akwa Ibom State Houses of Assembly, traditional rulers, aviation industry stakeholders, representatives of financial institutions and other invited guests.