Ibom Air has taken delivery of its third Airbus A220-300, bringing its total fleet to 10 aircraft as the Nigerian carrier advances its fleet modernisation and network expansion plans.
The aircraft, registered 5N-CDC, was formally handed over to Ibom Air at the Airbus A220 final assembly facility in Mirabel, Canada, following the signing of the Transfer of Title documents by the airline’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi.
The latest delivery represents another step in Ibom Air’s efforts to strengthen operational capacity while improving efficiency, passenger experience and the environmental performance of its fleet.
Speaking after the handover, Uriesi expressed appreciation to the airline’s shareholder, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, for his continued support of the carrier’s expansion programme.
“We are most delighted to receive the third A220-300 into our growing, modern fleet,” Uriesi said, adding that the aircraft would make Ibom Air’s operations “safer, more passenger-friendly, more environmentally responsible, and far more efficient.”
He said the airline would leverage the capabilities of the A220 as it expands its network and strengthens its position in Nigeria and West Africa.
The Head of the Airbus A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Guillaume Chevasson, also congratulated Ibom Air on the delivery and reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the airline’s growth.
He described the A220 as well suited to Ibom Air’s fleet modernisation strategy because of its operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance on domestic and regional routes.
With the arrival of 5N-CDC, Ibom Air now operates seven Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jets, or CRJ900s, and three Airbus A220-300s. The new aircraft also lowers the overall age of the fleet, reinforcing the airline’s position among Nigeria’s carriers with a relatively young and modern fleet.
Ibom Air placed a firm order for 10 A220-300 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in 2021. The latest aircraft is the second A220-300 delivered under that order, following the first factory-new aircraft received in 2023. The airline also acquired another A220-300 outright in 2024.
The growing A220 fleet is expected to give Ibom Air additional flexibility as it develops its domestic and regional network, while the aircraft’s efficiency and passenger-focused design support the carrier’s longer-term strategy.
The delivery comes shortly after Ibom Air completed the pre-delivery inspection of the aircraft in Canada, marking the completion of another stage in the acceptance process.
For the airline, the arrival of 5N-CDC not only increases fleet capacity but also strengthens the foundation for further network growth as it seeks to expand its footprint across Nigeria and West Africa.
