Ibom Air has moved closer to expanding its fleet after completing the pre-delivery inspection of its third Airbus A220-300 at the manufacturer’s facility in Mirabel, Canada.
The inspection, led by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, alongside state officials and members of the airline’s management team, forms part of the formal acceptance process ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria and subsequent entry into commercial service.
The aircraft is the third A220-300 for Ibom Air and the second aircraft to be delivered under the airline’s firm order for 10 Airbus A220s placed in 2021. Its arrival will further strengthen the carrier’s fleet modernisation programme and increase its capacity for domestic and regional operations.
The delegation was received at the Mirabel facility by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada.
George Uriesi, Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, described the inspection as an important milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy, noting that the carrier was focused on deploying modern aircraft to improve operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort as demand for air travel grows.
He said the A220 remained central to Ibom Air’s network strategy and that the latest aircraft would support the airline’s growth objectives once delivered and cleared for commercial operations.
Governor Eno said the aircraft investment demonstrated the state government’s continued commitment to Ibom Air as a strategic asset and formed part of its broader ambition to position Akwa Ibom as an aviation hub.
He said the increased capacity and connectivity expected from the fleet expansion would create opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and regional economic development.
For Airbus, the latest delivery reinforces its growing partnership with Ibom Air. Chevasson said the A220’s operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance across domestic and regional networks made it well suited to the airline’s fleet modernisation plans.
The A220-300 is designed for the 120-160-seat market and incorporates technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions while providing a more spacious passenger cabin.
Following completion of the remaining delivery procedures, the aircraft will be flown to Nigeria for formal reception in Akwa Ibom before entering commercial service.
The addition will bring Ibom Air’s A220 fleet to three, alongside its existing fleet of Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, further strengthening the airline’s capacity as it expands its network and modernises its operations.
