Ibom Air has proudly presented its second Airbus A220-300 aircraft to its shareholders, including Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The aircraft, which arrived in Nigeria via Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on August 10, 2024, was formally received by the Akwa Ibom State Government at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on August 20, 2024.
This new acquisition aligns with Ibom Air’s strategic vision to rapidly increase its capacity and expand its route network. The Airbus A220-300, known for its fuel efficiency, environmental sustainability, and passenger comfort, will enable the airline to increase flight frequencies on existing routes and explore new destinations.
In his welcome address, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, Chairman of Ibom Air, commended the resilience and determination of the airline’s management and acknowledged the strong support from the state government. He emphasized the significance of this addition to Ibom Air’s fleet, particularly in enhancing the airline’s ability to meet the growing demand for air travel.
Governor Umo Eno expressed his excitement about the continued development of Ibom Air, highlighting that the arrival of the second Airbus A220-300 underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to advancing its aviation sector. He stated, “This addition aligns with our strategic vision for Ibom Air and supports the economic growth and development of Akwa Ibom State by enhancing air travel and connectivity, creating job opportunities, and boosting tourism.”
Ibom Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Mfon Udom, also spoke on the importance of the new aircraft, noting that it would significantly boost the airline’s capacity. He expressed gratitude to Nigerian financial institutions, particularly Fidelity Bank and Union Bank, for their continued partnership with Ibom Air. Udom reassured customers of the airline’s commitment to delivering remarkable improvements, especially in light of recent flight disruptions.
Representing the consortium of financiers, Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director of Fidelity Bank, shared the bank’s enthusiasm for partnering with Ibom Air and supporting the growth of Akwa Ibom State.
The newly acquired Airbus A220-300 was obtained from Carlyle Aviation, adding to the nine remaining aircraft scheduled for delivery in the coming years. The first A220-300 in Ibom Air’s fleet, delivered in November 2023, has already demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of comfort, safety, and operational efficiency.