IbomAir: Gov Eno Inspects 3rd Airbus A220-300

Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has disclosed that his vision for the state-owned Ibom Air Group is to ensure that it becomes the leading airline to make the state the best aviation hub as an effective driver of tourism and economic development.

The governor stated this when he led a delegation of State Executives and members of the airline’s management team to a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada, ahead of its formal delivery and reception in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)-signing ceremony, the Governor Eno said, “The inspection of this aircraft reflects the State Government’s commitment to the continued growth of Ibom Air as a strategic asset for Akwa Ibom State.

“This investment aligns with the ARISE Agenda and our vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.

“We look forward to formally receiving this aircraft in Akwa Ibom State and to the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity will create for trade, tourism, investment, and regional development.”

The management of IbomAir expressed excitement at the acquisition of the third A220-300 Airbus saying it would boost the fleets which had earlier launched international operations this year.

The group manager, Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, who conveyed the appreciation to journalists on behalf of the management at the weekend, stated that the governor has concluded the documentations with the manufacturers for the Airbus to be flown to Uyo, the State capital later this month.

She said the inspection marks another milestone in Ibom Air’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy and is part of the acceptance process before the aircraft enters commercial service.

According to her, the delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, head of the A220 Programme and chief executive officer of Airbus Canada, during the inspection, which formed part of the formal acceptance process ahead of the aircraft’s delivery.

At the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)-signing ceremony, the chief executive officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, expressed delight, saying; “this pre-delivery inspection represents an important milestone in our fleet expansion programme and brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft to Nigeria.”

Also speaking on the partnership with Ibom Air, Guillaume Chevasson, head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, said, “We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family. The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernisation, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come.”