IbomAir Signs Ownership Transfer Deal, Takes Delivery Of New Airbus A220-300

Akwa Ibom government – owned IbomAir, has finally taken delivery of its third Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which management assured would further strengthens its ongoing modernisation and fleet expansion initiatives.

The group manager in charge of marketing and communication, Aniekan Essienette, who disclosed this to Journalists in Uyo, the State capital, explained that 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 (TOT) documents by the managing director/chief executive officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi.

She noted that “the latest delivery marks another significant milestone for Ibom Air and further positions the airline for enhanced operational efficiency and network growth.”

LEADERSHIP learnt Mr. Uriesi, speaking at the handing over ceremony, lauded Governor Umo Eno, shareholder of the firm, for supporting the development of the airline business in the State.

“We are most delighted to receive the third A220-300 into our growing, modern fleet. We thank our Shareholder, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, without whose strong support this would not have been possible. We appreciate his continued confidence in Ibom Air and his commitment to the airline’s growth.

“The addition of this new A220 will have a significant positive impact on the business, making Ibom Air’s operations safer, more passenger-friendly, more environmentally responsible, and far more efficient. We look forward to harnessing the myriad opportunities the A220 brings as we continue to expand our network and strengthen our position as a leading airline in Nigeria and West Africa,” Uriesi noted

The Head of the Airbus A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Mr Guillaume Chevasson, congratulated Ibom Air on the delivery and reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the airline’s growth.

“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 modernization, 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,” he stated.

According to the management, “The delivery of 5N-CDC brings Ibom Air’s total fleet to 10 aircraft, comprising seven Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jets (CRJ900s) and three Airbus A220-300s.

“The addition of the brand-new A220 further lowers the fleet’s overall age, reinforcing Ibom Air’s position as an airline with one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Nigeria.

“Ibom Air placed a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in 2021. The latest aircraft is the second A220-300 delivered under that firm order, following the first factory-new A220 delivered in 2023. The airline also acquired an additional A220-300 outright in 2024.”