New Airbus Aircraft Boosts Ibom Air Expansion, Aviation Growth — Eno
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has described the acquisition of a new Airbus A220-300 aircraft by Ibom Air as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to expand the state-owned airline and strengthen the state’s aviation industry.
Eno, who spoke with journalists shortly after arriving at Ibom International Airport, Uyo, said the latest acquisition demonstrated the administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the aviation sector.
According to him, the new aircraft is the third Airbus acquired since he assumed office in 2023, while two additional aircraft have been fully paid for, bringing the total number of aircraft acquired or fully paid for under his administration to five.
“The new aircraft speaks volumes, not just for Ibom Air, but for Akwa Ibom State as we seek to expand the airline. It shows consistency,” the governor said.
He also disclosed that work on the state’s Aviation Village, particularly the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, was nearing completion.
Eno said the completion and full operation of the aviation ecosystem would create employment opportunities, generate foreign exchange and contribute to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.
“When all of this ecosystem begins to function the way it should, you will see the jobs it is going to create, the foreign exchange earnings it is going to bring and, of course, the effect on our GDP as a state,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the investments would ultimately improve the standard of living of residents and deliver tangible benefits to the people.
The latest aircraft acquisition follows Eno’s recent visit to Montreal, Canada, where he led a state delegation for the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300.
The brand-new aircraft is expected to arrive at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, by the end of August, increasing Ibom Air’s fleet to 10 aircraft.
The aircraft is expected to provide additional capacity, support the airline’s network expansion and improve air connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.
Meanwhile, Eno has urged Akwa Ibom residents to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace peace and unity, saying collective development remains critical to the state’s progress.
Reacting to comments attributed to some youth groups from the Oro and Ibibio areas, the governor said his administration had continued to promote the “Akwa Ibom United” mantra by ensuring equitable development across the state’s 31 local government areas.
He maintained that his administration had worked with people from different parts of the state without discrimination, including in the composition of his cabinet and key government appointments.
Eno warned against attempts to create divisions among the people, stressing that Akwa Ibom, as a minority state, could only achieve meaningful development through unity and peaceful coexistence.
He urged residents to ignore divisive narratives, lower the rhetoric and remain focused on the development of the state.
The governor said the administration’s commitment to peace would also be reflected in the state’s annual Christmas Carol, which will be held under the theme, “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.”
