Ibom Air Receives New Airbus A220-300 as Akwa Ibom Marks 39th Anniversary
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Efiong Glory Etim
UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received a newly acquired Airbus A220-300 for Ibom Air as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The aircraft, which is the fifth acquired by the state administration for the state-owned airline, was formally received during a ceremony in Uyo on Tuesday and welcomed with a traditional water-cannon salute.
Governor Eno said the addition of the aircraft would strengthen Ibom Air's operations, expand its capacity and support the growth of the state's aviation industry.
Describing September as a month of gratitude, the governor said the new aircraft represented another step towards expanding opportunities in the aviation sector.
“This is a month of gratitude. Today, we are here to welcome the Airbus. We are expecting growth in the aviation sector,” Eno said.
The governor said the state's investment in Ibom Air was not limited to fleet expansion but was also designed to develop indigenous manpower and create opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths in the aviation industry.
According to Eno, 14 of Ibom Air's 30 pilots are indigenes of Akwa Ibom, while 10 other indigenes are undergoing cadet pilot training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with another 10 receiving training at an aviation school in Zaria.
He said the figures reflected the increasing participation of Akwa Ibom indigenes in the aviation business, adding that his administration would continue to support programmes that equip young people with relevant skills.
Eno also acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations to the development of the state's aviation industry, promising to sustain investments aimed at expanding the sector.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support to Akwa Ibom State, particularly the approval granting international status to the state's airport, which has enabled direct international flights to the facility.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who attended the ceremony alongside other members of the National Assembly, congratulated Governor Eno on the acquisition.
Akpabio commended the governor's investment in Ibom Air and other development projects across the state, while expressing support for the administration's ARISE development agenda.
He also praised Eno for completing projects initiated by previous administrations, describing continuity in governance as essential to sustainable development.
“I’m very excited to be here today to receive the new Airbus A220-300 series in Akwa Ibom State. This shows the height of progress under the administration of Gov. Umo Eno,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also used the occasion to endorse Eno's re-election bid, saying he would work with the governor to sustain the state's development.
The Airbus A220-300 was flown into Akwa Ibom by Ibom Air Chief Pilot, Captain Rose Adebanwo, who said the aircraft would introduce advanced technology, greater efficiency and increased operational capacity to the airline.
Chairman of the Ibom Air Board, Captain Mfon Udom, commended the state government for its continued investment in the airline and expansion of its fleet.
Other speakers, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Assam Assam, and the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem Etim Charles Abia, praised the governor for his development initiatives, unity efforts and commitment to the state's growth.
The aircraft was formally received with a water-cannon salute before Senator Akpabio, assisted by Governor Eno, performed the ceremonial cutting of the tape.
The ceremony ended with a prayer of dedication led by Reverend Dr. Godwin Amaowo.
Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Coordinator of the State First Lady's Office, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; serving and former deputy governors; members of the National and State Assemblies; traditional rulers; captains of industry; political leaders and members of the clergy.
Akwa Ibom State was created on September 23, 1987, from the former Cross River State. The state has in recent years invested significantly in aviation infrastructure and the development of Ibom Air, its state-owned commercial airline. The airline began operations in 2019 and has expanded its fleet and route network as part of the state's strategy to strengthen air connectivity, tourism, trade and economic development.
