Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, has 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 the State.

Ibom Airlines Limited is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

In an official statement issued Friday, signed by the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Airlines, Aniekan Essienette, the carrier informed that the aircraft is Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 and the second A220 to be received under the airline’s firm order for ten Airbus A220 aircraft placed in 2021.

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According to Essienette, the delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Program and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, during the inspection, which formed part of the formal acceptance process ahead of the aircraft’s delivery.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, said, “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. As demand for air travel continues to grow across our markets, we remain focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and passenger comfort.

The Airbus A220 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our network strategy, and we look forward to deploying this latest addition into our network in furtherance of our growth objectives.”

Commenting on the development, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo 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.”

Speaking on the partnership with Ibom Air, Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, noted, “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.“