Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, have described the arrival of a brand-new Airbus A220-300 for the stats airline, Ibom Air, as a major milestone in the state’s quest to establish itself as a regional aviation hub.
The aircraft, the third of 10 new aircraft being acquired under fleet’s expansion programme, was formally received at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, in an event attended by aviation industry stakeholders and dignitaries from across the country.
Governor Eno said the aircraft’s arrival directly into Uyo from Maastricht, Netherlands, without the usual stopover in Lagos or Abuja for documentation, was evidence of the new international status granted the Victor Attah International Airport.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting the state’s aviation ambitions.
“This is Uyo straight. There was no stopping. It came straight into Uyo.”
The Governor also highlighted the human-capital component of the aviation investment, saying 14 of Ibom Air’s 30 pilots and 16 of its 40 aircraft engineers are indigenes of Akwa Ibom, trained with the support of the state government.
He disclosed that another 10 Akwa Ibom indigenes were undergoing aviation training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, while another 10 cadet pilots were being trained in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to him, the airline and the wider aviation ecosystem have created an estimated 2,000 direct jobs, describing the development as an investment in building a sustainable aviation industry in the state.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of IBOM Air’s Chief Pilot, Captain Ruth Adebanwo, who Governor Eno celebrated for flying the brand-new A220-300 into Nigeria.
The Governor used the achievement to encourage girls and women to aspire to leadership and excellence, urging them not to be intimidated by challenges.
“Every girl child in this country should be encouraged. No one can stop you. You can break the glass ceiling.”
Senate President Akpabio, who flew into Uyo specifically to witness the reception, congratulated Governor Eno and the Ibom Air management for what he described as the fulfilment of a vision.
He recalled that Governor Eno had informed him while inspecting the aircraft in Canada and immediately promised to attend its reception.
“I said to myself, fix a date and I’ll be there… I am here to see a vision fulfilled.”
Senator Akpabio also commended the Governor for continuing aviation projects initiated by previous administrations, recalling that during his tenure as governor, work was undertaken on the airport’s runway, MRO facility and aprons.
He said the airport’s continuing transformation, including the new terminal and taxiway, demonstrated the benefits of continuity in governance.
The Senate President described Akwa Ibom’s development as an example of what could be achieved through visionary leadership, collaboration and continuity.
Captain Ruth Adebanwo, presenting technical overview and aircraft title certificate to Governor Umo Eno, described the A220-300 as an important addition to the airline’s fleet, citing its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and noise, extended range and passenger comfort.
She assured passengers that the airline remained committed to safety, professionalism and operational excellence.
“Our commitment remains safety, professionalism and operational excellence.”
Chairman of the airline, Captain Mfon Udom, said the new aircraft would enable the airline to restore its full flight schedule after some of its aircraft had recently undergone maintenance.
He announced that the airline would resume three daily flights from Uyo to Abuja and three daily flights from Uyo to Lagos, while expanding its regional operations.
Captain Udom disclosed that the airline had already commenced the Uyo-Accra route and would, in the coming months, introduce flights from Uyo to Malabo, Douala and Libreville.
He said the acquisition was supported by the state government and financial institutions, while commending the Ministry of Aviation for assisting the airline’s transition into the new international terminal.
“We can’t have that beautiful terminal and not step up your operations.”
The arrival of the Airbus comes as Akwa Ibom marks its 39th anniversary, with the state government linking the aircraft reception to a broader programme of inaugurating 39 projects across the state.
