Akwa Ibom State took another major step in its aviation drive today with the arrival of a brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft into the Ibom Air fleet at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno, who received the aircraft, described the development as a significant milestone in the growth of the state’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno expressed appreciation to key federal leaders for their support. He thanked the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, for attending and for his continued backing. The Governor also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, for granting international status to the Victor Attah International Airport and for advancing aviation development in the state.
The Governor said the expansion of Ibom Air is going hand-in-hand with investment in human capital. According to him, 14 of Ibom Air’s 30 pilots and 16 of its 40 aircraft engineers are Akwa Ibom indigene trained by the State Government, with more currently undergoing training.
“This is deliberate,” the Governor noted. “As Ibom Air grows, our people must grow with it.”
The aircraft delivery also marked the commencement of activities to mark Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary. Governor Eno announced the beginning of the commissioning of 39 projects across the state under the theme, “Our Moment of Gratitude.”
The new A220-300 is expected to boost Ibom Air’s capacity on domestic and regional routes and strengthen the state’s position as a growing aviation hub in Nigeria.
