Akwa Ibom gov unveils two new aircraft for Ibom Air

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has unveiled two new Airbus A220-300 aircraft for Ibom Air during a ceremony at Victor Attah International Airport.

This expansion aims to enhance the airline’s capacity and route network, reflecting the state’s commitment to advancing its aviation sector.

Governor Eno announced plans for an Aviation Village to support aviation workers, emphasizing the airline’s role as a source of pride for Akwa Ibom. He also praised his predecessor for establishing the airline despite challenges, highlighting its operational success over the past five years.

The governor lauded IbomAir in the Nigerian Aviation Industry and tasked the management to ensure the airline declares profit in 2025 to justify the investment of the state funds.

He urged the management of Ibom Air to prioritise the flight needs of Akwa Ibom travellers by ensuring Uyo inbound and outbound flights are not truncated.

He said, “Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four-star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribund property to commercial use. By next year, the MRO behind us will have been completed. We are putting in so much money already, and we are at 95 per cent completion. In December, we are going to partially open the brand-new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.

“As long as I remain Governor, we will continue to use the state’s money for the generality of our people. We will not put the money in a few pockets. We will rather put the money into things that will benefit all of us. So we will continue to put money together to fund our critical infrastructure.

“For the Ibom towers in Lagos, we will make sure that we don’t borrow a dime, and we will finish in 24 months by the grace of God. To Ibom Air, while we thank you for your wonderful management team, we urge you that from 2025, we must begin to receive profits from the operations of Ibom Air. We must begin to receive profits so that our investment will be worthwhile.”