Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reaffirmed the State Government’s determination to ensure the full operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, while sustaining support for Ibom Air’s fleet expansion programme.
Eno made the commitment during high-level meetings with SAMCO Aviation Services and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of his pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
At the meeting with Constant Van Schaik, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Aviation Services, the governor discussed a proposed partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility.
He said the state government was seeking a partnership that would strengthen aviation infrastructure, enhance technical capability and support the development of a local aviation workforce.
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Eno recalled his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility, saying he was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.
He said that the proposed relationship beyond conventional consultancy to cover aircraft maintenance and technical support, particularly for Ibom Air’s fleet, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.
SAMCO highlighted the importance of developing strong local technical capabilities, presenting its experience working with African airlines.
Eno said the objective was to support the MRO facility at Victor Attah International Airport while creating opportunities for skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom.
In a related engagement, the governor met with Hadi Akoum, Vice President of Sales, Africa, Airbus, and expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and efforts towards delivery of the new aircraft.
Eno assured Airbus that the state government remained fully committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as a strategic economic asset to Akwa Ibom.
He said Ibom Air was central to the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment.
“It is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function,” Governor Eno said, stressing the State Government’s commitment to making the necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remains commercially viable and operationally strong.
Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly, with a production backlog of approximately 9,000 aircraft.
He also highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300, including its passenger and cargo capacity.
Eno said the engagements formed part of a coordinated strategy to align Ibom Air’s fleet expansion with the development of the MRO facility, maintenance capacity, technical training and technology transfer.
He said another brand-new Airbus A220-300 would join the Ibom Air fleet as the state continued efforts to develop its aviation infrastructure.
Present at the engagements were Ibom Air Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council led by the Dean, Mkpisong Frank Archibong and relevant officials of the airline.
