Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inspected Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, ahead of its delivery to the Nigerian carrier.
The inspection marks another milestone in the state government’s sustained investment in Ibom Air and its efforts to strengthen the airline’s fleet, operational capacity and competitiveness.
The aircraft is the third brand-new Airbus A220-300 in the current delivery series and is expected to enter service ahead of the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year travel season.
During the visit, Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the aircraft’s design, quality and advanced technology, saying the acquisition reflected his administration’s determination to position Ibom Air for long-term growth and stronger regional competitiveness.
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He said the investment goes beyond fleet expansion, noting that additional aircraft would improve operational efficiency, reliability, passenger comfort, scheduling flexibility and service delivery.
Wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ibom Air commenced operations in 2019 and has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. In June 2026, the airline expanded into the international market with scheduled flights from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The new Airbus A220-300 is expected to provide additional capacity for regional routes, strengthen Uyo’s position as an emerging aviation gateway and support the state government’s regional connectivity strategy.
Airbus Canada Chief Executive Officer and Head of the A220 Programme, Guillaume Chevasson, said the aircraft offers exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance across domestic and regional networks.
He said the aircraft’s features align with Ibom Air’s focus on operational efficiency and customer experience and described the partnership with the Nigerian carrier as strong and mutually beneficial.
Chevasson assured the state government and the airline of Airbus’s continued support for its growth and development.
Ibom Air Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, said the pre-delivery inspection marked an important milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion programme and brought it closer to taking delivery of the aircraft.
He said growing demand across Ibom Air’s markets had reinforced the need to invest in modern aircraft that offer operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort.
Uriesi described the A220 as ideal for Ibom Air’s network strategy, noting that the aircraft would support the airline’s growth objectives and enable it to serve its expanding network more effectively.
The airline’s first two A220 aircraft are undergoing comprehensive checks and are expected to return to service by the end of September.
Their return, alongside the new aircraft, will increase available capacity and provide greater flexibility for network expansion.
Governor Eno was accompanied on the visit by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakeny, members of the State Executive Council, Airbus officials, stakeholders and key members of Ibom Air management.
The visit underscores the growing role of aviation in Akwa Ibom State’s tourism and economic development strategy while strengthening regional connectivity.
