Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced the arrival of another brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft into the Ibom Air fleet, describing the development as a major boost to the state’s aviation sector.
The aircraft was received at the Victor Attah International Airport as the state intensifies efforts to expand Ibom Air’s fleet and strengthen its position in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Eno expressed appreciation to Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, for attending the event and for his continued support for the state’s development initiatives.
The governor also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, particularly for the Federal Government’s decision to grant international status to the Victor Attah International Airport.
According to Eno, the development of Ibom Air goes beyond acquiring aircraft, with the state deliberately investing in the training and development of indigenous aviation professionals.
He revealed that 14 of Ibom Air’s 30 pilots and 16 of its 40 aircraft engineers are indigenes of Akwa Ibom State trained by the state government, while additional personnel are currently undergoing training.
“Beyond expanding the fleet, we are investing in our people,” Eno said, stressing that the government’s human-capital strategy was designed to ensure that Akwa Ibom indigenes play a significant role in the state’s growing aviation industry.
The governor said the latest aircraft arrival also marked the commencement of activities for the commissioning of 39 projects to celebrate the state’s 39th anniversary.
He said the projects would be commissioned under the anniversary theme, “Our Moment of Gratitude,” highlighting the administration’s focus on infrastructure and development as the state marks another milestone.
The governor’s announcement signals a renewed push to position Akwa Ibom as a major aviation and economic hub in the South-South region, leveraging the expansion of Ibom Air and the internationalisation of its airport to deepen connectivity and economic opportunities.
