Ibom Air has taken delivery of its third Airbus A220-300, strengthening its modernisation programme and supporting plans for network expansion.
The aircraft, registered 5N-CDC, was formally handed over at the Airbus A220 final assembly facility in Mirabel, Canada. The transfer followed the signing of the Transfer of Title documents by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi.
The latest delivery marks another major milestone for the Nigerian airline as it continues to modernise its fleet. Meanwhile, the new Airbus A220 is expected to improve operational efficiency, passenger experience and environmental performance.
The delivery also takes Ibom Air’s total fleet to 10 aircraft, giving the airline greater capacity to support its domestic and regional network ambitions.
Airbus A220 strengthens Ibom Air’s modern fleet
Speaking after the Transfer of Title ceremony, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, expressed delight over the arrival of the latest aircraft.
He also credited the airline’s shareholder, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his continued support and confidence in the airline’s growth.
“We are most delighted to receive the third A220-300 into our growing, modern fleet. We thank our Shareholder, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, without whose strong support this would not have been possible. We appreciate his continued confidence in Ibom Air and his commitment to the airline’s growth.”
Mr Uriesi said the new aircraft would have a significant impact on Ibom Air’s operations. He added that the Airbus A220 would support safer, more passenger-friendly, environmentally responsible and efficient operations as the airline expands its network.
“The addition of this new A220 will have a significant positive impact on the business, making Ibom Air’s operations safer, more passenger-friendly, more environmentally responsible, and far more efficient. We look forward to harnessing the myriad opportunities the A220 brings as we continue to expand our network and strengthen our position as a leading airline in Nigeria and West Africa.”
The delivery also received a welcome from Head of the Airbus A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Mr Guillaume Chevasson. He congratulated Ibom Air and reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the airline as its fleet modernisation programme progresses.
“We are honored by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family. The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernization, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come.”
The latest Airbus A220-300 brings Ibom Air’s fleet to 10 aircraft. The fleet now comprises seven Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jets, commonly known as CRJ900s, alongside three Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Therefore, the arrival of another factory-new aircraft further lowers the average age of the airline’s fleet.
Ibom Air’s growing A220 presence also reinforces its position among Nigeria’s airlines operating a modern fleet. In addition, the aircraft provides the airline with a platform suited to both domestic services and regional routes. Its combination of passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility is expected to support Ibom Air’s wider growth strategy.
Ibom Air’s Airbus A220 order programme
Ibom Air placed a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in 2021. The latest delivery represents the second A220-300 delivered under that firm order. The airline received its first factory-new A220 in 2023 and subsequently acquired another A220-300 outright in 2024.
The latest arrival therefore gives Ibom Air three A220-300 aircraft in service. The milestone comes as the airline continues to build a more modern and efficient fleet capable of supporting its expanding operations. It also reflects the airline’s longer-term strategy of combining fleet renewal with network development.
For Ibom Air, the addition of 5N-CDC is more than another aircraft entering service. It strengthens the carrier’s operational capacity while providing additional opportunities for growth across its existing and future routes. The Airbus A220 is consequently becoming an increasingly important part of Ibom Air’s fleet strategy.
