Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno says 50 indigenes have benefited from the state’s aviation manpower investment as Ibom Air expansion gathers pace.
The governor disclosed this while receiving Ibom Air’s second brand-new Airbus A220-300, registered 5N-CDC, at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. It landed at about 2:43pm and received a water-cannon salute.
The arrival marked another step in Ibom Air expansion, with eight more A220 aircraft expected.
Ibom Air expansion builds aviation manpower
Governor Eno said 14 of Ibom Air’s 30 pilots are Akwa Ibom indigenes trained by the state government. He added that 16 of the airline’s 40 aircraft engineers are also indigenes who received state-backed training.
“Ten of our sons and daughters are currently undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. All fully paid for by the state government under this administration,” Eno said.
“Another 10 cadet pilots are in training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” he added. The figures bring the total to 50.
The governor said the programme was designed to create an aviation ecosystem. “Even though the airline will remain truly national without ethnic barrier, we are proud that our sons and daughters are also taking part in this business,” he said.
“We are building an ecosystem and gradually we are bringing our sons and daughters to take root in what is their own,” Eno added. He estimated about 2,000 direct jobs from Ibom Air and the wider aviation ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the latest aircraft strengthens Ibom Air expansion and provides added capacity. He noted that it flew directly to Uyo, avoiding the former routing through Lagos or Abuja.
“We have a full certificate of registration of this aircraft to Ibom Air. And that’s a brand-new aircraft,” Eno said.
“That is why this aircraft has flown directly from Maastricht to Uyo this afternoon. In the past, it used to be from anywhere to Lagos or Abuja. Spent two, three days to do documentation before flying to Uyo,” Eno said.
“This is Uyo straight. There was no stopping. It came straight into Uyo,” he added. He linked the delivery to the airport’s international status.
Ibom Air expansion targets domestic and African routes
Chairman of Ibom Air’s Board of Directors, Captain Mfon Udom, said the new A220 would restore frequencies and drive Ibom Air expansion across Africa.
“With the arrival of our new A220, we are going to expand activities, both domestic and regional,” Udom said. Several aircraft had undergone maintenance, creating capacity constraints.
“Immediately we’ll return to our normal frequencies in the domestic system,” he said. It plans three daily flights on Uyo-Abuja and Uyo-Lagos, while restoring Lagos-Abuja to seven daily frequencies.
Beyond domestic routes, Udom said the airline would deepen its African network. Ibom Air currently operates Uyo-Accra, while Douala, Libreville and Malabo are planned under Ibom Air expansion.
“At the moment, we are only flying Uyo to Accra. So, we’ll be going to Douala, Libreville, Malabo in the first phase,” he said.
“And within the next two years, when we must have received all the aircraft on board, we will be in a position to reach out to the rest of Africa, everywhere in Africa,” Udom added.
The aircraft is the second of 10 A220 aircraft in Ibom Air’s current order, supporting Ibom Air expansion. The acquisition combines lease-to-own arrangements with direct purchases, leaving eight deliveries still expected.
Ibom Air Chief Pilot, Captain Ruth Adebanwo, said the A220’s technology would support the airline’s expansion goals. She highlighted fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and noise, range and passenger comfort.
“As pilots, we recognise the responsibility that comes with this investment. Our commitment remains safety, professionalism and operational excellence,” Adebanwo said.
Eno credited former state leaders for Ibom Air’s foundation. Including the President of the senate, Godswill Akpabio. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo for supporting the airport’s international status.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation has been exceedingly supportive of our efforts in positioning our state as an aviation hub of our region,” Eno said.
The delivery gives Ibom Air expansion a broader meaning. With eight A220s still expected, the airline is positioning Uyo for stronger domestic connectivity and wider African access.
It could make Victor Attah International Airport a gateway to more African cities.
