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, as the airline moves to expand its fleet and regional operations.
The aircraft is expected to enter service ahead of the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year travel season, according to a statement issued by the governor’s office in Abuja.
Eno said the inspection marked another milestone in the state government’s investment in Ibom Air and its plans to increase the airline’s fleet, operational capacity and regional connectivity.
He said the addition of the aircraft would increase passenger capacity, improve scheduling flexibility and provide travellers with more reliable flight options.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the aircraft’s design, quality and technology, saying the acquisition reflected his administration’s commitment to positioning Ibom Air for sustainable growth and greater competitiveness.
He added that the investment went beyond fleet expansion, noting that the new aircraft would improve operational efficiency, passenger comfort and service delivery while supporting the airline’s route expansion.
Eno also linked the airline’s expansion to the state’s tourism and investment ambitions, saying improved air connectivity would make Akwa Ibom more accessible to tourists, investors and businesses.
“We’re pursuing enhanced connectivity that would strengthen the ‘Destination Akwa Ibom’ initiative while promoting tourism, trade, investment and economic opportunities across the state,” he said.
Wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ibom Air began operations in 2019 and expanded into the international market in June 2026 with scheduled flights from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The latest A220-300 is expected to provide additional capacity on regional routes, strengthen Uyo’s position as an emerging aviation gateway and support the state’s regional connectivity strategy.
The airline’s fleet expansion programme is centred on new-generation Airbus A220 aircraft, which are designed to offer fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, operational flexibility and improved performance on domestic and regional routes.
Airbus, Ibom Air welcome expansion
Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Guillaume Chevasson, described the A220-300 as an aircraft offering operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and strong performance.
Chevasson commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and Ibom Air for their partnership and assured the airline of Airbus’ continued support for its growth.
He said the addition of the new aircraft would bring Ibom Air’s A220 fleet to three.
According to him, the airline’s first two A220 aircraft, which are currently undergoing comprehensive checks, are expected to return to service by the end of September 2026.
The return of the two aircraft, combined with the addition of the new A220-300, is expected to significantly increase Ibom Air’s available capacity and provide greater flexibility for network expansion.
Ibom Air Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, described the pre-delivery inspection as an important milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion programme.
Uriesi said rising demand for air travel across the airline’s markets had reinforced its decision to invest in modern aircraft capable of delivering efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort.
He described the A220 as a good fit for Ibom Air’s network strategy, saying the aircraft would support the airline’s growth plans and enable it to serve its expanding network more effectively.
Uriesi added that the return of the first two A220s by September, alongside the arrival of the new aircraft, would substantially increase the airline’s available capacity.
The inspection was attended by Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi; Chevasson; members of the state executive council; aviation stakeholders and senior Ibom Air management staff.
