Ibom Air Takes Delivery of Brand-New Airbus A220-300 as Eno Eyes Tourism, Investment Growth
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the arrival of a brand-new Airbus A220-300 as a major milestone that has further strengthened Ibom Air’s position among Nigeria’s leading airlines.
Governor Eno made the declaration on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during a reception and water-cannon ceremony held at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to officially welcome the new aircraft into the Ibom Air fleet.
The event also marked the commencement of activities for the inauguration and commissioning of 39 projects across the state as part of activities commemorating Akwa Ibom State’s anniversary.
According to the governor, the acquisition of the Airbus A220-300 represents another significant step in the development of Ibom Air and the state’s aviation sector.
He stressed that an efficient and reliable air transport network remained critical to expanding tourism, attracting investment and improving connectivity within Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Eno commended past administrations for laying the foundation for the state’s aviation development, noting that the progress recorded by Ibom Air was the result of sustained commitment, continuity and strategic investments over the years.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the designation of Victor Attah International Airport as an international airport.
He said the development would significantly improve Akwa Ibom’s connection with other parts of Nigeria and the international community, while supporting the state’s ambition to emerge as a major tourism and investment destination in the South-South and West African regions.
Performing the ceremonial cutting of the tape to formally receive the aircraft, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described Governor Eno as an invaluable asset to Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio commended the governor for what he described as remarkable strides recorded by his administration in three and a half years, adding that the new aircraft represented another milestone in the state’s development.
The Senate President, who was accompanied by members of the National Assembly, also reaffirmed his commitment to the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Ibom Air, Capt. Mfon Udom, commended Governor Eno for his commitment to the growth of the airline and his role in securing financing for the acquisition of the new aircraft.
Udom praised the governor for personally leading the state delegation to receive the aircraft, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s continued support for the sustainability and expansion of Ibom Air.
He disclosed that the additional aircraft would enable the airline to strengthen its flight operations, with plans to operate three flights daily throughout the week.
The Ibom Air chairman also announced plans to expand the airline’s regional operations, including the planned resumption of flights from Uyo to Douala in Cameroon and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea, as well as another regional destination.
He said the expansion would deepen connectivity between Akwa Ibom and other West and Central African destinations while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
In separate goodwill messages, Director-General of Campaigns, Amb. Assam Assam, and the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, commended Governor Eno for what they described as his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.
They said the arrival of the new Airbus A220-300 was another indication of the administration’s determination to sustain projects and initiatives capable of driving economic growth and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, business and investment.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, aviation industry stakeholders, representatives of financial institutions and other invited guests.
