Ibom Air Expands Fleet to 10 as Governor Eno Inspects New Airbus A220-300 in Canada

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inspected a brand-new Airbus A220-300 acquired for the state-owned Ibom Air as the airline moves to expand its fleet and strengthen its position in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The pre-delivery inspection took place at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, where Governor Eno led a delegation of state officials and Ibom Air management for the formal acceptance process.

The latest aircraft is Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 and the second A220 to be received under the airline’s firm order for 10 Airbus A220 aircraft placed in 2021. The aircraft is expected to arrive at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on August 30, 2026.

Ibom Air Fleet Reaches 10 Aircraft

The arrival of the new Airbus will increase Ibom Air’s fleet to 10 aircraft, providing additional capacity for the airline’s growing network.

Governor Eno described the acquisition as an indication of consistency in the state’s investment in aviation and the continued expansion of Ibom Air.

According to the governor, the new aircraft represents the third Airbus acquired since his administration assumed office in 2023. He added that two other aircraft had also been fully paid for, bringing the number of aircraft acquired or fully paid for under his administration to five.

The latest A220-300 is expected to provide additional capacity, improve scheduling flexibility and support the airline’s expansion across domestic and regional routes.

Ibom Air, which commenced operations in 2019, has increasingly positioned itself as an important component of Akwa Ibom’s transportation and economic development strategy.

New Aircraft Expected in Uyo

The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo on August 30.

Its addition comes at a time when Ibom Air is seeking to increase capacity and strengthen connectivity for passengers travelling within Nigeria and to regional destinations.

The airline expanded into the international market in 2026, making the continued expansion of its fleet particularly significant as it develops its route network.

Ibom Air’s Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, said the airline remained focused on investing in modern aircraft that provide operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort.

The Airbus A220-300 is designed for short- and medium-haul operations and is suited to airlines seeking to combine passenger capacity with operational efficiency.

Eno Highlights Economic Benefits

Governor Eno said the investment in Ibom Air goes beyond acquiring aircraft, stressing that the broader objective is to develop an aviation ecosystem capable of generating economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom.

He identified potential benefits including employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, tourism, trade and increased economic activity.

“When all of this ecosystem begins to function the way it should, you will see the jobs it is going to create, the foreign exchange earnings it is going to bring and, of course, the effect on our GDP as a state,” the governor said.

The governor’s comments reflect the state government’s broader strategy of using aviation infrastructure and connectivity to support investment and tourism.

Improved air connectivity can make it easier for businesses, investors and visitors to access Akwa Ibom while providing residents with additional travel options.

Aviation Village and MRO Facility

The fleet expansion is also being accompanied by investment in aviation-related infrastructure around Victor Attah International Airport.

Governor Eno highlighted the development of an Aviation Village intended to support workers and other activities connected to the state’s growing aviation sector.

The state is also developing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility designed to support aircraft maintenance operations.

The MRO facility has been described as an important component of the state’s ambition to develop a broader aviation hub. Local maintenance capacity could also reduce the need for some aircraft maintenance activities to be carried out outside Nigeria, although the facility’s operational and regulatory requirements must be fully met before commercial maintenance activities begin.

The governor said the MRO facility was nearing completion and linked it to the wider development of the aviation ecosystem in the state.

Airbus Partnership

Airbus officials have also expressed confidence in the A220 as a suitable aircraft for Ibom Air’s network.

During the pre-delivery inspection, Airbus Canada Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Chevasson highlighted the aircraft’s operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance across domestic and regional networks.

The new aircraft is therefore expected to complement Ibom Air’s existing fleet while providing the airline with additional capacity for future route development.

The airline’s first two A220 aircraft have also been undergoing comprehensive checks and were expected to return to service by the end of September 2026, according to the Guardian report on the inspection. If that timeline is achieved, the return of those aircraft alongside the new A220-300 could further increase Ibom Air’s available capacity.

What the Expansion Means for Akwa Ibom

The expansion of Ibom Air comes as Akwa Ibom continues efforts to position Victor Attah International Airport as an important aviation gateway.

For passengers, additional aircraft could mean greater scheduling flexibility and improved capacity on routes served by the airline.

For the state economy, the government expects the aviation ecosystem to support employment, tourism, investment and related businesses.

However, the long-term success of the investment will depend on factors such as passenger demand, efficient airline management, route performance, aircraft availability, infrastructure development and the broader economic environment.

The arrival of the new Airbus is therefore an important milestone, but the wider objective remains the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem capable of delivering lasting economic benefits.

With the latest aircraft expected in Uyo on August 30, attention will now turn to its formal entry into service and the routes on which it will be deployed.

For Governor Eno and the Akwa Ibom State Government, the fleet expansion represents another step towards their stated ambition of making Ibom Air and Victor Attah International Airport central to the state’s aviation and economic development plans.

This report is based on statements from the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ibom Air and publicly reported information. Operational schedules and aircraft deployment may change subject to airline and regulatory requirements.