By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Expecting the arrival of another Airbus A220-300 added to the fleet of Ibom Air soon, signals another major milestone in the Akwa Ibom state government’s sustained investment to strengthen Ibom Air’s fleet and operational capacity.
Besides the anticipating increase seat capacity, improve schedule reliability, and more travel options for passengers, the new arrival will help meet the rising demand across domestic and regional routes.
This assurance came as the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has carried out a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s third brand-new Airbus A220-300 at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.
According to government sources, the aircraft is scheduled to commence commercial operations ahead of the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year peak travel period.
At the facility tour, Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the aircraft’s design, technology, and quality, noting that the acquisition underscored his administration’s commitment to positioning Ibom Air for long-term growth and regional competitiveness.
“This goes beyond fleet expansion. It is about improving efficiency, passenger experience and expanding Ibom Air’s network to support tourism and business in Akwa Ibom,” the Governor stated.
He added that enhanced air connectivity will boost the Destination, Akwa Ibom initiative by improving access for tourists, investors and business travelers.
Fleet Growth & Operational Impact – The new A220-300 is the third in Ibom Air’s current delivery series.
Ibom Air Chief Executive Officer, Capt. George Uriesi said the aircraft aligns with the airline’s network strategy and will help meet rising demand across domestic and regional routes.
Guillaume Chevasson, Head of A220 Programme & CEO, Airbus Canada, described the A220-300 as fuel-efficient with superior operational flexibility and passenger comfort.
Affirming Airbus’s commitment to Ibom Air’s growth, Chevasson disclosed that Ibom Air’s first two A220s, currently undergoing comprehensive checks, will return to service by end of September 2026.
With the new delivery, the airline’s A220 fleet will rise to three aircrafts, significantly boosting capacity for network expansion.
Ibom Air is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, it has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading carriers since launching in 2019. In June 2026, the airline commenced international operations from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The ongoing fleet modernization is expected to consolidate Uyo’s status as an emerging aviation gateway in the South-South and drive stronger regional integration.
Present at the event were Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Head of A220 Programme, Airbus Canada, Guillaume Chevasson, Ibom Air CEO, Capt. George Uriesi, members of the State Executive Council and other senior management staff of Ibom Air.
