Details: Akwa Ibom Celebrates Another Milestone As Ibom Air Gets Another Airbus A220-300

On August 20, 2024, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, hosted a momentous event at the Victor Attah International Airport, as the state received and dedicated a second Airbus A220-300 for Ibom Air. 

This significant milestone was celebrated with a grand reception ceremony, marking another achievement for Ibom Air, the state’s wholly-owned airline.

During the ceremony, Governor Eno expressed deep appreciation for the visionary leadership of his predecessors and former Governors of Akwa Ibom State especially Obong Victor Attah and Udom Emmanuel—whose foresight led to the establishment of both the Victor Attah International Airport and Ibom Air. He acknowledged their contributions to the state’s aviation sector, emphasizing that the acquisition of a second Airbus A220-300 is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be celebrated.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his unwavering commitment to the vision that birthed Ibom Air, and for overcoming the challenges and criticisms that accompanied the project’s conceptualization.

Governor Eno extended his gratitude to Ibom Air for putting Akwa Ibom on the international aviation map and for its dedication to excellence, which has earned it the reputation of being Nigeria’s most preferred airline.

He announced the state’s plans to commence the construction of an Aviation Village within the airport vicinity, complete with schools, a hospital, and recreational facilities for staff and operators. This initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to develop a thriving aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom.

Highlighting the significance of this achievement, Governor Eno noted that through steady and purposeful leadership, Akwa Ibom has established a strong identity that is worth celebrating. He called on all Akwa Ibomites, both at home and in the diaspora, to take pride in the success story of Ibom Air, which continues to grow and expand with a clear plan to commence regional flights to destinations like Douala and Libreville soon.

The Governor commended the Board, Management, and Staff of Ibom Air for their hard work and dedication, which have been instrumental to the airline’s success. He assured that the Akwa Ibom State Government would honor all financial and operational obligations to Ibom Air and continue to support its growth.

Governor Eno also announced the rehabilitation of the Victor Attah International Airport to bring it up to world-class standards, in line with the government’s vision to make the airport an enviable regional hub in the Gulf of Guinea. .

The Governor further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN for their support towards the development of the state’s aviation sector. He also acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace and the role of the Fathers In Faith for their prayers.

As the state celebrates this remarkable achievement, Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Ibom Air model serves as a template for other state investments, such as the Ibom Specialist Hospital, to thrive and contribute to the state’s overall development.