Ibom Air: Governor Udom Emmanuel, Airbus Signs Contract for 10 New Planes by 2023
- Ibom Air is underscoring its ambition for regional and in due course, international connectivity, efficiency, and versatility
- The organisation had procured two A220s on a one-year wet lease, in order to try out the aircraft to ensure it was fit for the purposes of its business
- The airline is now ordering 10 A220s, having tested and validated it as the one-stop solution for its domestic and regional aspirations
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Dubai - In fulfilment of his promise to ensure Ibom Air becomes a dominant player in the aviation sector within the West African and African aviation hub, Governor Udom Emmanuel on Tuesday, November 16 led a delegation from Ibom Air to the ongoing Dubai Air show.
A statement sent to Legit.ng by the Akwa Ibom state government, stated that Governor Emmanuel placed an order for ten (10) A220 aircraft with Airbus.
Source: Facebook
With the purchase agreement signed, deliveries of the aircraft to Ibom Air are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2023.
The agreement, which was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. Mfon Udom, and Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus, Mr. Christian Scherer, also had the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN in attendance.
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Others are the chairman of Ibom Air, Mr. Imoabasi Jacob, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. George Uriesi, the Group Manager of Marketing and communication, Mrs. Aniekan Essienette, and the Group Manager Corporate Services, Mrs. Imelda Aba, in attendance.
Ibom Air's ordering of the ten (10) Airbus A220 is in line with the airline’s aggressive growth plan, which will see it expanding its footprint into new domestic routes as well as regional routes covering West and Central Africa in the immediate future.
The first phase of this expansion is set to cover cities like Malabo, Douala, Libreville, Kinshasa, Accra, Abidjan, Freetown, Banjul and Dakar. Ultimately the airline intends to operate throughout the continent of Africa.
Speaking at the event, Governor Emmanuel said the state is proud to be the first airline to order the all-new Airbus A220 in Nigeria.
His words:
“The A220 will allow us to increase the number of passengers into Akwa Ibom, thus bringing more first-time visitors and business travelers to the state. These efforts reflect our commitment to enabling local commerce and industry, in line with the State’s economic growth strategy.
“With this latest acquisition, Ibom Air is better positioned to contribute to driving long-term economic growth for Akwa Ibom state. Ibom Air’s giant leap as evidenced by this bold step, is a validation of the aviation development pillar of our completion agenda which is on course.
“I have said and will reiterate that, till the very last day, I will keep working for and in the interest of Akwa Ibom people.”
Two New Airbus to Ibom Air Fleet Added Earlier
Legit.ng had earlier reported that the Akwa Ibom state government on Sunday, June 13 took delivery of two new aircraft – the Airbus A220 series – a new addition to the fleet of Ibom Air.
Ibom Air, a wholly-owned airline by the state government, had seven aircraft in its fleet with the latest additions.
The two aircraft touched down at about 3 p.m. at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, watched by a large crowd of Akwa Ibom residents and dignitaries.
Akwa Ibom Begins Installation of MRO facility at Uyo Airport
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom state commissioner of special duties, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh has revealed that Governor Emmanuel is committed to the timely completion of work at the Maintenance, Repairs, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The facility is expected to enhance the status of the airport as an internationally recognised gateway.
In a statement, Rt. Hon. Etteh said Governor Emmanuel's administration was fully aware of the strategic advantage it will accord the state and nation in the sub-Saharan aviation sector.
Source: Legit.ng
