Eno leads delegation to Canada to inspect Ibom Air’s third Airbus aircraft
August 15, 2026 9:47 am
File: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno.
By Patrick Odey
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has led a delegation comprising some state executives and members of the airline’s management team to a pre-delivery inspection at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada ahead of the formal delivery of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft,.
A statement issued by the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication of Ibom Airlines Limited, Aniekan Essienette, in Uyo on Saturday, said the inspection marked another significant milestone in the company’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy.
According to the statement, the pre-delivery inspection is part of the acceptance process before the aircraft enters commercial service. It also marks a further step in Ibom Air’s commitment to expanding capacity, strengthening connectivity and operating one of Africa’s most modern fleets.
The delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, described the inspection as a significant milestone in Ibom Air’s fleet expansion and modernisation.
He said the company remained focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort as demand for air travel continues to grow.
“This pre-delivery inspection represents an important milestone in our fleet expansion programme and brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft to Nigeria. As demand for air travel continues to grow across our markets, we remain focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and passenger comfort.
“The Airbus A220 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our network strategy, and we look forward to deploying this latest addition into our network in furtherance of our growth objectives,” Uriesi said.
Commenting on the development, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, said the inspection reflected the state government’s commitment to the continued growth of Ibom Air as a strategic asset for Akwa Ibom State.
“This investment aligns with the ARISE Agenda and our vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.
“We look forward to formally receiving this aircraft in Akwa Ibom State and to the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity will create for trade, tourism, investment, and regional development,” Eno said.
Speaking on the partnership with Ibom Air, Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, noted:
“We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family. The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernisation, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come.”
The aircraft, according to the statement, incorporates features that further support the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement in operational capability, efficiency and customer experience.
Upon completion of the delivery processes, the aircraft will be ferried to Nigeria, where it will be officially received into the Ibom Air fleet in Akwa Ibom State before commencing commercial operations.
The Airbus A220-300 is globally recognised for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, spacious cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort. Its addition further strengthens Ibom Air’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most innovative airlines, while supporting the carrier’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and service excellence.
Patrick Odey is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Port Harcourt and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism. He has worked with notable publications including Post Express, Daily Champion, and Daily Trust, before joining Punch Newspapers. His career reflects a strong commitment to credible journalism, in-depth reporting, and public interest storytelling.
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