RismadarVoice Reporters
August 14, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has conducted a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s third brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft in Canada, as the state-owned airline prepares to take delivery of the aircraft.
The inspection was conducted on Friday at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.
The aircraft is expected to commence operations ahead of the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year travel season, according to a statement by the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah.
The addition of the aircraft is expected to increase Ibom Air’s capacity, improve scheduling flexibility and provide passengers with more travel options.
Mr Eno expressed satisfaction with the aircraft’s design, quality and technology, saying the acquisition was part of his administration’s efforts to position Ibom Air for long-term growth and competitiveness.
The governor said the investment was not limited to fleet expansion but would also improve operational efficiency, passenger comfort and service delivery while supporting the airline’s network expansion.
He said improved air connectivity would contribute to the state’s tourism ambitions by making Akwa Ibom more accessible to visitors while promoting trade, investment and business opportunities.
Ibom Air, wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, commenced operations in 2019 and expanded into the international market in June 2026 with scheduled flights from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The new Airbus A220-300 is expected to provide additional capacity for regional routes and strengthen Uyo’s position as an emerging aviation gateway.
The state government said the continued expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet would also support its tourism development strategy by improving access to Akwa Ibom’s cultural attractions, hospitality facilities and other destinations.
Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, said the A220-300 offered operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance suitable for domestic and regional routes.
Mr Chevasson commended the partnership between Airbus and Ibom Air and assured the state-owned carrier of the aircraft manufacturer’s continued support.
He disclosed that the delivery of the new aircraft would bring Ibom Air’s Airbus A220 fleet to three.
He added that the airline’s first two A220 aircraft, which are currently undergoing comprehensive checks, were expected to return to service by the end of September 2026.
The return of the two aircraft, combined with the new A220-300, is expected to significantly increase the airline’s available capacity and provide greater flexibility for network expansion.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, described the pre-delivery inspection as an important milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion programme.
Mr Uriesi said growing demand for air travel across the airline’s markets had reinforced its decision to invest in modern aircraft capable of delivering operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort.
He described the Airbus A220 as a good fit for Ibom Air’s network strategy and said the new aircraft would support the airline’s growth plans.
He also said the return of the first two A220 aircraft to service by the end of September would further strengthen the airline’s ability to serve its expanding network.
The inspection was attended by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakeny; Mr Chevasson; Mr Uriesi; members of the State Executive Council; stakeholders and senior management staff of Ibom Air.
