RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
Akwa Ibom State is deepening its investment in aviation manpower alongside the expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet, with Governor Umo Eno disclosing that nearly half of the airline’s pilots are indigenes of the State.
The Governor disclosed on Tuesday while receiving a newly acquired Airbus A220-300, the fifth aircraft purchased by his administration for the state-owned airline.
The aircraft’s arrival formed part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State and was celebrated with a traditional water-cannon salute at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Governor Eno said the expansion of Ibom Air was designed to achieve more than increasing the number of aircraft available to the airline, stressing that the State was deliberately building a new generation of aviation professionals.
According to him, 14 out of Ibom Air’s 30 pilots are Akwa Ibom indigenes, while another 10 indigenes are undergoing cadet pilot training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with an additional 10 receiving aviation training in Zaria.
The Governor said the figures reflected a deliberate policy to ensure that the State’s investment in aviation translates into skills development, employment opportunities and long-term human capital growth for its people.
“This is a month of gratitude. Today, we are here to welcome the Airbus. We are expecting growth in the aviation sector,” Eno said.
He maintained that the continued expansion of Ibom Air would strengthen the State’s participation in Nigeria’s aviation industry and create broader opportunities for young people seeking careers in the sector.
The Governor also paid tribute to former governors of the State for laying the foundation for the growth of its aviation industry, pledging to sustain investments and ensure continuity in the development of Ibom Air.
Eno particularly acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for supporting the State and approving international status for the Victor Attah International Airport, a development he said had opened further opportunities for direct international flights into Akwa Ibom.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who attended the ceremony alongside members of the National Assembly, described the arrival of the new Airbus as evidence of continuing progress in the State.
Akpabio commended Governor Eno for investing in aviation and completing projects inherited from previous administrations, describing continuity in governance as critical to sustainable development.
“I’m very excited to be here today to receive the new Airbus A220-300 series in Akwa Ibom State. This shows the height of progress under the administration of Governor Umo Eno,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also used the occasion to declare support for Governor Eno’s re-election bid.
The aircraft was flown into the State by Ibom Air’s Chief Pilot, Captain Rose Adebanwo, who said the Airbus A220-300 would enhance the airline’s operational capacity through improved technology and greater efficiency.
Chairman of the Board of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for sustaining investments in the airline and expanding its fleet.
The arrival of the aircraft was marked with a water-cannon salute, after which Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno performed the ceremonial cutting of the tape.
