By Benson Daniel
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has led a delegation of state executives and Ibom Air management officials to the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, for the pre delivery inspection of the airline’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The inspection forms part of the formal acceptance process ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Ibom Air and eventual commencement of commercial operations. The state government confirmed that the development represents another step in its efforts to expand the airline’s fleet and strengthen its operational capacity.
The aircraft is the third Airbus A220-300 in Ibom Air’s fleet and the second aircraft to be received under the airline’s firm order for 10 Airbus A220 aircraft placed with Airbus in 2021.
During the inspection, the delegation toured the production facilities and examined the aircraft as part of the technical and acceptance procedures required before delivery.
The delegation was received by senior officials of Airbus Canada, including Guillaume Chevasson, head of the A220 programme and chief executive officer of Airbus Canada.
The latest aircraft is expected to further increase Ibom Air’s passenger capacity and improve connectivity as the airline continues to expand its operations.
Governor Eno has repeatedly identified the expansion of Ibom Air as a key component of the state’s aviation and economic development strategy. The airline, which is owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, has continued to expand its fleet since commencing commercial operations.
Ibom Air took delivery of its first brand new Airbus A220-300 in November 2023. The aircraft was handed over at Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Canada before being flown to Nigeria.
The airline subsequently added another A220-300 in 2024, acquired from aircraft lessor Carlyle Aviation, as it sought to respond to growing demand for its services.
With the latest aircraft, the airline is moving closer to its long term fleet expansion target under its Airbus order.
The A220-300 is designed for the 100 to 160 seat market and offers a range of up to about 3,600 nautical miles, according to Airbus. The aircraft is also designed to provide improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort compared with older generation aircraft in the same category.
The new aircraft is expected to commence operations ahead of the 2026 Christmas and end of year travel season, subject to the completion of the necessary delivery and regulatory processes.
The expansion of the fleet is also expected to support Ibom Air’s wider network development plans, while strengthening its ability to serve passengers across Nigeria and other regional destinations.
The development comes as Akwa Ibom continues to invest in aviation infrastructure, including efforts to strengthen operations at Victor Attah International Airport and advance plans for an aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility.
For the state government, the continued expansion of Ibom Air is expected to contribute to tourism, trade, investment and employment while positioning the airline for stronger competition within the regional aviation market.
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