With the addition of two new CRJ 900 aircraft to the fleet of Ibom Air, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, has said the commitment of Governor Umo Eno to ensuring sustainable growth in the aviation sector is unquestionable.

Reflecting on the development at the weekend, Ememobong said that Eno’s sustained investment in Ibom Air “is a part of the larger investment in aviation, which aims to make our state an aviation hub.”

Last Friday, Eno took delivery of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for the state-owned airline with assurances that his administration would expedite actions towards achieving optimum returns on investment of public funds and assets within and outside the state.

The governor, who received the two aircraft labelled 5N-CED and 5N-CEE, which touched ground at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 2:59 p.m. and 3:06 p.m., respectively, affirmed that the acquisition was funded in full by the state government without any loan or facility from any financial institution.

This, he said, was in line with his administration’s determination to break the vicious cycle of state government investments existing only to settle debts in favour of financial institutions. adding that his administration would rather explore ventures that would ensure returns on investment to the state.

The governor lauded Ibom Air’s performance in the Nigerian aviation industry, tasking its management to ensure the airline declares profit in 2025 to justify the investment of state funds. Eno urged the management of Ibom Air to prioritise the flight needs of Akwa Ibom travellers by ensuring Uyo inbound and outbound flights are not truncated.