Ibom Air, the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline, has injected more than N60 billion into the state’s economy since commencing operations in 2019.

The airline has also supported thousands of direct and indirect jobs, a statement by its Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, claimed as part of the state’s 39th anniversary.

According to Essienette, the economic impact was driven largely by its operations and supply-chain activities, which have created opportunities for businesses and communities across the state.

The airline said it had operated more than 65,000 flights and carried nearly five million passengers since its establishment, connecting Akwa Ibom with major destinations across Nigeria and West Africa.

She noted that Ibom Air had expanded its fleet to 10 aircraft and currently operates to seven domestic destinations and Accra, Ghana, its only regional destination.

She said the airline’s growing operations had helped facilitate trade, investment, tourism and business travel, while strengthening Akwa Ibom’s position as an increasingly connected economic destination.

The statement added: “Hundreds of Akwa Ibomites currently serve in leadership, flight operations, engineering, customer service, finance, and technical roles within the airline.

“Through strategic training programmes supported by the Akwa Ibom State government and Ibom Air, young professionals from the state have received world-class aviation training in Nigeria, Ethiopia and France, helping to build a new generation of highly skilled aviation professionals.”

The airline attributed its growth to the strategic investments of the Akwa Ibom State government in infrastructure, human capital development and economic advancement.

The airline was established by the state government to improve air connectivity, stimulate economic activity and demonstrate the capacity of the state to establish and sustain a world-class institution.

Ibom Air said its growth also reflected the government’s broader development agenda, particularly the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.

Ibom Air currently operates a fleet comprising seven Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft and three Airbus A220-300s.

The airline said it remained focused on schedule reliability, on-time departures and quality passenger service as it seeks to consolidate its position as the airline of choice for its growing customer base.