Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has conducted a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, saying, it is expected to commence operations ahead of the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year travel season.

Governor Eno,in statement in Abuja, explained, “the inspection marks another major milestone in the Government’s ongoing investment in Ibom Air and its drive to expand the airline’s fleet, operational capacity, and regional connectivity, and to increase passengers, improve scheduling flexibility, while providing travellers with more convenient and reliable flight options.”

The Governor, who expressed satisfaction with the aircraft’s quality, design and advanced technology, emphasized that the acquisition reflects his administration’s commitment to positioning Ibom Air for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

He further explained that the investment goes beyond fleet expansion, noting that the new aircraft would enhance operational efficiency, passenger comfort and service delivery while supporting the expansion of Ibom Air’s route network.

Similarly he said that an improved air connectivity will also contribute significantly to Akwa Ibom’s tourism development by making the state more accessible to visitors, investors and businesses.

“We’re pursuing an enhanced connectivity would strengthen the ‘Destination Akwa Ibom’ initiative while promoting tourism, trade, investment and economic opportunities across the state.”

“Wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ibom Air commenced operations in 2019 and has since emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. In June 2026, the airline expanded into the international market with scheduled flights from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.”

“The latest A220-300 is aimed to provide additional capacity for regional routes, further strengthen Uyo’s position as an emerging aviation gateway and advance the state government’s regional connectivity strategy through its state-owned airline.”

“Ibom Air’s fleet expansion project is anchored on the acquisition of new-generation Airbus A220 aircraft, which are designed to deliver fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, operational flexibility and improved performance across domestic and regional networks.”

Also speaking on the aircraft and the partnership with Ibom Air, Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, said that the A220-300 offers exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and performance.

Chevasson commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and Ibom Air for the strong partnership, assuring both parties of Airbus’ continued commitment to supporting the airline’s growth and development.

He hinted that with the delivery of the new aircraft, Ibom Air’s Airbus A220 fleet would rise to three, saying, the airline’s first two A220 aircrafts, which are currently undergoing comprehensive checks, are expected to return to service by the end of September 2026.

According to him, the return of the two aircraft, alongside the newly delivered A220-300, is expected to significantly strengthen Ibom Air’s operational capacity and provide greater flexibility for network expansion.

Also speaking, 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.

Uriesi said growing demand for air travel across Ibom Air’s markets had reinforced the airline’s commitment to investing in modern aircraft that offer efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort.

While describing the Airbus A220 as an ideal fit for Ibom Air’s network strategy, he noted lthat the new aircraft would support the airline’s growth objectives and enable it to serve its expanding network more effectively.

He however reiterated that the return of the first two A220 aircraft by the end of September, together with the addition of the new aircraft, would significantly increase available capacity.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, Guillaume Chevasson; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; stakeholders; and key management staff of Ibom Air.