The Akwa Ibom Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, visited the Samco Aviation Maintenance Facility in Maastricht, Netherlands, to inspect the new Airbus A220-300 series aircraft acquired by IbomAir. This new acquisition from Carlyle Aviation aims to enhance IbomAir’s operations as they await the delivery of planes previously ordered from Airbus. According to Captain Mfon Udom, CEO of IbomAir, this addition is crucial to meet the growing demand from passengers who have made IbomAir their airline of choice. 
Governor Eno also met with top Airbus executives, including Grainne van den Berg, Vice President, Marketing-Africa & Middle East, and Hadi Akoum, Vice President Sales-Africa. They discussed the delivery timelines for the remaining aircraft ordered by IbomAir during the 2021 Dubai Airshow. Airbus commended the state government for the investment in aviation, especially the construction of the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which they promised to pay an assessment visit for a possible partnership.
In addition, the Governor made a surprise visit to 15 cadets from Akwa Ibom State at the Airbus Flight Academy in Angouleme. The cadets expressed their gratitude for the state’s investment in their future and assured the Governor of their commitment to returning to work for IbomAir after their training. Governor Eno encouraged them to remain diligent, stating, “I’m glad to see your dedication. Life is an endurance trek that you must face head-on. We are committed to ensuring you achieve the best and look forward to celebrating your success.”
Captain Udom appreciated the Governor’s commitment to the cadets’ training and the consistent support for their upkeep, highlighting the positive impact this will have on the aviation industry and the state.
Governor Eno commended IbomAir’s growth and adherence to their business plan. He expressed satisfaction with the new aircraft acquisition, noting, “This addition will further strengthen our airline, which is already performing well. Our administration will continue to support IbomAir.”
The new aircraft, as stated by George Uriese, Chief Operating Officer of IbomAir, will arrive in Nigeria soon after the necessary paperwork is completed.
Governor Eno was accompanied by key officials, including the Chief Whip of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Effiong Johnson, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN, members of the State Executive Council, and representatives from IbomAir and the Akwa Ibom Business Forum.
