Governor Umo Eno has announced that Akwa Ibom State will take delivery of a brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft in June as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity and expand the state’s aviation footprint.
Speaking on the development, the governor disclosed that he would travel to Canada in June to officially receive the aircraft, which is expected to support regional flight operations under the state’s aviation programme.
According to him, the incoming Airbus A220 is part of a broader fleet expansion plan, with eight additional aircraft already on order.
“June this year, I will be going to Canada to receive a brand-new A220 Airbus. So it is as quick as that; that plane is to help us with the regional flight. And we have eight more on order,” the governor stated.
Governor Eno added that the state government remains committed to sustaining the airline project and meeting its financial obligations as more aircraft are delivered.
“We just pray for God to give us grace to continue to service our line and to pay for these planes as they come,” he said.
The governor also highlighted ongoing investments in aviation manpower development, revealing that 10 cadet pilots sponsored by the state are currently undergoing training at Ethiopian Aeronautical University in Ethiopia.
In addition, the state has sponsored four other trainees — including three pilots and an aircraft engineer — at the Aviation School in Jos.
The latest development underscores Akwa Ibom State’s growing ambitions in the aviation sector through investments in aircraft acquisition, regional connectivity, and human capital development.
