In a strategic move towards regional connectivity, Ibom Air, the state-owned airline of Akwa Ibom, is gearing up to broaden its flight routes beyond Nigerian borders.
The announcement comes on the heels of the airline’s successful coverage of major cities within Nigeria and its recent foray into international operations with commercial flights to Ghana.
According to newtelegraphng.com, the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who stated this at the formal delivery of the first of the ten brand new Airbus A200-300 series at the Victor Attah International Airport Uyo on Friday commended former governor Udom Emmanuel for his vision in conceptualizing the airline which he described as the pride of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria in the aviation industry,
READ: Africa: Nigerian Carrier, Ibom Air Receives First, brand new Airbus A220-300
According to him, “In under five years, Ibom Air has expanded its routes to major cities in Nigeria and recently started its commercial operations to Accra, Ghana. Plans are afoot to expand the routes into the East, Central and South African regions.
He averred, “It was a little over four years ago, that we had gathered at this same location, to witness the commencement of commercial operations for Ibom Air.
“At that time, the airline had two CRJ 900 Bombardier aircraft in its fleet. Less than a year after it started operations, three additional CRJ 900 Bombardier aircraft were added to its fleet, bringing it to five.
“A year later, the airline further expanded its fleet with the addition of two brand new A220-300 Airbus series, the first of its kind in the Nigerian aviation industry, bringing the total fleet to seven.
The governor further highlighted, “At the Dubai Airshow in November 2021, the State Government, led by the visioner of this project and my worthy predecessor, the immediate past Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel signed a contract for the purchase of ten brand new Airbus – A200-300 series. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to welcome to the fleet of Ibom Air, the first of those ten Airbuses we had ordered.
He added, “Let me particularly celebrate and thank my worthy predecessor for his vision in conceptualizing and breathing life into this pride of Akwa Ibom and pride of Nigeria in the aviation industry, Ibom Air.
“When this idea was first announced, the usual naysayers had dismissed it as a flash of wishful thinking. But as he always would say: The answer to doubters is success that shocks and confounds. Today, Ibom Air is the leading brand in the Nigerian aviation industry, a mere four years plus after it started commercial operations”.
The governor maintained that his administration is dedicated to supporting the giant strides the airline has made stressing that they have kept faith with all previous financial obligations entered into, with Airbus, by the immediate past administration and the result of that, is the event witnessed today.
“Government is a continuum. 1st Corinthians chapter 3: 6, captures this critical element of continuity succinctly and I quote from King James Version “ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”. We, will in our way, provide the increase. Since we came on board, we have provided the funds for the training of pilots and the deepening of the already first-class Cabin services of the airline” Eno said.
He expressed deep-seated gratitude to the management and staff of this airline for the professionalism and great service delivery it has brought to bear in its operations.
He opined, ” Even though this airline is owned 100 per cent by the State Government, we have allowed the management to run its operations as a purely private concern and the result, has been the spectacular and phenomenal growth it has recorded so far”.
The governor said his administration has done extensive work on the Airside perimeter fencing of the airport, and the continuous funding of the 8.5 km Airside patrol road, which is now ready for commissioning.
“We have equally continued the funding of the parallel Taxiway Rapid Exit, the Apron Construction, the International Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul ( MRO) facility, the VIP Car Park, Access Road into the Terminal Building and the underground drain alongside the CCTV Control and Command Center”.
He commended the past leaders of the state saying, “Let me also thank the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio for his support in moving our State forward.
“Let me also commend and salute the father of modern Akwa Ibom State, Arc (Obong)Victor Attah, whom this airport is appropriately named after, for being the one who started the construction of this airport and mooted the idea for the construction of the MRO.
“We certainly have been very blessed with great and visionary leaders! I am dedicated to expanding and enlarging, the great works these leaders had started, by the grace of God”.
