Ibom Air boosts fleet with additional Airbus A220 – 300

By Dennis Udoma, Uyo

Ibom Air is boosting it’s fleet with additional airbus A220-300 it acquired recently to meet the growing demands of customers of products and services.

General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Aniekan Essienette disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Friday.

She said, the airline’s acquisition of the new aircraft, is a strategic move to boost its capacity and meet growing demand for its product.

She maintained that, in October 2021, Ibom Air put in a firm order for 10 Airbuses (A220-300) aircrafts, the first which was delivered in November 2023; and that, with a demand for the airline’s product outpacing the delivery schedule of the order, the airline decided to purchase this A220 from Carlyle Aviation, a world-renowned aircraft lessor and global player in the industry.

According to the statement, “the delivery event, which was held at Maastricht Airport in the Netherlands, was personally attended by the shareholder, the State Governor Umo Eno accompanied by other dignitaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and Hon. Effiong Etim Johnson, Chief Whip, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, amongst others.

“Also in attendance were Ibom Air’s Executive team, led by the Accountable Manager and CEO, Mfon Udom; the Executive Director and COO, Mr. George Uriesi; and other members of Ibom Air management team”.

The addition of this aircraft will bring Ibom Air’s fleet of A220s to 11, after the delivery of the outstanding nine units. It is worth noting the continuing embrace of aircraft financing by Nigerian banks. This new purchase was financed by both Fidelity and Union Banks, with Fidelity as the majority partner. Ibom Air is delighted to have Nigerian financial institutions supporting its growth.

Ibom Air, a limited liability company is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government as a sub-national in Nigeria, with the aims of setting a standard as an airline of choice for passengers; by focusing on schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service.

It has a fleet of 7 aircraft: five (5) Bombardier CRJ 900 and two (2) Airbus A220-300, covering seven (7) destinations.