Eno: New Airbus is Proof of Ibom Air’s Steady Growth, Not a One-Off

Governor Umo Eno has framed the arrival of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus as further evidence of his administration’s long-term bet on aviation, and a sign that the airline is not just expanding, but maturing.

Speaking on arrival at Ibom International Airport, Eno pointed to the numbers: three Airbus aircraft delivered since 2023, with two more already fully paid for. That brings the total to five planes in just over three years, a pace, he argued, that reflects deliberate planning rather than sporadic spending.

“The new aircraft speaks volumes, not just for Ibom Air, but for Akwa Ibom State as we seek to expand the airline,” Eno said. “It shows consistency. This is the third Airbus since we came into office, and we have paid for two more. So, five aircraft, that tells you we are serious.”

He also provided an update on the state’s Aviation Village, particularly the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which he said is approaching completion. Once fully operational, Eno predicted the ecosystem would generate jobs, earn foreign exchange, and add measurable value to the state’s GDP.

“When all of this begins to function as it should, you will see the jobs, the foreign exchange, and the impact on our GDP,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the investments would ultimately improve the standard of living for Akwa Ibom citizens, calling it the true dividend of democracy.

The new Airbus A220-300, fresh from a pre-delivery inspection in Montreal, Canada, which Eno personally attended, is expected to land at Victor Attah International Airport on August 30, 2026. With this addition, Ibom Air’s fleet will stand at ten aircraft, positioning the airline for broader domestic and regional connectivity.