Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has led a delegation to Airbus’ production facility in Mirabel, Canada, for the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The inspection is part of the formal acceptance process before the aircraft joins the airline’s fleet and enters commercial service in Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, described the inspection as “an important milestone” in the airline’s expansion programme, saying the new aircraft will boost capacity while delivering greater efficiency, safety and passenger comfort.
Governor Umo Eno said the investment demonstrates the state’s commitment to strengthening Ibom Air as a strategic asset, adding that it supports the vision of making Akwa Ibom a leading aviation hub and will create new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.
Airbus Canada Chief Executive Officer and Head of the A220 Programme, Guillaume Chevasson, expressed appreciation for Ibom Air’s confidence in the A220 family, describing the aircraft as “ideal” for the airline’s fleet modernization because of its fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and passenger comfort.
The aircraft will be ferried to Nigeria after the delivery process and officially inducted into the Ibom Air fleet before commencing commercial operations.