The Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has said that the rapid growth of Ibom Air in five years is as a result of professionalism and non- interference. The airline, which is one of the fastest growing airlines in Nigeria is owned 100% by Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor added that the significant growth in the airline will be followed by expansion to Eastern and South Africa. He made this known during the reception and dedication of the airline’s brand new A220-300. The aircraft 5N- CDA flew into the Victor Attah International Airport today at 11:00a.m. amidst a water cannon salute.
He said that Government is a continuum as he extolled the contribution of his predecessors – former governors Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio. He particularly thanked his immediate predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel for representing the Government in Mirabel Canada.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of Ibom Air, Imeobasi Jacob said it was exciting that a subnational was running a successful airline. Also, Chairman of AkwaIbom Development Company Ennesette Udom asked the Governor to go to sleep as its investment is safe.
CEO Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udo said in terms of manpower development that the 10 aircraft ordered would need no fewer than 80 pilots.He said each Airbus aircraft requires 8 pilots hence the massive training of 20 pilots and 20 engineers in Akwa Ibom. He also said the aircraft deal signed in 2021 would reduce carbon emissions and better the quality of life of Ibom people. According to him, the aircraft delivery took off from Mirabel, Canada to Toulouse in France for 8 hours 20 minutes. From Toulouse it flew to Abuja.
“The economics of this aircraft is that anytime we fly this aircraft we save a million from fuel burn. We fly 2,800 and if you multiply this by one million, we save on average N2.8bn in fuel alone.” He said the A220 uses minimal fuel and 50% sustainable Aviation fuel and 25% lower carbon emissions. Past Governors present at the reception are Obong Victor Attah and Udom Emmanuel.
Key highlights were the introduction of the pilots that flew the aircraft back from Mirabel, Canada to Toulouse, then Abuja and finally Uyo for the reception. Director of Flight Operations, Captain Adebayo Odunsi, A220 Fleet Commander Captain Jide Olawole, First Officer Akan Bassey.
