The new Airbus A220-300 aircraft acquired by Ibom Air, a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, is among the 10 ordered by the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2021.
“The aircraft, registered 5N-CDC, was formally handed over to Ibom Air at the Airbus A220 final assembly facility in Mirabel, Canada, following the signing of the Transfer of Title documents by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi,” Aniekan Essienette, group manager, marketing and communication, Ibom Air, said in the statement on 26 August.
By Tuesday, a few hours from today, the Akwa Ibom State Government will hold a ceremony at the Victor Attah International Airport, the home of Ibom Air, to receive the new aircraft as part of the state’s 39th anniversary celebration. There is excitement among the airline management and workers, government officials and Akwa Ibom residents as they await the aircraft’s arrival.
But beyond the excitement, this development reinforces the legacy of former Governor Emmanuel’s administration in Akwa Ibom and his successor’s ability to keep faith. Then-Governor Emmanuel, against all odds and public criticism, established Ibom Air in 2019, making Akwa Ibom the first sub-national entity in Nigeria to own and operate a commercial airline.
Enugu State, under Governor Peter Mbah, taking a cue from Akwa Ibom, now owns an airline, Enugu Air, which launched its inaugural flight on 7 July 2025. Cross River and Bayelsa states are also exploring ways to set up their own airlines. Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft is among the 10 that Mr Emmanuel’s administration ordered in 2021 before leaving office in 2023.
Mr Emmanuel led the airline management to Dubai for the deal signing on 16 November 2021 at the Dubai Airshow.
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