Akwa Ibom Expands Ibom Air Fleet, Moves To Localise Aircraft Maintenance
New Aircraft Signals Next Phase of Ibom Air’s Expansion
AKWA Ibom State is pushing ahead with a broader aviation expansion strategy that combines fleet growth with plans to establish local aircraft maintenance capacity at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno advanced both objectives during engagements in Canada, where he conducted a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft and held discussions with aviation industry partners.
The new aircraft is the third brand-new Airbus A220-300 in Ibom Air’s current delivery programme.
It is expected to enter commercial service before the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year travel season.
Its arrival will increase the airline’s capacity, improve scheduling flexibility and support its growing domestic and regional operations.
Governor Eno said the investment formed part of a long-term effort to strengthen Ibom Air and position it for greater competitiveness.
He said fleet expansion would improve operational efficiency, passenger comfort and service delivery while supporting the airline’s expanding network.
The governor also linked the programme to Akwa Ibom’s wider economic ambitions.
According to him, improved air connectivity could support tourism, trade, investment and business activities while strengthening the state’s “Destination Akwa Ibom” campaign.
Eno Opens Talks With SAMCO on Uyo MRO Facility
Beyond acquiring new aircraft, the state government is seeking to move its Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility from infrastructure development to full commercial operation.
To advance that plan, Governor Eno opened discussions with SAMCO Group Europe on a possible partnership to operate the MRO facility at Victor Attah International Airport.
The proposed arrangement would extend beyond consultancy.
It could cover aircraft maintenance, operational management, technical support, workforce training, technology transfer and capacity development.
The governor said Akwa Ibom had already invested substantial resources in completing the facility and now needed the right technical expertise to ensure sustainable operations.
He noted that the state had previously assessed SAMCO’s facilities and operational capabilities in Europe.
SAMCO Aviation Services, based at Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands, specialises in aircraft maintenance and repair and has experience supporting airlines operating in Africa.
The company has also previously carried out maintenance and inspection work involving Ibom Air aircraft.
Eno said a functional MRO facility in Uyo could reduce the need to send aircraft abroad for maintenance while creating opportunities for Nigerian aviation professionals.
The facility could initially support Ibom Air’s growing fleet before expanding its services to other airlines in Nigeria and across Africa.
Airbus Partnership Supports Fleet Growth
The governor also met with Airbus executives as part of efforts to align Ibom Air’s fleet expansion with its long-term operational plans.
During the visit, Eno toured the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, and inspected the latest A220-300 before delivery.
He expressed satisfaction with the aircraft and its technology.
Airbus executives described the A220-300 as an aircraft designed to offer operational flexibility, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort across domestic and regional networks.
The delivery will raise Ibom Air’s Airbus A220 fleet to three aircraft.
Meanwhile, the airline expects its first two A220s, currently undergoing comprehensive checks, to return to service by the end of September 2026.
Their return, combined with the arrival of the new aircraft, could significantly increase available capacity.
Ibom Air Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, said the pre-delivery inspection marked another important stage in the airline’s fleet development programme.
He said growing demand for air travel had strengthened the airline’s decision to invest in modern aircraft that combine reliability, safety and operational efficiency.
From State Airline to Aviation Strategy
The combined push for new aircraft and a functioning maintenance facility suggests that Akwa Ibom is pursuing a broader aviation strategy.
The state wants Ibom Air to serve not only as a transport provider but also as an instrument for economic development.
Ibom Air, which commenced operations in 2019, is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The airline expanded into international operations from Uyo in June 2026, adding another dimension to its regional ambitions.
A stronger fleet could support route expansion and improve Uyo’s position as an emerging aviation gateway.
However, the proposed MRO partnership may prove equally important to the long-term strategy.
Aircraft acquisition increases capacity, but local maintenance infrastructure could reduce operational dependence on foreign facilities and help build technical expertise within Nigeria.
Governor Eno said the state was therefore pursuing an integrated approach that connects aircraft acquisition with maintenance, training, technology transfer and job creation.
If the plans take shape as proposed, Akwa Ibom could move beyond operating a state-owned airline to developing a broader aviation ecosystem around Uyo.
For the state, the third A220-300 represents more than another aircraft.
It forms part of a larger effort to connect aviation investment with tourism, trade, employment, technical capacity and long-term economic growth.
