Onyema says Ibom Aircraft Acquisition Marks New Dawn for Aviation Sector

• As Ibom Air Takes Delivery of First New Airbus 220 Plane

The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has congratulated Ibom Air for the delivery of its first out of 10 aircraft it ordered from world’s largest maker of Airbus aircraft.

Onyema who was elated by the addition of the aircraft to Ibom Air fleet, said Nigerian carriers were getting stronger and stronger by the day, adding that this was the first time in the history of aviation in Nigeria that different domestic carriers are ordering brand new equipment.

Chairman of Air Peace stated that this signifies a new dawn for air transport in Nigeria, stressing that with more fleet, Nigerian carriers would create more jobs for the citizens, contribute to the nation’s GDP and burnish their desire to become preeminent in the market, airlifting more Nigerian to local and international destinations at affordable airfares.

“We are getting stronger and stronger by the day. May God Almighty be praised in the highest for this feat and everything. May Ibom Air and, indeed, all indigenous airlines in Nigeria continue to prosper. These airlines have given means of livelihood to thousands of Nigerians who were hitherto unemployed. God will continue to support Nigerian carriers. I wish all of us permanent safe flights and permanent safe landings forever, in God’s name, amen.

“My joy knows no bounds today because the more we see achievements like this, the less the demonisation of Nigerian airlines by vested interests both from within and outside the country. Congratulations to Ibom Air, congratulations to the government and good people of Akwa Ibom state, and congratulations to the Nigerian aviation industry for performing very well under very disturbing environment,” Onyema emphasized.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel, the CEO Mfon Udom, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the airline, George Uriesi, with top management staff of the airline on Friday in Montreal, Canada, inspected and received the first aircraft at the Airbus’ Mirabel facility.

Speaking at the occasion, Udom Emmanuel said Ibom Air is the first airline to take delivery of the all-new Airbus A220 in Nigeria, adding that during his time as governor, he had envisaged Ibom Air becoming a dominant player in the aviation sector within the West African and African aviation hub and lauded Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the aviation development project of the state.

Chief Executive Officer of the Airline, Mfon Udom, expressed great enthusiasm for the arrival of the Airbus A220-300.

Chief Executive Officer said “The introduction of the Airbus A220-300 to our fleet is a game-changing leap forward for Ibom Air. The decision to invest in a fleet of highly efficient brand-new aircraft to power our growth plans underscores our determination to offer no less than world-class airline services to our valued customers.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, Benoit Schultz; Vice-President, Daniel Wenninger; Head Of Airbus A220 Delivery Center, Marc Arpin; and Cyrille Picard, Sales Director Middle-East & Africa made the presentation of the new Airbus aircraft.