Ibom Air is set to acquire additional Airbus A220-300 as part of “a strategic move to boost its capacity and meet growing demand for its services.”

In October 2021, Ibom Air put in a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, the first of which was delivered in November 2023.

With demand for the airline’s product outpacing the delivery schedule of the order, however, the airline decided to purchase this A220 from Carlyle Aviation, a world-renowned aircraft lessor and global player in the industry.

The delivery event, which was held at Maastricht Airport in the Netherlands, was attended by the Shareholder, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, accompanied by a few dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah and Effiong Etim Johnson, Chief Whip, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Also in attendance were Ibom Air’s Executive team, led by the Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Mfon Udom; the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi; and other Ibom Air Management team members.

The addition of this aircraft will bring Ibom Air’s fleet of A220s to 11, after the delivery of the outstanding nine units. It is worth noting the continuing embrace of aircraft financing by Nigerian banks.

According to the airline’s head of Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, the purchase was financed by both Fidelity and Union Banks, with Fidelity as the majority partner.

Governor Eno is quoted as having commended Ibom Air’s growth and adherence to their business plan.

He expressed satisfaction with the new aircraft acquisition, noting, “This addition will further strengthen our airline, which is already performing well. Our administration will continue to support Ibom Air.”

The new aircraft, as stated by George Uriese, Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, will arrive in Nigeria soon after the necessary paperwork has been completed.