Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the full operation of the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, as well as the expansion of the state-owned Ibom Air fleet.
Governor Eno gave the assurance during high-level meetings with representatives of SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the governor said the discussions were aimed at strengthening the technical and maintenance capabilities needed to support Ibom Air’s growing fleet and consolidate Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation sector.
The governor said his administration is seeking practical partnerships that would strengthen the state’s aviation infrastructure, improve technical capacity, create skilled jobs and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.
He said the state government has already made substantial financial investments in completing the aircraft maintenance facility at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
During his meeting with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, the governor recalled his team’s visit to the company’s facility, saying he was impressed by its technical capabilities and operational standards.
He stressed that the proposed partnership should extend beyond conventional consultancy to include aircraft maintenance and technical support, particularly for Ibom Air, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity development.
The SAMCO team highlighted its experience working with African airlines and emphasised the need for stronger local technical capacity.
Eno said developing indigenous aviation expertise would reduce Ibom Air’s reliance on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the aircraft maintenance centre at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in the state.
Responding, SAMCO’s CEO, Constant Van Shani, welcomed the governor’s commitment to the partnership, saying that
“governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting.”
In a related engagement, the governor met with Hadi Akoum, Vice-President of Sales, Africa, Airbus, where he expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts toward the delivery of the new A220-300 aircraft.
Governor Eno assured Airbus that the Akwa Ibom State government remains fully committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as a strategic economic asset to the state.
He said the airline is central to his administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment.
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According to him, the state would continue to make strategic investments to ensure Ibom Air remains commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of contributing to Akwa Ibom State’s broader economic development.
He also noted that aviation is a forex-denominated business and stressed the need for airlines to be adequately supported to operate sustainably.
Akoum, in his response, described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly, with an order backlog of approximately 9,000 aircraft.
He also highlighted the capabilities of the Airbus A220-300, including its passenger capacity of about 120 and cargo capability.
Akoum stressed the importance of continued collaboration among Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State government as the airline expands its fleet and network.
