During the Dubai Airshow, the state airline of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria, Ibom Air, has signed an order for 10 Airbus A220s.
Nigeria is one of the major economies in Africa and offers considerable potential for increased domestic and regional travel. Therefore, the Airbus A220 is the ideal choice for the company, the aircraft offers great versatility for both short-haul and intercontinental routes.
«It gives me immense pleasure to be here to announce Ibom Air’s order for 10 Airbus A220s» said Mfon Udom CEO of Ibom Air.
«The addition of the A220 to our fleet will support our growth strategy and increase operational efficiency. It will also offer our passengers more space and an enhanced cabin experience as an added value for choosing us» concluded Udom.
«The A220 will enable us to increase the number of annual passengers through Akwa Ibom Airport in Uyo, which will bring more first-time visitors and business travelers in the region. These efforts reflect our commitment to support local commerce and make a positive contribution to socio-economic growth in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria» said on his part the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Ibom Air currently operates two Airbus A220s on lease through Air Sinai, a subsidiary of Egyptair. The airline has its hub in Uyo (QUO) and offers flights to Abuja (ABV), Calabar (CBQ), Enugu (ENU), Lagos (LOS), and Port Harcourt (PHC).
The Airbus A220 has a range of 6,390 km (3,450 nautical miles) and a seating capacity of 100-150 seats. This aircraft will allow the airline to not only expand on domestic routes but also to various regions in Africa and serve destinations such as Accra (ACC), Dakar (DSS), Nairobi (NBO), Addis Ababa (ADD), and Johannesburg (JNB). Outside the continent, Ibom Air can explore destinations such as Dubai (DXB) and London.
«We are thrilled to add Ibom Air as a new Airbus customer. The A220 is ideally suited to Nigeria’s aviation needs, providing operational flexibility to grow the business by responding to demand increased passenger services. Through this investment, Ibom Air is underlining its ambition for regional and, in due course, international connectivity and operational efficiency», said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
As of the end of October 2021, the A220 has accumulated 643 firm orders. Major operators include airBaltic, Swiss, Delta Airlines, and Air Canada. Ibom Air becomes the fourth African operator to order A220s after Egyptair, Air Senegal, and Air Tanzania.
