The inspection, held at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Quebec, is part of the final acceptance process ahead of the formal delivery of the aircraft to Ibom Air.
The development represents another step in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme as it seeks to expand its operational capacity, improve connectivity and strengthen its position within Africa’s aviation industry.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday, the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication of Ibom Airlines Limited, Aniekan Essienette, said the inspection was a significant milestone in the carrier’s growth strategy.
The delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada.
Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, said the pre-delivery inspection brought the airline closer to adding another modern aircraft to its fleet.
“This pre-delivery inspection represents an important milestone in our fleet expansion programme and brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft to Nigeria. As demand for air travel continues to grow across our markets, we remain focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and passenger comfort.
“The Airbus A220 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our network strategy, and we look forward to deploying this latest addition into our network in furtherance of our growth objectives,” Uriesi said.
Uriesi’s remarks underscored the airline’s strategy of using newer-generation aircraft to improve operational efficiency while providing passengers with enhanced comfort and reliability.
The Airbus A220-300 is designed for short- and medium-haul routes and is recognised for its fuel efficiency, spacious cabin and advanced technology, features that make it suitable for Ibom Air’s domestic and regional network.
Governor Eno, meanwhile, said the latest investment in the airline reflected the state government’s determination to position Ibom Air as a strategic economic asset and contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom’s aviation sector.
“This investment aligns with the ARISE Agenda and our vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.
“We look forward to formally receiving this aircraft in Akwa Ibom State and to the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity will create for trade, tourism, investment, and regional development,” Eno said.
He added that the expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet would have implications beyond aviation by improving access to Akwa Ibom and creating opportunities for increased economic activity across the state and the wider region.
On its part, Airbus expressed confidence in the partnership with the Nigerian carrier.
Chevasson said, “We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family. The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernisation, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come.”
According to the airline, the aircraft incorporates features that will further support its efforts to improve operational capability, efficiency and the overall passenger experience.
Following the completion of the remaining delivery procedures, the aircraft is expected to be ferried to Nigeria and formally received into the Ibom Air fleet in Akwa Ibom State before being deployed for commercial operations.
The addition of the third Airbus A220-300 is expected to further strengthen Ibom Air’s fleet capacity as the airline pursues its long-term objectives of sustainable expansion, improved connectivity and service excellence.
For Akwa Ibom State, the development also forms part of the broader ambition to leverage aviation infrastructure and connectivity to support trade, tourism, investment and regional economic development.