The AGM, convened on Wednesday in Ikot Ekpene at the request of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, served as a platform to detail the airline's operational achievements since its launch six years ago. Ibom Air, which commenced its maiden flight on June 7, 2019, from Uyo to Lagos, has rapidly established itself as a significant player in Nigeria's aviation sector.
According to a statement from airline spokesperson Aniekan Essienette, the airline’s management presented notable milestones, including extensive route expansion, substantial fleet growth, and consistent high levels of customer satisfaction. Ibom Air has notably secured the "best airline of the year" award for four consecutive years and, in 2023, received a safety certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscoring its commitment to operational excellence.
The airline's growth trajectory includes the acquisition of new aircraft, with the first of 10 new Airbus A220-300 aircraft delivered in 2023. This expansion facilitated the airline's foray into the West African region, launching its first international flight to Accra, Ghana, in October of the same year. A second Airbus A220-300 was added to its fleet in August 2024, bringing its current fleet to nine aircraft, comprising seven CRJ 900s and two Airbus A220-300s. Ibom Air currently serves six domestic destinations in Nigeria, in addition to Accra.
The immediate past chairperson of the airline’s Board of Directors, Imo-Abasi Jacob, highlighted the airline’s resilience in recovering from a loss position in 2023, which was largely "occasioned by the collapse of the Naira against the US dollar." He reported that operational profit transitioned from a N3 billion loss in 2023 to a substantial N16.6 billion profit in 2024. The airline's net profit for 2024 stood at N6.8 billion, a significant turnaround from the N8.7 billion loss recorded in 2023. Jacob, who concluded his statutory tenure, reaffirmed Ibom Air’s dedication to maintaining its high standards in safety, on-time performance, and service quality.
Governor Umo Eno expressed his satisfaction with Ibom Air's performance, reiterating the Akwa Ibom State Government's continued support for the airline. He also articulated the state's long-term vision to eventually divest some of its shareholding, opening the door for new investors to come on board.
In a key leadership transition, Governor Eno announced the appointment of the airline’s pioneer Chief Executive Officer, Mfon Udom, as the new non-executive chairperson of Ibom Air’s board. Udom, who initially served as a consultant to the Akwa Ibom State Government in developing Ibom Air's business plan, was instrumental in establishing and building the airline to its current standing. Furthermore, George Uriesi, formerly the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (ED/COO), has been appointed as the acting Managing Director and CEO. Essienette noted that Uriesi was also part of the initial consulting team and has worked closely with Udom throughout the airline's development.
Ibom Air's successful maiden AGM marks a significant milestone, showcasing its financial strength and strategic vision for expansion, both within Nigeria and across West Africa, with an eye towards future investment opportunities.