Gov Eno Steps Up Efforts to Begin MRO Operations, Expand Ibom Air Fleet

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has renewed the state government’s commitment to starting full operations at the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

The Governor also reaffirmed the government’s support for the continued expansion of the Ibom Air fleet.

Governor Eno stated this during meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

The meetings focused on strengthening the technical and maintenance capacity needed to support Ibom Air’s growing fleet and improve Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation sector.

Governor Eno first met with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, to discuss a possible partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility.

He said the state was looking for a practical partnership that would improve aviation infrastructure, develop technical skills, create jobs and train local aviation workers.

The Governor said his administration had invested heavily in completing the MRO facility. He also recalled his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility, saying he was impressed by the company’s technical capacity and standards.

He explained that the proposed partnership should go beyond consultancy to include aircraft maintenance and technical support, especially for Ibom Air aircraft. It would also cover technical training, technology transfer and skills development.

SAMCO Aviation Services B.V., based in the Netherlands, specialises in aircraft maintenance and repair. The company has also supported the maintenance and inspection of Ibom Air aircraft, including its Airbus A220-300 fleet.

In another meeting, Governor Eno met with Hadi Akoum, Vice President of Sales, Africa, Airbus. He thanked Airbus for its partnership with Ibom Air and its support in the delivery of the new aircraft.

The Governor assured Airbus that the state government remained committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as an important economic asset to Akwa Ibom.

He said Ibom Air was important to the state’s plans to promote tourism, improve connectivity, and attract trade and investment.

According to him, the government would continue to make the necessary investments to keep the airline strong, efficient and commercially viable.

Akoum described Ibom Air as one of Airbus’ major customers in Africa. He also highlighted the capacity of the A220-300 aircraft and the importance of continued cooperation between Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Governor Eno said the discussions with SAMCO and Airbus were part of a wider plan to link Ibom Air’s fleet expansion with the development of the MRO facility, technical training, maintenance services and technology transfer.

He said the new A220-300 would strengthen Ibom Air’s operations and support the airline’s expansion, while also contributing to tourism, connectivity and economic growth in Akwa Ibom.

The meetings were attended by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council and other officials of the airline.

By Lovina emole

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