Airlines are responding differently to the current pandemic with some experiencing shrinkage while for others, the pandemic is an opportunity to expand their operations.
Well, Ibom Air will be taking delivery of two new Airbus A220-300, with delivery expected this month according to local media. This will also be the first time we are seeing this jetliner operate in Nigeria with Green Africa Airways also expecting to receive the same aircraft type.
“We are actually planning a regional flight with Ibom Air, so we hope by next month we should take delivery of two brand new A220-300 series Airbus, we want to use that for regional flights. I will get this to be discussed at the directors meeting of Ibom Air so that we can also consider Banjul,” said Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel in a press statement last month.
“Having commenced operations in June 2019 using CRJ900 aircraft, additional two brand new Airbus A220 aircraft will be joining the fleet this month, bringing the number of aircraft in the fleet to seven (7) and making it one of Nigeria’s fastest growing airlines. Ibom Air has delivered a consistent average of 95% schedule reliability and on-time performance since its inception,” explained the company’s COO George Uriesi.
The A220 covers a wide mix of new and existing market possibilities with excellent economics on short, medium and even potentially transcontinental markets. This will allow for better overall aircraft utilization and provide a competitive advantage for Ibom Air as it tries to expand its services to regional operations.
Backed by the oil-rich state of Akwa Ibom located along Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, Ibom Air operates a fleet of five CRJ900LRs, three of which are leased from Avmax Aircraft Leasing and two from Falko Regional Aircraft.
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
