Ibom Air, a state-owned airline based in Akwa Ibom State, has completed 65,000 flights and transported nearly five million passengers since its launch in June 2019, according to a statement by Group Manager of Marketing and Communication Aniekan Essienette. The airline, established by the Akwa Ibom State government, now operates a fleet of 10 aircraft, serving seven domestic destinations and one regional route in West Africa. Essienette highlighted that the carrier has enhanced regional connectivity, fostering trade, investment, tourism, and business travel. She also extended congratulations to the state government and residents on the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom’s creation, praising its sustained investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development since 1987.
Essienette emphasized that Ibom Air was founded to demonstrate the state’s capacity to build and sustain a world-class institution while stimulating economic activity. The airline has created hundreds of local employment opportunities, with workers in leadership, flight operations, engineering, customer service, finance, and technical roles. The carrier’s economic impact extends beyond aviation, with supply chain activities injecting over N60 billion into the local economy, she stated. The airline’s growth reflects the state government’s commitment to developing local talent and improving regional accessibility through air transport.
The airline’s operations align with Akwa Ibom State’s broader vision of becoming a hub for innovation and economic progress, Essienette said. By strengthening air connectivity, Ibom Air supports the state’s goals of attracting investment and promoting tourism. The airline’s achievements underscore the state’s ability to leverage public-private partnerships for sustainable development, she added. Essienette noted that the airline’s success is a testament to the state’s strategic focus on infrastructure and human capital development, which have positioned Akwa Ibom as a forward-looking region in Nigeria.
Ibom Air’s seven-year milestone highlights its role in transforming Akwa Ibom’s economic landscape. With continued expansion and operational efficiency, the airline is poised to further enhance regional integration and contribute to Nigeria’s aviation sector. The state government’s ongoing support for the carrier remains critical to sustaining its growth and maximizing its impact on local and regional development.