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  • I patronize Ibom Air to promote the brand, demystify governance – Gov Eno

    I patronize Ibom Air to promote the brand, demystify governance – Gov Eno

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has said that his recent patronage of the state-owned commercial airline, Ibom Air, for official engagements outside the state was to promote the brand and offer him more insights into the operations of the airline.

    He has also confirmed that the immediate past Governor, Udom Emmanuel is not in custody of the official Governor’s jet as being insinuated in some quarters, urging people to desist from malicious and baseless allegations that serve no good intent and purpose.

    Eno who was fielding questions from newsmen at the Victor Attah Int’l Airport shortly on arrival from official engagements outside the state yesterday explained that his position as Governor of the State, has made him the chief marketing officer of the airline.

    The Governor stressed that his decision to travel on board IbomAir was also to observe the airline’s standard in service delivery, which he described as spectacular and workd- class, which is the reason why the airline is the most preferred by air travelers in the nation.

    He wondered what the people would say when he would travel in the soon- to be launched palliative buses that would be introduced to cushion the harsh effects of fuel subsidy removal adding that his style of administration is to demystify governance, so as to enable him connect easily with the ordinary people.

    “We are promoting Akwa Ibom Brand and the state -owns hundred percent shares in this airline, by virtue of my office , i am the chief marketing officer of the airline if you may ask. My job is to promote our brand.

    “We are planning to bring buses as part of the palliative. We are in talks with some companies. When the buses finally come and I board one of those buses, would people now say the immediate past Governor has taken over my official vehicles?

    “There is no truth whatsoever that the immediate past Governor is with our aircraft. This is not just the kind of things we should be talking or arguing about. Akwa Ibom should move beyond this sort of cheap talk.

    “Again, I want to put it very clear that everyone has his style of leadership. My own style is to demystify governance. I like to get in contact with people, and I like to be myself. This Government thing will come and go. So what is the big deal?” He querried.

  • Ibom Air apprehends in-flight thief

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Authorities of Ibom Airlines Limited have said they have apprehended a passenger for alleged in-flight stealing.

    A statement from the Airline endorsed by Aniekan Essienette, General Manager, Marketing and Communications and made available to newsmen on Thursday said the suspect was alleged to have stolen a laptop belonging to another passenger from the overhead cabin.

    “On the morning of the 26th of July 2023, during the boarding of Ibom Air flight Q1300 from Lagos to Abuja, a passenger, OGENEOCHUKO DAVID, M., was apprehended for allegedly taking another passenger’s laptop from his bag in the overhead cabin.

    “The owner of the laptop, who suspected the movement of the said Mr. David within the aircraft, decided to check where his laptop was kept and immediately realized the item was no longer there. He raised the alarm by notifying the crew members accordingly.

    “A search was immediately instituted, which led to about half an hour delay, and the laptop was found with Mr. David. He was immediately offloaded and handed over to the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) for further investigation, who then handed him over to the Police for further investigation.

    “The police have since confirmed that the suspect is a member of a large syndicate specializing in stealing onboard aircraft.

    “The owner of the laptop voluntarily stepped down from the flight to assist with the investigation and promised to follow up with the case to its logical conclusion.” The statement explained.

    The airline said it would continue to have as its corporate policy zero tolerance for criminal activities on board it’s flights and would prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.

    It would be recalled that one Kingsley Chinsunum was alleged to have stolen N100,000.00 from a wallet kept inside a bag in the overhead bin, while on board Ibom Air flight 4150 at Murtala Muhammed Aircraft Terminal Two recently.

    Not too long ago, a passenger, one Mr. Adebayi Adelugba, staged the stealing of his own checked-in bag and declared it missing accusing the airline of negligence amidst threats of litigation.

    “CCTV footage however caught him in the act while he was convicted of the crime of threat against Ibom Air, disturbance of public peace, and lies at the Ogba Magistrate court in Lagos, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two weeks imprisonment and a fine.” It concluded.

  • Ibom Air@4: We have exceeded expectations, says Uriesi

    Ibom Air@4: We have exceeded expectations, says Uriesi

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Following four years of record breaking achievements and strides, the management of Ibom Airlines Limited has said that it has exceeded projections of it’s business plans.

    This was contained in a statement from the Airline’s General Manager in charge of Marketing and Communications Mrs Aniekan Esseniette made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday to celebrate it’s four years anniversary.

    According to the statement, reflecting on the tremendous strides of the airline, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. George Uriesi, said, “It is with immense pride that we celebrate Ibom Air’s 4th anniversary today. Over the past four years, we have witnessed tremendous growth, exceeding our business plan projections and delivering on the very high expectations of our shareholder.

    “These significant milestones were achieved through the careful and painstaking execution of our business plan and the hard work and dedication of our very committed staff compliment.

    “I am pleased to say that Ibom Air’s DNA, our unique internal culture of Excellence, Safety, Integrity, Passion, and Innovation, has become institutionalized and permeates our entire business. This culture underpins our determination to continue to offer our customers the highest quality of service in our industry.”

    Recall that on June 2019, the Airline took to the skies on its inaugural flight from Uyo to Lagos, armed with a vision to offer industry-leading schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service to passengers.

    Established and owned by the Government of Akwa Ibom State, the airline has recorded significant milestones, surpassing even the projections it set for itself.

    With its modern fleet of aircraft, commitment to safety, and unparalleled customer service, Ibom Air has emerged as the preferred choice for travelers seeking safety, comfort, reliability, and affordability.

    Earllier in the year, Ibom Air was awarded the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, another testament to its commitment to the highest safety standards in the industry.

    On this, the COO said, “the achievement of IOSA certification, the imminent entry into service of the new, ultra-modern hub terminal in our home base and the commencement of aircraft maintenance at the brand-new MRO facility also in Uyo

    “The forthcoming delivery of our first brand new Airbus A220-300, together represent a pivotal moment for the Company as we prepare to expand our services into West and Central Africa in the second half of the year.”

    The Airline’s current fleet include five Bombardier CRJ 900 and two Airbus A320s, covering seven destinations and nine routes.

  • Gov Obaseki Commissions two Airbuses for Ibom Air

    Gov Obaseki Commissions two Airbuses for Ibom Air

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has commissioned two Airbus A320-200 recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government for the fleet of Ibom Air. 

    Performing the ceremony at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Tuesday, Obaseki applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for his significant strides in the aviation sector. 

    The Governor declared Akwa Ibom a flagship state in the country for its effort to invest and expand in a sector that Nigeria as a country has failed.

    “Even Nigeria as biggest country in Africa cannot run an Aviation sector successfully. Ibom Air is always fully booked. Let me thank you on behalf of Nigerians. Don’t be deterred by insult, focus on your goals”. He said.

    Delivering the aircrafts to Ibom Air, Governor Emmanuel said the addition was in  response to the demands of the season.

    Emmanuel said as responsible administration, he has committed huge resources to the development of the aviation sector in the state. 

    He said he had committed more funds than  received from the federal government to the development of the state, even as he was at the verge of commissioning a world class Terminal Building and a Maintainance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. 

    “We did not come to give excuses, we came to do governance. Look at what we have done in the aviation sector, if it is not more than what we have collected, then you can challenge me anywhere. 

    “Our terminal building there is world class in Africa, our MRO is world class . If  you find one today in the entire Gulf of Guinea, tell me I will break down this one and construct another. This MRO can take 24/47 800 series.  Would service eight of the CRJs that we are flying at the same time. This is the only MRO in this part of the world. People are coming, asking us to lease this MRO. 

     “I invest in areas we can have return on our investment. Airbus is on us to come and use our MRO for all their regional flights. We are going to open up this place from January next year for commercial activities and we are going to earn in dollars, not Naira.” He said 

    In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Ibom Airlines Limited, Captain Mfon Udom announced plans to commence regional flight from 2023. 

    He said the new addition to the fleet of Ibom Air would not only expand it carrying capacity but would also boost employment opportunity by 40per cent. 

    In a release earlier, the Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Uries had earlier hinted that, “with this new capacity coming on board, we are delighted to inform our passengers that we have increased our offerings, providing more frequencies for their convenience. 

    “The Uyo-Lagos and Uyo-Abuja route now have three frequencies every weekday, while our passengers between Lagos and Abuja will have seven frequencies to choose from both ways, every weekday.” 

    The two Airbus A320-200 aircrafts were said to have been procured from GetJet Airlines UAB (operating as GETJET), a European aircraft leasing company, on a one year wet-lease agreement.

    The new addition would bring the fleet to  seven Aircrafts; five Bombardier CRJ 900 and two  Airbus A320-300, covering seven  destinations.

  • A’Ibom to add 10 Airbuses to Ibom Air fleet

    A’Ibom to add 10 Airbuses to Ibom Air fleet

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has said that 10 new Airbuses would soon be added to the fleet of Akwa Ibom government owned Ibom Airlines Limited.

    The airline which already has five Bombardier aircrafts and two Airbuses has become a toast of the county’s aviation industry since it commenced commercial operations three years ago.

    Emmanuel who made this known in a broadcast to the people of the state yesterday expressed joy that despite sceptisms, the establishment of Ibom Air has become a testament to the creativity and strategic planning of the present administration in the state.

    “Today, Ibom Air with a fleet of 7 aircrafts, comprising 5 CRJ 900 Bombardier series and two brand new Airbuses A300-220 series with ten more brand new Airbuses soon to be added to its fleet, has raised the profile of our State, and has made the ease of doing business in our State, appealing.

    “It has provided jobs to hundreds of our people. Our youths are being trained in aircraft maintenance and in flying schools to become commercial pilots. Ibom Air represents and has made manifest the biblical assertion that “when men are cast down, then thou shalt say, there is lifting up.

    “We are embarking on total aviation development. Our MRO, (Maintain, Repair and Overhaul) facility is 85 percent complete. Once commissioned, hopefully by October this year, this facility will again create jobs for our people and bring in foreign exchange to our State.” He said.

    The Victor Attah International Airport Terminal, with a capacity to process at least one million passengers a year, the governor said would be the smartest and most intelligent in the country when commissioned.

    “With the capacity to process over one million passengers a year, and fitted with the most current technology available, The Akwa Ibom Airport is poised to make our State an aviation hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “This facility has also provided hundreds of jobs to our teeming youths, and once completed, would add hundreds more, thus fulfilling one of the central campaign promises we made: Job creation. Our Taxiway, the longest in the nation’s aviation space, will soon be commissioned.

    “Fellow Akwaibomites, there is no doubt that in seven years, the story of our growth in the aviation sector is being written in golden lines and more chapters will be added. We should feel proud of this huge achievement.” He explained.

    He warned against toxic comments and actions that could pitch the people against themselves and impact negatively on the prevailing peace in the state.

    “As the political season dawns on us, I wish to urge our political stakeholders and our youths not to poison the waters of our unity with toxic political rhetoric or to engage in violence.

    “I will never be tired of repeating this line that politics will come and politics will go, but the soul and the essence of the Akwa Ibom enterprise will remain an abiding spirit and letter of our collective engagements.Let us eschew violence and embrace the understanding that in any political contest, there must be a winner and the winner should reach out and embrace the side that didn’t win.

    “Winners have emerged, and I urged our people to line up behind the people who have been nominated to continue pushing the levers of development of our State and ensure that the gains we have made in the last seven years are not frittered away.

    “Akwa Ibom has been an oasis of peace and tranquillity, the fundamentals of growth are rock-solid, all over the nation, and people are wondering how we were able to achieve such spectacular successes across sectors.” He concluded.

  • Aviation Shutdown: More Airlines Pull Out Of Strike As FG Intensifies Lobbying

    Aviation Shutdown: More Airlines Pull Out Of Strike As FG Intensifies Lobbying

    Barring last-minute changes, at least four airlines will not partake in the shutdown directed by the Airline Operators Association of Nigeria (AON).

    The airlines include: Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, Dana Air, and Green Africa.

    The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika disclosed this on Sunday in a statement signed by Dr. James Odaudu, his media aide.

    The statement said, “It is gratifying that members of the Association have started reviewing the decision to withdraw flight services from tomorrow, with Ibom Air, Green Africa Airlines, Arik, Dana and some others having given indications that they will carry on with their normal flight schedules.

    “We hope and believe that a few hesitant members will consider the dire implications of the planned action for businesses and individuals and review their decision likewise.”

    The minister also “assured foreign airlines operating in the country that all the requisite logistics and services for their operations remain in place as usual and that no disruptions whatsoever should be envisaged.”

    He called on the members of AON to commit to undisrupted flight services nationwide while the Ministry of Aviation, in concert with other relevant stakeholders, continue with ongoing efforts at finding a lasting solution to the perplexing issue of aviation fuel availability and affordability, in the overall interest of the industry and the economy at large.

    Sirika, however, noted that “the decision of the Association is purely a business one as they are private businesses reacting to market forces while appealing for government interventions to enable them carry on with their operations.”

    “The Ministry has always made conscious efforts to assist and promote the operational interests of AON, some of which includes facilitating a meeting between the Association and Mr President, during which it got several concessions, including duty-free importation of aircraft, engines, spare parts and components.”

    He also said at various times he personally took members of the Association to engage with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sort out issues of access to Foreign Exchange (FOREX) for their operations, and also the NNPC to explore ways of ensuring the availability of Aviation fuel (JET A1) through importation or from the major Marketers at affordable prices.

  • Ibom Air pulls out of AON strike

    Ibom Air pulls out of AON strike

    The management of Ibom Airlines Limited has said it would not join the proposed action by the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, AON to suspend local flights from Monday across the country to protest astronomical cost of jet fuel.

    In a statement made available to correspondents in Uyo on Saturday, the airline said it’s action was to avoid legal actions by customers some of whom had already made bookings before the announcement by the AON.

    The statement said the latest action was also premeditated on their unique business model and the need to fulfill it’s financial obligations to suppliers, financiers and staff adding that since it has been the only airline operating from Akwa Ibom it cannot afford to cut the state off from the rest of the world.

    “Ibom Airlines Limited (Ibom Air) has been inundated with inquiries about what will happen on Monday 09 May, 2022, following the public statement issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Executive, on Friday 06 May, 2022 and it has become necessary for us to make the following clarifications:

    “Ibom Air acknowledges the existential threat that these runaway fuel price increases pose for the air transport industry in Nigeria. We agree that this out-of-control situation is simply unsustainable.

    “However, every airline has its unique business model and pressures. We believe that in spite of the escalating fuel prices, airlines volunteering to stop operations would rather exacerbate an already bad situation.

    “Ibom Air has financial obligations to suppliers, financiers and staff, which depend on uninterrupted flow of revenue to service. More importantly is the fact that having been paid by customers in advance for flight bookings we are bound by contract to deliver the services already paid for, to avoid exposing the airline to the risk of avoidable litigation.

    “Apart from the above factors, Ibom Air is currently the only airline serving Akwa Ibom State directly and as such, any voluntary stoppage of operations would completely cut off access by air into and out of the State. Such action would be directly in conflict with and detrimental to the interest of our shareholder.

    “In view of the foregoing facts, Ibom Air had respectfully disagreed with the decision of AON to suspend flight operations on Monday 09 May 2022. Ibom Air cannot in the circumstance volunteer to stop operating and will continue normal operations on Monday 09 May 2022

    It insisted that its inclusion as “signatory” to the statement released by AON must have derived from its active and committed membership of the AON and not because of it’s willingness to be involved in the action by the operators.

    “The above notwithstanding, we identify very strongly with our AON colleagues and will participate in every effort to resolve this frightening situation as soon as possible in the interest of our business, our customers, our stakeholders and our country.

    “We thank our customers for their continued patronage and we thank the AON for our collective efforts to secure a sustainable fuel pricing regime for the airlines.” It concluded.

  • Ibom Air Seals Deal for 10 Aircrafts from Airbus

    Ibom Air Seals Deal for 10 Aircrafts from Airbus

    Ibom Air, the indigenous Airline of the Akwa Ibom Government has placed an order for ten (10) A220 aircraft with Airbus.

    The deal was sealed at the ongoing Dubai Air show, taking place at the purpose built DWC event arena in Dubai.

    A message signed by the company’s Group Manager Marketing and Communication, Annie Essienette, made available to newsmen in Uyo indicated that deliveries of the aircraft to Ibom Air would commence in the first quarter of 2023.

    “The agreement, which was signed today by the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr Mfon Udom and Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus, Mr Christian Scherer, was done in the presence of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Uko Udom, SAN, and the Chairman of Ibom Air, Mr Imoabasi Jacob who led the Ibom Air team, which also included the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Uriesi, the Group Manager Marketing and communication, Mrs Aniekan Essienette and the Group Manager Corporate Services, Mrs Imelda Aba.

    “Working in collaboration with the Airbus team, Ibom Air took an innovative approach to making the choice of the A220. The airline started by wet-leasing two (2) A220s for a year, to test the suitability of the aircraft for their needs. Within 6 months of this process, the airline was able to validate the A220 as the right choice for its domestic and regional aspirations.

    “The order of the ten (10) Airbus A220 is in line with the airline’s aggressive growth plan, which will see it expanding its footprint into new domestic routes as well as regional routes covering West and Central Africa in the immediate future. The first phase of this expansion is set to cover cities like Malabo, Douala, Libreville, Kinshasa, Accra, Abidjan, Freetown, Banjul and Dakar. Ultimately the airline intends to operate throughout the continent of Africa.

    “The all-new A220 is purpose built for efficiency, targeting the 100-150 seat market. It burns 20% lower fuel per seat compared to previous generation aircraft and flies to a range of up to 3,400 nm (6,297 km), offering performance similar to larger, single-aisle aircraft. The A220s combination of a superior cabin product and low operating costs are a perfect fit for the airline’s network growth strategy and will help Ibom Air offer its customers an unrivaled value proposition.

    “His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in his remarks stated “earlier in the year, we gathered to welcome the first Airbus into our fleet, and I must say that we are proud to be the first airline to order the all-new Airbus A220 in Nigeria. The A220 will allow us to increase the number of passengers into Akwa Ibom, thus bringing more first-time visitors and business travelers to the State.

    “These efforts reflect our commitment to enabling local commerce and industry, in line with the State’s economic growth strategy. With this latest acquisition, Ibom Air is better positioned to contribute to driving long term economic growth for Akwa Ibom State. Ibom Air’s giant leap as evidenced by this bold step, is a validation of the aviation development pillar of our completion agenda which is on course. I have said and will reiterate that, till the very last day, I will keep working for and I’m the interest of Akwa Ibom people”. The statement said.

    The statement also quoted the CEO of Ibom Air to have said that, “it gives me great pleasure to be here at the announcement of Ibom Air’s order for 10 Airbus A220s. We are pleased with the steep growth we have achieved in the two (2) years and five (5) months since we commenced operations, a growth mainly driven by the massive embrace of our product and brand by the Nigerian domestic flying public.

    ” As we contemplated the next phase of our expansion strategy, we gave consideration and opted to procure two (2) A220s on a one-year wet lease, in order to try out the aircraft to ensure it was fit for the purposes of our business. I am pleased to say here that the approach has been a huge success for us. We found out that not only can we fill up the aircraft, but it has also become a favorite in the Nigerian domestic market. Our passengers love it. And so, here we are today, ordering 10 A220s, having tested and validated it as the one stop solution for our domestic and regional aspirations.”

    On his part, the Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus, Mr Christian Scherer said, “we are thrilled to add Ibom Air as a new Airbus customer. The A220 is ideally suited to Nigeria’s aviation needs, providing operational flexibility, growing the business, and responding to demand for increased passenger services. Through this investment, Ibom Air is underscoring its ambition for regional and in due course, international connectivity, efficiency and versatility.”

  • Ibom Air to Add Six States to Routes

    Ibom Air to Add Six States to Routes

    Ibom Airlines has said it would be expanding its coverage to six additional states in Nigeria.

    The Airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Oresi stated on Wednesday in Uyo during an interview that the airline would expand its routes to Yenogoa, Asaba, Owerri, Benin, Kano and Yola.

    Oresi who that with six destinations already the company’s target would be to expand to the new routes by next year.

    “Currently, we have six destinations: Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Calabar. We will definitely be expanding into a few places – Yenogoa, Asaba, Owerri, maybe Benin.

    “But the next place we are working at is the North – Kano potentially, Yola potentially. But by the end of next year, we would have covered all these places we are talking about.

    “We just started Port Harcourt in July, maybe before the end of the year, we will do one more.” He stated.

    Oresi said though the Airline planned to commence international flight soon, it would first consolidate on its gains and successes, saying by next quarter of 2022, the airline would venture into regional flight.

    The COO said the company would not rest on its oars in accomplishing its business model or take other airlines for granted, saying its philosophy about competition remained that there would be enough room for everybody to operate and thrive.

    He explained that despite its partnership with Dana Air, the company would do all to maintain its scheduling reliability, ontime performance and excellent services, adding that its long term goal is to be a world class airline.

  • Ibom Air commences daily flights from P/Harcourt

    Ibom Air commences daily flights from P/Harcourt

    The management of Ibom Air on Monday in Uyo announced the commencement of daily flights from the Port Harcourt International Airport to Abuja and Lagos.

    A statement from the Airlines’ Group Marketing Manager, Mrs Aniette Esienette and made available to newsmen said the launch of the Port-Harcourt flights was part of it’s ongoing expansion program.

    “Our aim is to be able to offer our promise of schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service to a wider pool of domestic travelers across the country.

    “Port Harcourt will bring to six the total number of destinations we cover in the country, in addition to Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Enugu.

    “We want to take this opportunity to assure our passengers that safety and customer satisfaction will remain at the center of Ibom Air’s operations, and we will continue to work hard to meet and exceed your expectations, so that you continue to see us as your airline of first choice.” The statement said.

    Ibom Air is a limited Liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom state Government, which aims to set the standard as an Airline of choice for passengers by focusing on schedule reliability, on-time performance, and excellent service with a Vision to be a world-class, African regional airline and Mission to build a safe, service-focused and profitable Airline.