Emmanuel vows to make A’Ibom an aviation hub as Ibom air acquires fifth aircraft

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom state, has promised to transform the state into an aviation hub in the West African sub-region.

Emmanuel made the vow while announcing the arrival of the lastest bombardier CRJ900 recently acquired by the state-owned airline – Ibom Air.

The governor said contractors have been mobilised to commence the maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO), facility and other upgrade works at the Victor Attah International Airport to attain this status before he leaves office.

He said the new terminal is designed to meet the highest intelligence, smart standard and will match any of the internationally ranked terminals when completed.

The new bombardier CRJ900, with registration number 5N-BXO is the fifth aircraft to the fleet of the Akwa Ibom state-owned airline, Ibom Air.

“On behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, including those in the diaspora, we appreciate God and everyone who has contributed in making this possible and we look toward to many more,” he said.

“We welcome the latest in our fleet, registration number 5N-BXO, CoVID-19 compliant.

“I want to most sincerely register my appreciation to the management team of Ibom Air. They’ve actually made us proud. I really want to thank them for their commitment and the professionalism they have displayed to make Ibom Air an airline to beat. It is an airline to beat anytime, anywhere.

“When I came into office as Governor, I inherited just one private aircraft, but I thank God I will not leave office with anything less than eight to nine more aircrafts, so that people can see progress and I’m sure the person that will come after me will not leave office with less than twenty five aircraft.”