Key Points:

  • Ibom Air, a Nigerian regional airline, has taken delivery of its first new Airbus A220-300, part of an order for 10 such aircraft.

  • The airline previously leased A220s from EgyptAir in 2021 and announced the order for 10 twinjets at the Dubai air show later that year.

  • Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom state government, operates a fleet that includes Airbus A320s and Bombardier CRJ900s, with the new A220 expected to significantly enhance its services.

Ibom Air's Strategic Expansion with Airbus A220-300

MONTREAL — Nigerian airline Ibom Air has recently bolstered its fleet with the acquisition of its first new Airbus A220-300. This aircraft is the first of a 10-jet order placed by the carrier, signaling a significant expansion in its fleet capabilities. The airline had previously leased a pair of A220s from EgyptAir in 2021, which provided initial experience with the aircraft type. The formal order for 10 of these twinjets was announced at the Dubai air show later that year, marking a pivotal moment in the airline's growth trajectory.

On November 24, Ibom Air celebrated the delivery of this first aircraft, registered as 5N-CDA, at a ceremony at Airbus Canada’s Montreal Mirabel facility. Ibom's CEO, Mfon Udom, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating that the decision to procure highly-efficient, brand-new aircraft is a testament to the airline's commitment to offering world-class services to its customers. Udom described the introduction of the A220 as a game-changing development for the airline, expected to enhance its operational efficiency significantly.


Enhancing Services with Modern Aircraft

The newly acquired A220, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, represents a leap forward in technology and efficiency for Ibom Air. As an airline wholly owned by the state government of Akwa Ibom, the introduction of the A220 is a noteworthy step in modernizing its fleet. Alongside the new A220s, Ibom Air's current fleet comprises two Airbus A320s, which have been wet-leased as interim solutions while awaiting the arrival of the A220s, and five Bombardier CRJ900s.

This expansion and modernization of Ibom Air's fleet are expected to significantly elevate the airline's operational capabilities and customer experience. The addition of the A220-300 not only strengthens the airline's position in the Nigerian aviation market but also demonstrates its dedication to incorporating advanced aviation technologies for improved service delivery. As the airline continues to grow, the Airbus A220-300 is set to play a central role in its strategy to offer enhanced connectivity and comfort to its passengers.