The Akwa Ibom State Government has re-stated its commitment to the full operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo and the expansion of the Ibom Air fleet.
Governor Umo Eno made the commitment in high-level meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The engagements were aimed at developing the technical and maintenance capabilities needed to support Ibom Air’s growing fleet and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation industry.
Governor Eno first met with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, to discuss a strategic partnership to manage and operate the MRO facility.
He said the administration was seeking a practical partnership that would boost the state’s aviation infrastructure, technical capabilities, skilled employment and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.
The Governor said his administration had invested a significant amount of money to ensure that the MRO facility was completed. He remembered his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility and said he was impressed with the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.
He said the proposed relationship should go beyond the normal consultancy, with discussions on aircraft maintenance and technical support especially for the Ibom Air fleet as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.
“Building indigenous aviation expertise will reduce our dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom,” Governor Eno said.
Van Shani responded by welcoming the Governor’s commitment to the proposed partnership.
Governor, we are glad to know that you are ready to work with us. “We are here to get it done beyond consulting,” he said.
SAMCO Aviation Services B.V. is a Dutch aviation maintenance company, with its headquarters at Maastricht-Aachen Airport. It specializes in the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and aerospace equipment.
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Also, Governor Eno met with the Vise President of Sales for Africa of Airbus, Hadi Akoum, and thanked the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts at ensuring the delivery of the new aircraft.
Governor Udom Emmanuel told Airbus that the Akwa Ibom State Government was still very committed to Ibom Air and described the airline as a strategic economic asset to the State.
He said Ibom Air remained at the core of the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment, stressing that “it is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function.”
“The state will continue to make the necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remained commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of supporting Akwa Ibom’s broader economic ambitions,” Governor Eno added.
Akoum said Ibom Air is a big Airbus customer in Africa and revealed that Airbus currently makes about 14 aircraft each month with a backlog of about 9,000 aircraft.
He also mentioned the A220-300’s capability to carry around 120 passengers and its cargo capability.
The discussions highlighted the need for continued collaboration among Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government as the airline grows its fleet and network.
