Akwa Ibom Government Steps Up Aviation Development Plans

Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed its commitment to the full operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, and the continued expansion of the Ibom Air fleet.

Governor Umo Eno made the commitment during 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 focused on developing the technical and maintenance capabilities required to support Ibom Air’s expanding fleet and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation industry.

Governor Eno first met with the Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, Constant Van Shani, to explore a strategic partnership to manage and operate the MRO facility.

He said the administration was pursuing a practical partnership that would strengthen the state’s aviation infrastructure, enhance technical capabilities, create skilled employment opportunities and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.

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The Governor noted that his administration had made substantial financial investments in completing the MRO facility. Recalling his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility, he said he was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.

He stressed that the proposed relationship should go beyond conventional consultancy, with discussions covering aircraft maintenance and technical support, particularly for the Ibom Air fleet, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.

Governor Eno said building indigenous aviation expertise would reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom.

Responding, Van Shani welcomed the Governor’s commitment to the proposed partnership.

“Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting,” he said.

SAMCO Aviation Services B.V. is a Netherlands-based aviation maintenance company headquartered at Maastricht-Aachen Airport and specialises in the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and aerospace equipment.

In a related development, Governor Eno met with Airbus Vice President of Sales for Africa, Hadi Akoum, and expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts in facilitating the delivery of the new aircraft.

The Governor assured Airbus that the Akwa Ibom State Government remained fully committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as a strategic economic asset to the state.

He said Ibom Air remained central to 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.”

Governor Eno added that the state would 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.

For his part, Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produced about 14 aircraft monthly, with a production backlog of approximately 9,000 aircraft.

He also highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300, noting its passenger capacity of about 120 passengers and its cargo capability.

The discussions reinforced the importance of continued collaboration among Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government as the airline expands its fleet and network.