Ibom Air Set For Third A220 Delivery As Fleet Expansion Continues

Nigerian carrier Ibom Air is set to take delivery of its third new Airbus A220-300 after a delegation led by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno completed a predelivery inspection at Airbus' Mirabel facility in Quebec on Aug. 14.

The aircraft, part of Ibom Air’s ongoing A220-300 delivery program, is expected to enter service toward the end of the year.

The Akwa Ibom state government said in a statement the additional aircraft would increase capacity, improve scheduling flexibility and provide passengers with more reliable travel options.

Ibom Air placed a firm order for 10 A220s at the Dubai Airshow in 2021, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2028.

The airline’s first two A220s are currently undergoing comprehensive checks and are expected to return to service by the end of September.

Eno said the acquisition reflects his administration’s commitment to the airline’s long-term growth, with investment extending beyond fleet expansion to operational efficiency, passenger comfort and network development. He added that improved connectivity would support the state’s “Destination Akwa Ibom” tourism initiative while helping to stimulate trade and investment.

Ibom Air CEO George Uriesi described the A220 as an “ideal fit” for the airline’s network strategy, saying rising demand across its markets had reinforced its commitment to operating modern, efficient aircraft offering reliability, safety and passenger comfort.

The airline, which also operates CRJ900s, is working toward an all-A220 fleet. Uriesi said Ibom Air’s average load factor is nearly 90%, adding that its CRJ900s are “too small to meet the demand.”

Current OAG data shows Ibom Air was scheduled to offer 89,191 seats in August 2026, down 19.3% year over year. Domestic services account for 80,027 seats, or 89.7% of total capacity. The airline currently serves 11 airport pairs nonstop. It added an international route in June, connecting Uyo, Nigeria, to Accra, Ghana.

CAPA – Centre for Aviation Fleet data shows the airline currently operates six CRJ900s, one of which is inactive, as well as one other A220-300 listed as inactive.

Wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom state government, Ibom Air began operations in 2019.