Akwa Ibom State-owned carrier has operated over 65,787 scheduled flights, hitting a major milestone of five million passengers on September 25.
This achievement reflects the enduring trust and confidence that passengers continue to place in Ibom Air, just as the airline joined millions of Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians worldwide to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom.
The airline, established as part of the state Government’s strategic investment in connectivity and economic development, has also transported nearly five million passengers within its seven years of operation.
In a statement marking the anniversary, Ibom Air congratulated the Governor of the state, Pastor Umo Eno, his cabinet and the people of the state, describing the airline as one of the key institutions emerging from the state’s sustained investments in infrastructure, human capital and economic development.
Akwa Ibom was created in 1987 and has, over the years, expanded investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, aviation, tourism and other sectors of the economy.
Ibom Air said the airline was established to improve air connectivity, stimulate economic activity and demonstrate the capacity of Akwa Ibom to establish and sustain a world-class aviation institution.
Since its launch, the airline has expanded its fleet to 10 aircraft and currently serves seven domestic destinations and one regional destination, providing connectivity for business, tourism, trade and investment.
Beyond passenger transportation, Ibom Air said it has become an important platform for human-capital development in the state, with hundreds of Akwa Ibom indigenes engaged in leadership, flight operations, engineering, customer service, finance and other technical and administrative functions.
The airline added that strategic training programmes supported by the state government and Ibom Air had enabled young professionals from the state to receive specialised aviation training in Nigeria, Ethiopia and France.
According to the airline, its economic contribution also extends beyond direct aviation operations, with its activities and supply-chain engagements injecting more than N60 billion into the local economy and supporting thousands of indirect jobs.
Ibom Air said its growth reflects the state government’s broader objective of creating opportunities, empowering its citizens and building institutions capable of contributing to long-term economic prosperity.
‘As Akwa Ibom celebrates 39 years of achievement, Ibom Air is proud to be part of the State’s story of growth, empowerment and transformation,’ the airline stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Governor’s ARISE Agenda through operational excellence, improved connectivity, job creation and continued investment in human capital.
The airline said the development of Akwa Ibom and the growth of Ibom Air demonstrate the potential of strategic investment, institutional development and human-capital empowerment in driving sustainable economic advancement.