Airlines Ibom Air takes delivery of two Airbus A220 aircraft

As second carrier on the continent, Ibom Air has taken delivery of two Airbus A220-300 aircraft to enhance its regional network. The Nigeria-based airline will mainly use the aircraft on routes out of Lagos, Uyo and Abuja.

By bringing in the two A220s, Ibom Air will significantly increase its capacity on the domestic routes. The aircraft have been brought in through wet-leasing from airline EgyptAir. The airline experienced a surge in passenger number, which led to capacity shortage on the Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.

Ibom Air COO, Mr. George Uriesi, confirmed: “We are pleased to introduce the Airbus A220, one of the most advanced passenger jets in the world, into the Nigerian domestic market. While our fleet of Bombardier CRJ900s did a splendid job powering the airline during its start-up phase, we had to adjust our business strategy and fast track our move to higher capacity aircraft. With the introduction of the A220, this capacity squeeze will be adequately addressed.”

At first, the A220-300s will be operated three times a day between Lagos and Abuja. Furthermore, the routes from Uyo to Lagos and Uyo to Abuja will be served by the second aircraft. The five CRJ900s, which still are in the fleet, have the job to fill in any capacity gaps on other routes.

Ibom Air has also released, that it is currently in negotiations with manufacturer Airbus over a purchase deal for a brand-new A220 aircraft. This aircraft could be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2022 and would enable the carrier to use its own crew staff on the flights. Right now, the A220s have been wet-leased from EgyptAir, meaning the Egyptian carrier provides crew.

Ibom Air started operations back in June 2019, exactly two years ago. The carrier is owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government and is currently serving five destinations. The main operational hub has been set at Akwa Ibom Airport.

The Airbus A220 is a state-of-the-art aircraft from Airbus and is being produced in Mirabel and Mobile, Alabama. The aircraft family consists of the smaller A220-100 and A220-300, which is 3.4 meter longer and can seat more passengers.