Ibom Airlines, owned by the Government of Akwa Ibom State, in the south-south geopolitical zone, has added another feather to its cap with the commencement of a direct flight to Accra, the Ghanaian capital from Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. The flight commenced on 17 October 2023 on a daily basis
“Ibom Air, the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline, has marked a significant milestone with the commencement of regional operations. The airline’s inaugural flight from Lagos to Accra took off at 7.00am (WAT) on the 17th of October, 2023, offering travellers a new gateway to explore the vibrant West African region.
“The strategic expansion aligns with Ibom Air’s vision to be a world-class African regional Airline by offering passengers an industry-leading travel experience that encompasses schedule reliability, on time departures, and excellent services,” Ibom Air announced on its official X handle, formerly known as Twitter.
Ibom Air is based at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, the state capital. Its domestic routes include Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
“Focusing on schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent services, it has a fleet of seven aircraft: five Bombardier CRJ 900 and two Airbus A220-300, covering seven destinations. Ibom Air made a firm order of ten Airbus A220 in line with its expansion,” Aniekan Essienette, general manager, marketing and communication, Ibom Air said.
In December 2019, it recorded 91 percent 91 percent on-time performance. The level of on-time performance increased to 97 percent in 2020. In 2021, its on-time performance ranged from 75 percent to 96 percent, while in 2022 Ibom recorded an on-time performance that ranged from 67 percent to 87 percent. As of August 2023, Ibom Air scored 89 percent on-time performance.
An enthusiastic Goerge Uriesi, Ibom Air’s executive director and chief operating officer said the purpose of the new regional drive is to enhance connectivity between Nigeria and Ghana as well as boost tourism and trade.
He said: “We are thrilled to commence our regional operations today with the inaugural flight between Lagos and Accra. This is a significant step for Ibom Air as we expand our network out of Nigeria and into the African continent. With this new route, we aim to enhance connectivity between Nigeria and Ghana, fostering tourism, trade, and tighter economic and cultural ties.”
He added that his airline is committed to delivering exceptional services to our passengers, asking Nigerians to choose Ibom Air so as to experience the best of service.
According to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, 852,101 domestic passengers travelled across the country in 2022.Kumasi Airport led the travel chart with 476,266 passengers in 2022. It was followed by Tamale, 217,958 air passengers; Takoradi, 123,930 passengers; WA, 25, 875; Sunyani, 7,103 passengers and HO 7,103 passengers
Pamela Djamson-Tettey, managing director of Ghana Airports Company Limited said her country was delighted to welcome Ibom Air to Ghana.
“We are indeed delighted to welcome Ibom Air to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana. We congratulate you on your decision to fly into Accra and are happy to have you on board. Your entry into Ghana’s market will offer the travelling public more options for connectivity between Ghana and Nigeria. As operators and managers of Kotoka International Airport, we assure Ibom air of our support in making their operations in Ghana a success.” Pamela Djamson-Tettey, said.
