Airbus, SAMCO Back Ibom Air Expansion as Gov Eno Advances MRO Partnership in Canada
MONTREAL, CANADA — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has intensified efforts to strengthen the State’s aviation sector, holding high-level meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, on the operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, and the expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet.
The engagements took place ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft and focused on developing the technical, maintenance and human-capital capacity needed to support the airline’s growing fleet.
At a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, Constant Van Shani, Governor Eno explored a strategic partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility in Uyo.
The Governor said the State was interested in a partnership that would go beyond consultancy to include aircraft maintenance and technical support, training, technology transfer and the development of skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom.
He noted that his administration had made substantial investments in completing the MRO facility and expressed confidence that a partnership with SAMCO would help transform the facility into a functional centre capable of supporting Ibom Air and other aviation operators.
Governor Eno recalled his team’s previous visit to SAMCO’s facility, saying he was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.
He stressed that developing indigenous technical expertise would reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities while creating employment opportunities and strengthening Akwa Ibom’s position in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Responding, SAMCO CEO Constant Van Shani welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed the company’s readiness to work with the State.
“Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting,” Van Shani said.
SAMCO Aviation Services B.V., based in Maastricht, Netherlands, specialises in aircraft maintenance and repair services and has experience supporting African airlines, including Ibom Air.
The company’s Maastricht facility has been involved in maintenance and inspection activities for Ibom Air aircraft, including its Airbus A220-300 fleet.
In a separate engagement, Governor Eno met with Hadi Akoum, Vice President of Sales, Africa, Airbus, where he expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its support for the airline’s fleet expansion programme.
The Governor described Ibom Air as a strategic economic asset and assured Airbus of the State Government’s continued commitment to the airline.
According to him, Ibom Air is central to Akwa Ibom’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment.
“It is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function,” Governor Eno said, stressing that the State would continue to make strategic investments to ensure the airline remains commercially viable and operationally strong.
Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly, with an estimated production backlog of about 9,000 aircraft.
He also highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300, including its passenger and cargo capacity, as discussions centred on the continued expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet and network.
Governor Eno said the meetings with SAMCO and Airbus were part of a broader strategy to align Ibom Air’s fleet expansion with the development of the MRO facility, technical training, maintenance capacity and technology transfer.
He said the new Airbus A220-300 would further strengthen Ibom Air’s operations and support the State’s broader economic objectives, particularly in tourism, connectivity, trade and investment.
The meetings were attended by Ibom Air Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; and other officials of the airline.
