Nigeria’s Ibom Air has commenced regional operations, with Accra being its first destination.
The Akwa Ibom state-owned airline’s inaugural flight from Lagos to Accra on 17 October 2023, offered travellers a new gateway to explore the vibrant West African region.
“This is a demonstration of our confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry and the significant progress we have made in positioning Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and a leader in airport business in West Africa,” stated Group Executive-Commercial Services, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Kwame Baffour Awuah.
“We are thrilled to have you [Ibom Air] on board. Your services will undoubtedly provide the travelling public with more options for connecting Nigeria and Ghana,” he added during the flight’s inaugural landing in Accra.
Strategic expansion
George Uriesi, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ibom Air, described the airline’s choice to begin its regional service with the Lagos-Accra-Lagos route as a “strategic expansion”.
This move, according to him, aligns with Ibom Air’s vision of becoming a top-tier African regional airline – dedicated to providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience that prioritises schedule reliability, punctuality and outstanding service.
“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.
“Ibom Air remains committed to delivering exceptional services to our passengers, and we invite travellers between Nigeria and Ghana to choose Ibom Air and experience the best of our service offering,” he stated.
With Ibom Air’s reputation for quality service and support of the GACL, travellers are set to enjoy an exceptional and efficient travel experience.
The Deputy Director-General (Technical), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Daniel Acquah, added that the arrival of Ibom Air will enhance and reinforce the Ghanaian aviation sector.
“So, having another airline in the industry will deepen the necessary competition for the sector’s growth. “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,” he stated.
About Ibom Air
Ibom Air is a limited liability company, wholly-owned by the Akwa Ibom state government, a sub-national in Nigeria. It aims to set the standard as an airline of choice for passengers by focusing on schedule reliability, on-time departures and excellent service. It has a fleet of seven aircraft: five (5) Bombardier CRJ 900s and two (2) Airbus A220-300s, covering seven (7) destinations. Ibom Air has made a firm order for ten (10) Airbus A220s in line with its expansion plan, with the first delivery set for November 2023.
