Ibom Air Ends Wet Leased A320 Operations, Set to Induct A220

Nigeria's Ibom Air is ending its wet leased A320 operations as part of its long-term fleet program. This comes in the wake of the delivery of the airline's brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, the first of 10 ordered from Airbus in October 2021. With the imminent entry into service of the A220, the ‘place holding’ work of the 2 wet-leased Airbus A320s now comes to an end.

According to the airline’s Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Uriesi, “we resorted to wet leasing aircraft to meet the growing demand for our product, while we worked on our fleet growth program. Now with these aircraft being delivered, it is time for us to benefit from the significant operating efficiencies and enhanced service the A220-300 brings to the business”.

The A220 could not have come to Ibom Air at a better time, when the airline business in Nigeria badly needs operationally efficient aircraft that consume 25% less fuel than other aircraft in its category, while offering class leading comfort, safety and environmental friendliness.

The transition from the wet leased aircraft will result in a reduced flight schedule for a few weeks as the first two A220s are phased into service. “We apologize in advance for any inconvenience our reduced schedule may cause as we transition into a period of better and stable all round service, with these new equipment” Uriesi added.

Wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government of Nigeria, Ibom Air has set the standard as an airline of choice for passengers by focusing on schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service. It currently flies to 8 destinations with a fleet of 7 aircraft. In November, 2023, it received the first of its 10 brand new Airbus A220-300s.