Against all odds many industry watchers have continued to marvel over the success story of Ibom Air, an airline established by Governor Emmanuel Udom’s Akwa Ibom led government.
The airline against all odds has surpassed all expectations by becoming the most successful and most viable airline in Nigeria.
Since its establishment it has been one success story to another.
In November 2021 the Management of Ibom Air announced the airline’s attainment of one-millionth passenger mark on board flight number IAN4134 departing from Victor Attah International Airport Uyo, to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, at 16:00 local time.
The passenger, Olowodu Daba Obene, was on the queue to boarding when the countdown to the 1,000,000th passenger began.
The company’s communications and marketing manager, Annie Essienette who confirmed this in a statement said the Director of Maintenance, Lookman Animashaun, conducted the count which saw Ms Olowodu emerging as the 1,000,000th passenger.
The Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi, explaining the reason for the symbolic recognition of the one millionth passenger, said it was an essential element of the airline’s culture, to track every aspect of its performance and capture major milestones.
“By so doing, the airline is able to keep its passengers and stakeholders informed about the progress and achievements of the airline,” he said.
He said: “It was easy to track with precision, when the one millionth passenger milestone would be reached.”
According to him, it was also an opportunity to thank and appreciate customers for their loyalty and patronage in the two years and five months since commencing operations.
The company achieved the 500,000-passenger milestone on the 2nd of March 2021
On her part, Ms Olowodu, the 1,000,000th passenger, who was unaware of what was going on, said the recognition took her by surprise and thanked the airline for the award of a free premium return ticket to any of its destinations.
The airline, began operations more than three years ago.
In June 2021 the Akwa Ibom State Government added two new Airbus A220-300 planes into the fleet of Ibom Air at a ceremony held at Victor Attah International Airport as part of this current regime’s CompletionAgenda.
Governor Udom Emmanuel during the activities marking the 35th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State said his aim is to make the State the economic Hub of not only of the South South but Nigeria.
To him, Ibom Air’s success story cannot be overemphasized.
The airline through its unparrarrelled services has lifted the economic, social and tourism of Akwa Ibom.
It noted that while several airlines are folding up and finding it difficult to operate Ibom Air has become a symbol of what an airline should be.
For the records, Ibom Air according to report reaching “Upclose and Shots ” is the only State owned airline in Nigeria and has within its period of operations ferried over two million Passengers.
Governor Udom Emmanuel says his long term plan is to make Ibom Air the best and most efficient run airline in West Africa sub region.
