•Governor Umo Eno (L) and Constant Van Shani
EKERETE UDOH, Montreal, Canada, reporting
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed the state government’s determination to ensure the full operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, as well as its continued support for the ongoing Ibom Air fleet expansion programme.
The governor made the commitment during high-level meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The engagements focused on developing the technical and maintenance capabilities required to support Ibom Air’s expanding fleet and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation industry.
Governor Eno first met with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, to explore a strategic partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility.
He said the administration was seeking a practical partnership that would strengthen the state’s aviation infrastructure, enhance technical capabilities, create skilled employment and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.
The governor, who noted that his administration had made substantial financial investments in completing the MRO facility, recalled his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility, where he said he was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.
He stressed that the proposed relationship should go beyond conventional consultancy, with discussions covering maintenance and technical support for aircraft, particularly those in the Ibom Air fleet, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.
SAMCO Aviation Services B.V. is a Netherlands-based aviation maintenance company headquartered at Maastricht-Aachen Airport, specialising in the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and aerospace equipment. The company operates from its facility at Horsterweg 19 in Maastricht and is part of the wider SAMCO aviation maintenance operation, which has provided aircraft maintenance services for operators in Africa.
SAMCO’s Maastricht facility has also been used for the maintenance and inspection of Ibom Air aircraft, including its Airbus A220-300 fleet, underscoring its role in supporting the airline’s fleet development and technical operations in Europe and Africa.
SAMCO also presented its experience working with African airlines and highlighted the importance of developing strong local technical capabilities.
Governor Eno said building indigenous aviation expertise would reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom.
Responding, SAMCO CEO, Constant Van Shani, welcomed the governor’s commitment to the proposed partnership, saying: “Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting.”
In a related development, Governor Eno met with Hadi Akoum, vice president of Sales, Africa, Airbus, and expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts to facilitate the delivery of the new aircraft.
The governor assured Airbus that the state government remained fully committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as a strategic economic asset to Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno said Ibom Air was central to the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment, stressing that “it is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function.”
He said the state would continue to make the necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remains commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of supporting the State’s wider economic ambitions.
Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly, with a production backlog of approximately 9,000 aircraft.
He also highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300, noting its passenger capacity of about 120 and its cargo capability.
The discussions further reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government as the airline expands its fleet and network.
Governor Eno said the engagements with SAMCO and Airbus formed part of a coordinated strategy to align Ibom Air’s fleet expansion with the development of the MRO facility, maintenance capacity, technical training and technology transfer.
He said the new A220-300 would further strengthen the airline’s operations and expansion while supporting Akwa Ibom’s tourism, connectivity and broader economic development objectives.
Present at the meetings were the Ibom Air Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; and relevant officials of the airline.
