Akwa Ibom government launches new airline
The government of Akwa Ibom state on Wednesday launched a new airline, Ibom Air which they are pitching as the arrival of a new experience.
The state-owned airline was commissioned with a fleet of two aircraft, that was officially unveiled with Ibom Air branding and fine print.
Dignitaries present at the flag off event at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo included Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Bukola Saraki and the governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel.
The Federal Government under the directive of President Buhari had undertaken similar project by announcing the launch of a new national carrier, Nigerian Air, at the Farnborough International Airshow in London last year.
But the airline which the Minister of state for aviation, Haidi Sirika said will start operating flights to 81 domestic and international routes by December 2018 never took off.
The government later announced that the project has been suspended indefinitely due to the withdrawal of investors.
With the launch of Ibom Air, it seems that there’s now a new carrier coming out of Nigeria after the decline of Arik Air.
The airline is yet to commence operations.
