Eno meets Airbus, SAMCO in Canada over Ibom Air fleet expansion, MRO

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has met with officials of Airbus and SAMCO Group Europe in Canada to advance Ibom Air’s fleet expansion and strengthen plans for the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

Eno held the meetings in Montreal ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The engagements focused on developing maintenance capacity, technical expertise and partnerships to support the airline’s growing fleet.

At a meeting with SAMCO Group Europe Chief Executive Officer, Constant Van Shani, Eno discussed a proposed partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility. He said the arrangement would strengthen aviation infrastructure, create skilled jobs and develop local technical expertise.

The governor said the state had invested substantially in the MRO facility and was seeking a partnership that would go beyond consultancy to cover aircraft maintenance, technical support, training, technology transfer and capacity building.

SAMCO Aviation Services B.V., based at Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands, specialises in aircraft maintenance and repair and has experience supporting African airlines. The company has also handled maintenance and inspection of Ibom Air aircraft, including its Airbus A220-300 fleet.

Van Shani welcomed the proposed partnership, expressing readiness to work with the Akwa Ibom Government to develop the facility and strengthen local technical capacity. “Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting,” he said.

In a separate meeting with Airbus Vice President of Sales, Africa, Hadi Akoum, Eno expressed appreciation for the manufacturer’s partnership with Ibom Air and support for the delivery of its new aircraft. He described the airline as a strategic economic asset and pledged continued state investment in its growth.

Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300. The meetings, which were attended by Ibom Air Managing Director/CEO George Uriesi and other officials, focused on aligning fleet expansion with maintenance capacity, technical training and the airline’s network growth.