The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has congratulated the citizens of the state on the latest achievement in the aviation sector with the launch of Ibom Airline.
Emmanuel who made the remark at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, when the airline took delivery of its fourth aircraft, solicited for continuous support and patronage of Ibom Airline when scheduled domestic flights recommence.
He expressed excitement at the success the carrier had so far recorded since its launch in 2019 and thanked God for the fulfillment of his dream and vision to invest in the aviation sector.
He was equally excited that the state was able to bring in the new aircraft in the midst of the gloomy global economic situation occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He appreciated the staff and management of the airline for their dedication and commitment.
Specially, Emmanuel expressed appreciation to the carrier’s chief executive officer, Capt. Mfon Udom for being a strong partner.
“I really want to thank God today that this thing we started as a dream is no more a dream, but a dream fulfilled. When I had that dream in 2016, I shared it with just one man, Capt. Mfon Udom. He has been a partner in fulfilling this dream.
“Today is also a fulfillment of our bold declaration that we shall neither bend nor break. No matter the adversity we march on because God has promised us that we will increase more and more. And I believe that with what we have started and the prayers of our people we will continue to develop our state.
“And I use this opportunity to thank the minister of aviation, and all the agencies in the aviation sector for their support. We plead that we still need more of that support and we will not disappoint you. We will keep to all the standards and the level of professionalism expected,” he said.
He assured air travellers of the airline’s continued provision of quality service.
“Our safety and hygiene regulations remain the best. And I have the pledge of the management and staff of Ibom Air that instead of going down on the standard, they will keep improving because there is always room for improvement.
“You don’t need to be afraid of any virus. No COVID-19 can attack you in this new Aircraft. The air efficiency that we have in it is super. So have nothing to fear. This is just the beginning; we are going to do a lot more for Akwa Ibom people.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to some people who may not share our vision of development. It is not everything about us that should be coloured or seen through the prism of politics. Please this is devoid of it completely.
“We are here to serve the people, to make a difference; we are here to make a statement. It is therefore to the glory of God Almighty that I today receive into the fleet of Ibom Air this brand new Aircraft that flew in from Canada to Lagos and from Lagos down to Akwa Ibom,” said the governor.
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of Ibom Airline and former military administrator of the state, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) disclosed that the company would take delivery of another aircraft soon.
He thanked the leadership of the country’s aviation industry for making it possible for the new aircraft to come even when commercial flights are yet to start.
“And I want to tell Akwa Ibom people that this is one business that we all should be proud of; this is one undertaken by this government that even future generations will be proud of. This is going to be an Airline to beat in this whole sub-region,” he said.
The new equipment, a Bombardier CRJ 900 was dedicated by the Prelate Emeritus, Prelate Sunday Mbang of the Methodist Church Nigeria, and Reverend (Dr) Uma Ukpai.
