A new Airbus A220-300 aircraft has been received by Ibom Air in Uyo as the Akwa Ibom State Government continues its investment in aviation.

Governor Umo Eno received the aircraft during an official reception and water-cannon ceremony at Victor Attah International Airport.

The governor used the occasion to highlight the employment and training opportunities generated by the state’s aviation investments.

Eno said about 2,000 direct jobs had been created by Ibom Air and the wider aviation ecosystem.

He said the state’s aviation investments included the development of Ibom Air, Victor Attah International Airport and training programmes designed to produce aviation professionals from Akwa Ibom.

The governor disclosed that 20 Akwa Ibom indigenes were currently undergoing cadet pilot training under the sponsorship of the state government.

Ten of the cadets are training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Another 10 are undergoing training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Eno said the training programme formed part of the state’s efforts to develop human capacity and ensure that Akwa Ibom indigenes benefit from the expansion of the aviation industry.

The newly received Airbus A220-300 is equipped with advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency.

Its arrival adds to the fleet of Ibom Air as the airline continues to expand its operations.

Eno said the state’s aviation investments were creating jobs and contributing to the positioning of Akwa Ibom as a regional aviation hub.

The aircraft was formally welcomed at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo during the ceremony.