Ibom Air says it has recorded no fewer than 65,000 flights and transported nearly five million passengers since its maiden operation in June 2019.

Aniekan Essienette, the group manager, marketing and communication, disclosed this in a statement to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday.

Ms Essienette said that the airline had grown its fleet to 10 aircraft, serving seven domestic destinations and one regional destination in West Africa.

She said that Ibom Air’s operations had strengthened connectivity while supporting trade, investment, tourism and business travel.

The group manager congratulated the Akwa Ibom government and people on the 39th anniversary celebration of the state’s creation.

“Since its creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s forward-looking states through sustained investments.

“The state has ensured sustained investments in infrastructure, human capital, healthcare, education, aviation, tourism and economic development,” she said.

Ms Essienette said that the air company was established by the state government to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity and demonstrate the state’s capacity to build and sustain a world-class institution.

“The airline also reflects the state government’s commitment to developing local talent and creating employment opportunities.

“Hundreds of Akwa Ibom people currently serve in leadership, flight operations, engineering, customer service, finance and technical roles within the airline,” she said.

She said that the airline’s economic impact extended beyond aviation to supply chain activities that had injected more than N60 billion into the local economy. 

(NAN)