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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has brokered a partnership deal with SAMCO group in Europe and Airbus in Montreal Canada over operations of Maintenance , Repairs and Overall (MRO) facilities and fleet expansion programme at Victor Attah international Airport in Uyo
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to governor Umo Eno Mr Ekerette Udoh and made available to Journalists in Uyo stated that the oversea engagements focused on developing the technical and maintenance capabilities required to support Ibom Air’s expanding fleet and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation industry.
Udoh disclosed that the meeting was ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The statement reads in parts :
“Governor Eno first met with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, to explore a strategic partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility”
He explained that governor Umo Eno’s administration was seeking a practical partnership that would strengthen the State’s aviation infrastructure, enhance technical capabilities, create skilled employment and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.
Udoh also disclosed that the administration had made substantial financial investments in completing the MRO facility.
He recalled the team’s earlier visit to SAMCO’s facility adding that Eno was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.
He emphasized that the planned relationship was beyond conventional consultancy as discussions covered maintenance and technical support for aircraft, particularly those in the Ibom Air fleet, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.
“SAMCO Aviation Services B.V. is a Netherlands-based aviation maintenance company headquartered at Maastricht-Aachen Airport, specialising in the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and aerospace equipment
” The company operates from its facility at Horsterweg 19 in Maastricht and is part of the wider SAMCO aviation maintenance operation, which has provided aircraft maintenance services for operators in Africa
” SAMCO’s Maastricht facility has also been used for the maintenance and inspection of Ibom Air aircraft, including its Airbus A220-300 fleet, underscoring its role in supporting the airline’s fleet development and technical operations in Europe and Africa.”
Udoh said the company presented its experience working with African airlines and highlighted importance of developing strong local technical capabilities.
He said Eno while responding to the company’s presentation observed that building indigenous aviation expertise would reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom.
He noted that the Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Constant Van Shani received governor Umo Eno and his commitment to the proposed partnership to develop facilities at Ibom Airport.
“Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting.”
Udoh said Eno also met with Hadi Akoum, Vice President of Sales, Africa, Airbus expressing appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts to facilitate the delivery of the new aircraft.
He said Eno assured Airbus that State Government will remained fully committed to Ibom Air adding that the airline is a strategic economic asset to the state .
“Ibom Air is central to the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment
“it is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function
“The State would continue to make necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remains commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of supporting the State’s wider economic ambitions”.
