Captain Ruth Adeola Adebanwo, Chief Pilot of Ibom Air, has made Nigerian aviation history after flying a brand-new Airbus A220-300 from the aircraft manufacturer’s facility in Mirabel, Canada, to Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Adebanwo’s arrival in the new aircraft was greeted with a celebratory reception by dignitaries and residents, with her feat reportedly making her the first woman to fly a brand-new aircraft into Nigeria.
Her achievement highlights a remarkable career progression spanning more than 15 years in aviation, rising from cabin crew to become the Chief Pilot of one of Nigeria’s leading airlines.
Governor Umo Eno, who praised Adebanwo for her accomplishment, described her as an inspiration to Nigerian women and girls.
The newly delivered Airbus A220-300 also marks the fifth aircraft added to the Ibom Air fleet under the Eno administration, further expanding the airline’s operations and fleet capacity.
