Captain Ruth Adebanwo has made history after flying Ibom Air’s new Airbus A220-300 from Canada to Nigeria, marking another milestone in her aviation career and highlighting the growing role of women in the industry.
The aircraft landed at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on September 1, 2026, after departing from the Airbus facility in Mirabel, near Montreal, Canada.
The journey covered approximately 8,945 kilometres and lasted about 15 hours, bringing the latest addition to Ibom Air’s expanding fleet into Nigeria.
Adebanwo’s Historic Aviation Milestone
As Ibom Air’s Chief Pilot, Adebanwo played a central role in the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
Reports described her as the first female pilot to fly a brand-new aircraft into the country, an achievement that has attracted attention across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Her accomplishment has also been welcomed as an important example of women’s growing participation in aviation, particularly in senior operational and flight positions traditionally dominated by men.
Officials in Akwa Ibom praised the achievement and encouraged more young women to consider careers in aviation.
From Cabin Crew to Commercial Pilot
Adebanwo’s aviation journey began as a member of cabin crew before she transitioned into the cockpit.
She trained at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria before continuing her commercial pilot training at 43 Air School in South Africa.
She later obtained an Air Transport Pilot Licence from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, while her qualifications also include a postgraduate diploma in Air Safety Management from City University of London.
Over the course of her career, Adebanwo has flown several aircraft types, including the Bombardier CRJ series, Boeing 737, De Havilland Q400 and Airbus A220-300.
Her progression from cabin crew to commercial pilot and eventually Chief Pilot has become a significant part of her professional story.
Captain Ruth Adebanwo Has Also Received Recognition
Adebanwo’s latest achievement adds to a career that has already received recognition within Africa’s travel and tourism industry.
In 2022, she was named among the Top 100 Women in Travel and Tourism in Africa through the Akwaaba African Travel Market.
Her latest milestone comes as Ibom Air continues to expand its fleet and strengthen its domestic and regional operations.
Ibom Air Expands Airbus A220-300 Fleet
The aircraft flown by Adebanwo became the third Airbus A220-300 in Ibom Air’s fleet.
The airline now has 10 aircraft, comprising seven Bombardier CRJ-900s and three Airbus A220-300s.
According to Ibom Air, the Airbus A220 offers improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduced noise compared with older aircraft.
The aircraft is also designed to provide passengers with more cabin space and greater comfort.
Ibom Air Plans Regional Expansion
The expansion of Ibom Air’s Airbus fleet is expected to support the airline’s plans to strengthen its regional network.
The airline has identified destinations including Douala, Libreville and Malabo as part of its planned regional expansion.
The addition of newer aircraft could allow the carrier to increase its capacity while improving efficiency as it expands beyond its existing network.
A Role Model for Young Nigerian Women
For Captain Ruth Adebanwo, the historic flight represents years of training, experience and professional development.
Her journey from cabin crew to commercial pilot and Chief Pilot demonstrates the range of career opportunities available within the aviation industry.
Flying a brand-new Airbus A220-300 from Canada to Nigeria has now added another major achievement to her career.
Beyond the flight itself, her accomplishment provides an example for young Nigerian women interested in aviation and other technical professions.
It demonstrates that women can occupy senior positions in the industry and operate some of the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft.
