Captain Ruth Adeola Adebanwo, Chief Pilot of Ibom Air, has added another milestone to her career after flying a brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft from the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada to Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.The historic flight, which covered approximately 8,945 kilometres, landed on September 1, 2025.
The arrival drew dignitaries, aviation stakeholders, and residents who turned out to welcome the new aircraft. But as the aircraft taxied to a stop, cameras and attention quickly shifted to the woman in command of the cockpit.
According to reports, Captain Ruth has now become the first Nigerian woman to ferry a brand new aircraft into the country. FROM CABIN CREW TO CHIEF PILOT The journey to the cockpit was not an overnight one. Captain Ruth began her aviation career as a cabin crew member before pursuing pilot training in South Africa.
With over 20 years of experience in aviation, she has flown various aircraft types and worked with leading airlines including Aero Contractors, Arik Air, and Ibom Air, where she currently serves as Chief Pilot — a position she occupied prior to this latest delivery flight.
Her leadership and contributions have earned her recognition beyond Nigeria. She was previously listed among the Top 100 Women in Travel and Tourism in Africa .
A MOMENT OF PRIDE FOR AKWA IBOM The delivery of the new Airbus A220-300 is part of Ibom Air’s fleet expansion strategy.
But for many who witnessed the landing in Uyo, the highlight was seeing a Nigerian woman pilot the aircraft all the way from Canada.
Ibom Air had earlier celebrated Captain Ruth as the head of its flight crew. This latest achievement further cements her status as one of the leading female pilots on the continent.Speaking on the significance of the flight, observers described it as a testament to resilience, professionalism, and the growing role of women in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT”From serving passengers as cabin crew to commanding the cockpit and ferrying a brand new aircraft across continents, Captain Ruth Adebanwo’s story reflects a steady rise built on training, experience, and determination.
From Canada to Akwa Ibom. From the cabin to the cockpit. From a young girl’s dream to Chief Pilot.Captain Ruth Adeola Adebanwo has shown that for those who dare to dream and work for it, *sometimes, the sky is not even the limit*.
