Victor EzejaEnugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has stated that the newly launched Enugu Air was established to create jobs for young people, access to markets, clients, and capital for businesspeople, and provide a gateway to collaboration and opportunity for investors interested in the state.
Governor Mbah stated this on Monday, during the inauguration of the state-owned airline.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the successful launch of the airline and commencement of operations is a bold step towards realizing his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a regional aviation and economic powerhouse.
He said: “Enugu Air is a triumph of vision, a testament to Nigeria’s immense aviation potential and economic renaissance.
“It was established to create jobs and career paths for our young people; faster and more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital for businesspeople; simpler and more dignified access to home for the diaspora; and a ready gateway to collaboration and opportunity for investors interested in Enugu.”
Highlighting the potentials of the commercial airline, Mbah said: it is more than an airline. “It is a symbol of the future we see – one defined by courage, innovation, and relentless progress. Enugu Air is our runway to greatness. And we are only just taking off.”
According to the governor, the airline which is commencing operations with three Embraer aircraft will for now operate a golden triangle of Enugu to Abuja to Lagos and later extend the domestic routes to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other cities in the country.
He further disclosed that there are plans to fly into China, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other African nations.
“In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria – into other African countries, China, Europe, the UK, the US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah stated.
The governor expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the staff of the ministry and aviation agencies for their support which led to realisation of the project.
He also extended appreciation to Fidelity Bank PLC and the operating partner, XEJet, for their confidence in the vision and their support of the project.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said Enugu Air will in the interim, operate in partnership with Xejet, pending the conclusion of processes required to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCCA said its approval for the commencement of domestic flight operations by Enugu Air is in line with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda aimed at promoting the growth of indigenous airlines, and its Director General’s mantra of enhancing ease of doing business, and deepening sectoral reforms.
“Enugu Air has designated XEJET as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate (A0C) process,” Achimugu stated.
He clarified that “Pursuant to this partnership, XEJET has completed a full variation process to integrate the EMB 170 aircraft into its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs), in accordance with NCAA’s five-phase certification procedure. As such, XEJET is duly authorised to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under current NCAA guidelines.”
He said that in the interim, ticket sales for Enugu Air flights will be facilitated via the XEJET platform, accessible through a redirect on the Enugu Air official website.
The agency reiterated its commitment to “enabling a supportive regulatory environment for indigenous carriers, ensuring fair competition, and upholding the highest standards of safety, security and consumer protection in Nigeria’s air transport industry.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
