In a landmark event poised to reshape regional aviation in Nigeria, Governor Peter Mbah on Monday officially launched Enugu Air, a state-owned commercial airline designed to enhance economic growth, improve connectivity, and create jobs across the South-East.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Governor Mbah described the launch of the airline as a “triumph of vision” and a critical step in his administration’s goal of positioning Enugu as a regional aviation and investment hub.
"Today, we are not just launching an airline. We are unlocking access—to opportunity, to capital, to markets, and to the world,” Mbah said. “Enugu Air is a bold step toward making our state the gateway to Nigeria’s next economic renaissance.”
The launch was graced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who performed the official commissioning and reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the initiative. Also in attendance were key aviation stakeholders, business leaders, and traditional rulers.
Enugu Air marks the return of state-led commercial aviation in Nigeria, decades after the collapse of national and regional carriers like Nigeria Airways. It begins operations with a modest fleet of three Embraer regional jets, known for their efficiency, reliability, and adaptability to Nigeria’s domestic routes.
The airline will initially operate flights on the Enugu–Lagos–Abuja axis—routes that Governor Mbah referred to as a “golden triangle” of commerce and governance. Plans are underway to extend operations to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Kano, Benin City, and other domestic destinations before scaling into international routes including London, New York, Dubai, and key African and Asian cities.
According to the governor, Enugu Air will not only boost tourism and trade but also offer a faster and more dignified route home for Nigerians in the diaspora, and a platform for global investors to access emerging opportunities in the state.
Enugu Air is operated in partnership with Nigerian airline XEJet, which provides the technical and operational support under an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Fidelity Bank PLC is the airline’s primary financial partner, supporting asset acquisition and route development.
Governor Mbah noted that the model ensures the airline remains efficient and competitive while retaining its public mandate.
"This venture would not have been possible without the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu, Minister Keyamo, and the dedication of the aviation ministry and its agencies,” he said. “I am also grateful to Fidelity Bank and XEJet for believing in the viability of this vision.”
The state government said the airline will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from aviation professionals to service providers and support staff. It is also expected to reduce travel bottlenecks for investors, businesses, and residents in the South-East, a region often underserved by Nigeria’s domestic air market.
Minister Keyamo praised the initiative as a model for other subnational governments, adding that it aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy of deepening air transport penetration and supporting private-public partnerships in aviation.
“Enugu Air is not just a state airline. It is a statement of possibility for Nigeria’s aviation future,” Keyamo said.
Industry analysts have cautiously welcomed the development, noting that success will depend on operational efficiency, competitive pricing, and long-term sustainability in a sector known for volatility.
Still, optimism remains high. As Governor Mbah declared, “We are only just taking off.”
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