Enugu’s Makes Historic Move, As State Airline Takes Off

In a historic move aimed at transforming transportation and economic prospects in southeastern Nigeria, the Enugu State Government on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, officially launched Enugu Air, a state-owned commercial airline.

The unveiling ceremony was held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and presided over by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

This milestone event commenced with the maiden flight of Enugu Air, marking the official start of operations for the airline.

With its inauguration, Enugu Air becomes Nigeria’s second state-owned commercial airline, following in the footsteps of Ibom Air, which was established by the Akwa Ibom State Government in June 2019.

Describing the launch as a “triumph of vision,” Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, said the airline represents a new chapter in the economic and infrastructural development of the state.

According to him, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Enugu as a major player in regional and global air travel.

Governor Mbah announced that the airline would begin operations with a fleet of three Embraer aircraft, models known for their efficiency and suitability for the Nigerian terrain.

The initial flight routes will cover what he called a “golden triangle,” connecting Enugu to the nation’s capital, Abuja, and the commercial hub, Lagos.

Looking ahead, the governor revealed that Enugu Air plans to expand its services to include cities such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano.

Eventually, the airline will scale up operations to include international destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

“We are not stopping there,” he said. “In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs.”

Dr. Mbah emphasized that the airline is not only a transportation project but a broader socioeconomic intervention.

He said Enugu Air is designed to create jobs, provide career opportunities for young people, and offer more efficient access to business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

It also aims to position Enugu as a gateway for investment and international collaboration.

Minister Keyamo, in his address, commended Governor Mbah for his determination and commitment to the project.

He recounted how the governor approached him immediately after he was sworn in as aviation minister, showing a strong desire to get things moving quickly.

“He didn’t even allow me to settle down,” Keyamo said, describing Mbah as “relentless” and highly focused on delivering development projects.

The minister praised the governor for his performance and forward-thinking leadership.

“Regardless of political affiliations, we must recognize good governance,” he stated. “Governor Mbah is among the best-performing governors in the country.

He brings a private sector mindset into public service, and it’s working.”

Keyamo also lauded the state government’s strategic partnership with XEJet, the operator and technical partner for Enugu Air.

He highlighted XEJet as a fully Nigerian-owned aviation company with a strong track record in the African aviation industry.

Notably, XEJet is also managing the national carrier of Sierra Leone, further underscoring its competence.

“This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about, empowering capable Nigerians to drive transformation across the country,” the minister said.

Keyamo was making reference to the broader goals of the federal government’s development blueprint.

The launch of Enugu Air is being widely seen as a bold and innovative step toward redefining the aviation landscape in Nigeria.

It reflects the growing trend of sub-national governments taking the lead in infrastructure and economic development.

As Enugu joins the elite ranks of states with their own airlines, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the new carrier impacts business, tourism, and employment in the region.

With its ambitious vision and solid groundwork, Enugu Air is poised to become a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector and a model for other states considering similar ventures.

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