ENUGU: In a landmark move aimed at stimulating regional economic growth, improving connectivity, and creating jobs, the ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT has officially unveiled Enugu Air, its first-ever state-owned commercial airline.
The launch, held on Monday at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, was led by Governor Peter Mbah and attended by top aviation stakeholders, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Governor Mbah described the initiative as a triumph of vision, positioning the airline as both a commercial asset and a symbol of the state’s economic renaissance. We are not merely launching flights; we are opening a runway to greatness, Mbah said.
This is not just an airline it’s a symbol of the future we envision, defined by innovation, courage, and relentless progress.
Enugu Air will commence operations with three Embraer jets, covering the Lagos–Abuja–Enugu corridor, which Governor Mbah termed a golden triangle of commercial activity.
Read also:
Plans are underway to expand operations to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano, with international destinations including the UK, U.S., China, and parts of Europe on the radar.
Mbah said the airline aligns with his broader vision to transform Enugu into an aviation and logistics hub for the South-East, enhancing diaspora connectivity and investor access while boosting tourism.
The project is a collaboration between the Enugu State Government and aviation operator XEJet, which operates under an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Fidelity Bank PLC is the financial backer for infrastructure and aircraft acquisition, with XEJet managing the fleet under international technical and safety standards.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo praised the launch as a progressive public-private model for other states to emulate. This initiative shows what’s possible with the right partnerships. It’s not just about regional connectivity but strengthening the entire aviation ecosystem in Nigeria, he said.
The airline is expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, logistics teams, and ground staff. It also promises to reduce the travel burden for business operators and residents in the South-East often underserved by existing airlines.
Industry analysts, while optimistic, caution that sustaining a state-owned airline in Nigeria will require prudent management, cost efficiency, and resilience against sector-wide issues like fuel scarcity and regulatory hurdles.
Supporters argue that the Enugu Air model built on a lean fleet, outsourced operations, and focused routes offers a more sustainable approach than past ventures. We are only just taking off; Mbah declared during the unveiling ceremony.
With this launch, Enugu joins a growing list of subnational governments investing in strategic infrastructure to unlock economic growth and regional integration.
