The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially flagged off the construction of the XeJet Flight Support and Engineering Facility at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The XeJet Project estimated at $10 million was flagged off near the airport’s second runway, Investors King reports.
The facility, to be built by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) over an 18-month period, will include a Private Business Terminal building, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar, hotels, conference centers, and other aviation support infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo said it is important that the project aligns with the government’s vision for the growth and development of the aviation sector, particularly local operators.
“The government may not have any money to give to airlines, but it must create an enabling environment and the right policy to support growth and development. XeJet, we give you all the necessary support,” Keyamo said.
He also revealed that a similar initiative has been approved to establish an Aircraft Manufacturing Company in Nigeria.
The minister assured that the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would oversee compliance with regulatory standards during construction to ensure the facility meets global standards.
XeJet’s Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Iza, detailed the scope of the project, explaining that it would be executed in two phases.
The first phase includes groundwork such as runways and taxiways connecting the facility to the airport, while the second phase focuses on erecting structures.
Iza also shared the broader aspirations of XeJet, which has been operating the national airline of Sierra Leone and received approval to operate a Lagos-to-Freetown route.
He said the company aims to position Nigeria as a hub for aircraft maintenance and manufacturing.
“Even if we are unable to manufacture a complete aircraft, we aspire to provide component parts of aircraft, adding that Nigeria has the talent and facility. All that is required is an enabling environment to support Nigerians to take off,” Iza stated.
The facility’s Private Business Terminal is expected to cater to private jet owners, providing world-class services similar to those available in developed nations.
The terminal’s tarmac will be built to international standards, enhancing Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for high-profile travelers and aviation clients.
Keyamo concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting projects that align with its vision for a robust and sustainable aviation sector.