Enugu Air Debuts Domestic Flights, Targets China, UK and US Routes

Enugu State has officially launched its state-owned carrier, Enugu Air, a significant milestone in Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s drive to position the state as a regional aviation hub with global connectivity.

The new airline, operated in technical partnership with Nigerian-owned XEJet Airlines, commenced operations on Monday with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft.

The carrier will begin domestic services connecting Enugu to Abuja and Lagos with additional routes planned for Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano in the coming months.

Governor Mbah disclosed during the launch ceremony in Enugu that the state’s strategic aviation blueprint goes beyond domestic routes.

The new carrier aims to expand operations to other African countries and major international destinations including China, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US and other global business hubs,” Mbah said.

According to the governor, Enugu Air is envisioned as more than an airline but a critical economic enabler designed to generate employment, stimulate tourism and unlock new investment opportunities.

“Enugu is home to one of Nigeria’s largest clusters of tertiary institutions. For too long, our graduates dreamed of an aviation career with no clear pathway. That era is over,” he stated.

Mbah revealed that the broader transportation plan underpinning Enugu Air includes creating over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs through related sectors such as bus rapid transit (BRT) services, hybrid city taxis, ride-hailing operations, airport logistics, and support services.

Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, said the administration aims to transform Enugu into the “Dubai of Africa”, attract over three million annual visitors and grow the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion by leveraging modern transportation infrastructure.

Enugu Air’s operational strategy will be guided by XEJet Airlines for an initial period of 24 months under a technical partnership arrangement while the carrier works to secure its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).

Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, described Enugu Air as “a bold dream rooted in identity, driven by excellence, and powered by the people of Enugu.”

He noted that the airline has already begun integrating local talent into its operations, with indigenous pilots such as Kelechi Ossai joining the cockpit crew, alongside cabin crew members recruited and trained from across Enugu State.

Governor Mbah commended Fidelity Bank Plc for providing strategic financial backing for the airline project, describing the lender as a key partner in realising the administration’s aviation vision.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who attended the launch, praised Mbah’s leadership, calling him one of the nation’s top-performing governors.

Keyamo, however, urged the state government to shield the airline from political interference and bureaucratic inefficiencies that have historically undermined state-backed carriers.

“Do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air. Be prompt in your departure and arrival,” Keyamo advised.

Industry stakeholders say Enugu Air’s launch is timely as the country’s aviation sector seeks to deepen domestic connectivity while unlocking new revenue streams through regional and intercontinental routes.

With XEJet’s technical expertise and the state’s ambitious expansion plans, the new carrier is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader aviation landscape, supporting regional trade, tourism, and economic diversification.