Our Reporter, Abuja
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State on Monday formally unveiled Enugu Air, a state-owned commercial airline, describing it as a bold leap toward transforming Enugu into a regional aviation and economic hub.
The event which, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, was attended by high-ranking officials, aviation stakeholders, and dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), who performed the official inauguration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Mbah said the establishment of Enugu Air reflects a long-term vision to stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and position the state as a gateway to global investment and opportunity.
“What we launched is more than an airline. It is a symbol of the future we see—one defined by courage, innovation, and relentless progress. Enugu Air is our runway to greatness. And we are only just taking off,” Mbah said.
The new airline begins operations with three Embraer aircraft, serving an initial triangular route of Enugu–Abuja–Lagos. Expansion plans include major Nigerian cities such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano. In its next phase, Enugu Air aims to commence international operations across Africa, China, Europe, the UK, and the United States.
Governor Mbah noted that Enugu Air was conceived not just to enhance travel but to unlock jobs for young people, open up markets for entrepreneurs, and create dignified access to the homeland for the Enugu diaspora.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Aviation, aviation agencies, Fidelity Bank PLC, and operating partner XEJet for their roles in bringing the vision to life.
“This could not have happened without their confidence in our dream,” he added.
Meanwhile in his remarks, Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, used the occasion to call for strict professionalism in the running of the airline. In a frank address to the airline’s management, he warned against bureaucracy and political interference.
“If the Governor is two minutes late, close the door and take off,” Keyamo said pointedly.
“Don’t give free tickets to your friends. Run it professionally. If you want it to survive, support the airline—not with sentiment, but with standards.”
The minister also reaffirmed the federal government’s support for Enugu State’s aviation ambitions, stressing that Enugu Air could become a model for other subnational governments across Nigeria if properly managed.
With the unveiling of Enugu Air, Enugu State becomes one of the few Nigerian states to launch its own airline, signaling a new chapter in the decentralization of air travel and state-led economic development.
