Enugu Air airline launch celebrates aviation growth as Governor Mbah unveils three aircraft, setting the stage for economic and regional transformation
The Enugu Air airline launch has redefined regional aviation in Nigeria. With the commissioning of three Embraer aircraft by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the vision of a state-owned airline in Enugu State became a reality.
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Governor Peter Mbah, joined by top officials and aviation stakeholders, hailed the milestone as the start of something transformational for the Southeast region and beyond.
Keyamo praised Mbah’s relentless pursuit of the project, calling him “an incredible, performing governor.” He recalled how the governor visited him just days after he assumed office as minister, pushing tirelessly to make Enugu Air operational.
“Dr. Peter Mbah was coming to Abuja almost every week to press the button to make sure that a couple of things happen and this is just one of them,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that although Mbah belonged to a different political party, his performance stood out. “Dr. Peter Mbah, you are a PDP, but we are afraid of you.
The way you are going, we don’t know what will happen. You have done well for Enugu State,” he said. The minister also assured immediate approval for regional operations across Africa from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, described the Enugu Air airline launch as a triumph of vision and a vital step toward transforming Enugu into a key aviation and economic hub.
“This is a testament to Nigeria’s immense aviation potential and economic renaissance,” he said.
The new airline begins operations with three Embraer aircraft, focusing first on the golden triangle: Enugu to Abuja to Lagos. Plans are already underway to extend services to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano.
“We are not stopping there. In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria into other African countries, China, Europe, the UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah stated.
The Enugu Air airline launch aims to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and provide reliable air travel for businesspeople and the diaspora.
“This is about jobs for our youth, better access to markets, and stronger investor confidence in Enugu,” Mbah added.
Minister Keyamo commended XEJet, the partner and operator of Enugu Air, describing the airline as a competent and fully Nigerian-owned aviation firm.
“XEJet is not only supporting Enugu Air, it is running the Sierra Leonean National Airline. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about,” he said.
Dr. Obi Ozor, the Commissioner for Transportation, pledged that the airline would maintain world-class standards and honour its promise to the people of Enugu.
Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and CEO of XEJet, Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, both applauded the governor’s leadership and reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to the project’s success.
Speaking to the crowd at the launch event, a senior airline official said, “This is only the beginning. Enugu is rising. The world will take notice.”
The Enugu Air airline launch is more than an aviation milestone—it reflects the ambitions of a state government determined to lead with innovation and enterprise.
By reducing dependence on federal structures and accelerating development through private sector partnership, Enugu is crafting a modern narrative.
Governor Mbah’s administration is expected to announce further expansions to aviation infrastructure in the coming months.
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With clear goals and strong partnerships, the Enugu Air airline launch may soon be remembered as a turning point in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
