Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State says the newly launched Enugu Air will connect Nigeria to China, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other African nations.
Speaking at the airline’s official launch in Enugu on Monday, Mbah said the carrier will begin operations with three Embraer aircraft. Its maiden routes will run between Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos.
The airline is then expected to expand to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other Nigerian cities.
“In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah said.
He described Enugu Air as more than just transport infrastructure. According to him, it is an economic driver, a job creator, and a key pillar in the state’s dream of becoming a regional aviation hub for the South-East and beyond.
A Pathway to Jobs, Growth, and Tourism
Mbah said Enugu is home to one of Nigeria’s largest concentrations of tertiary institutions, yet its youth had limited aviation opportunities.
“For too long, our graduates dreamed of an aviation career with no clear pathway. That era is over,” he said.
He explained that the airline is part of a broader strategy to grow the economy, attract over three million visitors annually, and boost tourism and hospitality.
He said the transportation sector is being re-engineered to create more than 20,000 jobs. These include roles in BRT services, hybrid taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing, and logistics.
“This transportation revolution is creating numerous opportunities: from bus drivers to technicians, logistics workers,” he said.
Mbah described transport as the artery through which the lifeblood of commerce flows.
Operated by XEJet, Staffed by Enugu People
Enugu Air will be operated in partnership with XEJet for 24 months while it works towards securing its own Air Operator’s Certificate.
“Enugu Air is no flight of fancy,” Mbah said. “It’s among the many connecting dots on a large canvas, highlighting our dreams and giving clarity to our defining goals—achieving seven-fold GDP growth and reducing poverty to the barest minimum.”
The airline is backed by XEJet Airlines, a Nigerian-owned company with a strong reputation for safe and reliable aviation services.
Fidelity Bank Plc is also playing a key role as the financial partner supporting the venture.
XEJet CEO Emmanuel Ayuba Iza described the airline as a “bold dream, rooted in identity, driven by excellence, and powered by the people of Enugu.”
He said Enugu Air’s mission goes beyond flights. It is building careers and building confidence.
According to Iza, indigenous pilot Kelechi Ossai has joined the cockpit crew, while cabin staff have been recruited and trained from across Enugu.
“Our cabin crew members, many of whom are proudly here with us today, have been selected from across Enugu, trained to deliver world-class service, while embodying the warmth, elegance, and cultural richness that define this state,” he said.
Big Dreams and High Expectations
Obi Ozor, the state’s transportation commissioner, said Governor Mbah is building a transport and logistics system that will power trade, grow the economy, and transform Enugu into the “Dubai of Africa.”
He said the goal is to increase Enugu’s GDP from $4 billion to $30 billion and create a logistics system driven by innovation, infrastructure, and access.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described Mbah as “one of Nigeria’s top-performing governors.”
“Peter Mbah, you are in PDP, but we are scared of you. The way you are going, we do not know what will happen, and we do not know how to drop a scheme to defeat you, but we will be planning,” he said.
He called on the Enugu State government to avoid the mistakes that led to the collapse of Nigerian Airways.
“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 warned.
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