Enugu Air Takes Off as Keyamo Inaugurates Maiden Flight, Hails Governor Mbah’s Visionary Investment
Nigeria’s aviation sector recorded another milestone on Monday as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, formally inaugurated the maiden commercial flight of Enugu Air, a newly established state-owned airline by the Enugu State Government under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The highly anticipated ceremony, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, was marked by fanfare, symbolising a bold stride in regional air connectivity and Nigeria’s domestic aviation development.
The Aviation Minister, who arrived with a high-level delegation comprising the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar; and top directors of various aviation parastatals, praised the initiative as a “trailblazing step” by the Enugu State Government.
Speaking during the inaugural event, Keyamo said: “Today’s inauguration of Enugu Air is not just a celebration of a new airline but a celebration of political will, visionary leadership, and regional empowerment.
“Governor Peter Mbah has demonstrated what is possible when states take the initiative to invest in critical infrastructure that unlocks economic opportunities and positions Nigeria as a cohesive aviation hub.”
He emphasised that Enugu Air exemplifies the transformative potential of sub-national governments when they commit to strategic partnerships and long-term investments in aviation and infrastructure.
Governor Mbah, in his address, expressed deep appreciation to the Honourable Minister and the Federal Ministry of Aviation for their unwavering support in making the project a reality.
“Enugu Air is more than just a carrier; it is a symbol of our resolve to connect Enugu to the world and invite the world to Enugu,” the Governor stated. “With the invaluable support of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies, we are proud to roll out a project that will catalyse tourism, commerce, and industrial growth across the South East and beyond.”
Enugu Air will be operated by Xejet, a rapidly expanding airline led by the dynamic Mr. Emmanuel Iza. Known for its commitment to operational excellence and premium customer service, Xejet will bring its expertise to the daily running of the airline, ensuring safety, reliability, and first-class service delivery from day one.
The newly launched carrier will initially operate domestic flights connecting Enugu to major Nigerian cities, with plans to scale operations to regional and international destinations in the near future.
In his remarks, the Minister reiterated the Federal Ministry of Aviation’s dedication to fostering an environment where state and private investments in aviation can thrive.
He assured that all regulatory frameworks would be enforced to guarantee compliance with global standards and ensure operational sustainability.
The event was rounded off with the ceremonial water salute of the aircraft, a facility tour of Enugu Air’s operational base, and a reaffirmation by both federal and state officials of their joint commitment to the continued transformation of Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
The launch of Enugu Air signals a promising chapter in the drive towards regional integration, economic development, and enhanced connectivity for the people of the South East and Nigeria at large.
