Enugu Gov’t Starts Airline Business With 3 Embraer Aircrafts, Plans to Go International
... Run it Like a Business, Not Charity, Keyamo Tells Mbah
Govenor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Monday unveiled the state-owned commercial carrier, Enugu Air, describing the investment as “a bold step towards realizing our vision of transforming Enugu into a regional aviation and economic powerhouse.”
The event, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, performed the official inauguration ceremony and reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the aviation sector and private investors.
“We are starting off with three Embraer aircraft – efficient, elegant birds made for our terrain. Our initial routes form a powerful golden triangle: Enugu to Abuja to Lagos. From there, we will stretch our wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities,” Mbah said.
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State (left) and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the unveiling of Enugu Air at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Monday.
“But we are not stopping there. In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria – into other African countries, China, Europe, the UK, the US, and other global business hubs.”
The governor in a tweet via his official X handle, @PNMbah, described Enugu Air as a triumph of vision, a testament to Nigeria’s immense aviation potential and economic renaissance.
He said the airline was established to create jobs and career paths for young people, provide faster and more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital for businesspeople; simpler and more dignified access to home for the diaspora; and a ready gateway to collaboration and opportunity for investors interested in Enugu.
Mbah stated: “This vision could not have been realized without the immense support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the dedicated teams in the ministry and aviation agencies. I also extend my deepest appreciation to Fidelity Bank PLC and our operating partner, XEJet, for their confidence in this vision and their support.
“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. Tomorrow is here!”
Keyamo in his speech urged Governor Mbah to run the airline like a business and avoid using it to offer free flights to family and friends if it must be sustained
