In a historic move to position Enugu as a regional aviation and economic powerhouse, the Enugu State Government today officially launched its state-owned commercial airline, Enugu Air, at a landmark ceremony held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
The launch, presided over by Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, marks a major milestone in the administration’s commitment to innovation, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic growth. The airline, which begins operations with three Embraer aircraft, is designed to provide efficient, reliable, and accessible air travel for businesspeople, the diaspora, and investors alike.
“We established Enugu Air to create jobs and career paths for our young people; to provide faster and more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital for our business community; and to offer a dignified and seamless travel experience for our diaspora and visitors,” said Governor Mbah during the unveiling.
The event was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for state-led aviation initiatives and clarified that the ongoing concessioning of the Enugu airport is aimed at enhancing infrastructure and service delivery—not privatization.
Enugu Air will initially operate a “golden triangle” route connecting Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, with plans to expand to other key cities including Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano. The airline’s fleet of Embraer jets was selected for their efficiency, comfort, and suitability for Nigeria’s regional terrain.
Governor Mbah emphasized that the airline is a public-private partnership model, reflecting his administration’s broader strategy of leveraging private sector expertise to unlock public value and drive sustainable development.
“This is more than an airline—it is a symbol of our ambition, our readiness to compete, and our commitment to making Enugu a destination for investment, tourism, and innovation,” he added.
The launch of Enugu Air is expected to catalyze job creation, boost tourism, enhance regional connectivity, and reinforce Enugu’s status as a gateway to the Southeast and beyond.
One Response
A humble beginning indeed! Kudos to the initiative