In a historic moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector and regional air connectivity, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, today inaugurated the maiden flight of Enugu Air, a state-owned carrier established by the Enugu State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah.
The inaugural ceremony took place at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, with pomp and enthusiasm, marking a bold leap toward regional economic integration and the deepening of Nigeria’s domestic air travel infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister described the launch of Enugu Air as a “trailblasing initiative” and a testament to what sub-national governments can achieve when bold vision meets strategic partnerships.
“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,” the Minister stated. “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”.
Governor Mbah, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister and his team for their support and described the airline’s debut as a major stride in Enugu’s economic development plan.
“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”, he said. “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 fast-growing airline managed by the dynamic and enterprising Mr. Emmanuel Iza, whose passion for aviation and excellence has made Xejet a rising star in Nigeria’s airline industry. The partnership is designed to ensure top-tier safety, premium service delivery, and operational reliability from inception.
The inauguration flight signals the start of Enugu Air’s regular commercial operations with initial routes connecting Enugu to key domestic destinations. Plans are already underway to expand services to regional and international routes as demand grows.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development reiterated its commitment to providing an enabling environment for such private-public initiatives to thrive, ensuring compliance with international best practices, safety standards, and operational sustainability.
The event concluded with a symbolic water salute for the aircraft, a tour of the Enugu Air facility, and a joint reaffirmation of support by both federal and state stakeholders for the continued growth of the aviation sector in Nigeria.