By Jude Odo ( South East Regional Editor )
It had all the features and characteristics of a rich cultural festival. The day was Monday July 7, 2025. It was the official launch of an airline called, Enugu Air. It marks a new dawn in Nigeria’s aviation industry, where Enugu Air becomes the second state owned commercial airline in Nigeria.
The venue of the event, Akanu Ibiam International airport could not contain the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion.
The grand launch was heavily attended by industry players, government officials, traditional rulers, aviation enthusiasts, as well as media representatives.
The chief host, Governor Peter Mbah at the event described the launch of Enugu Air as, ‘ a triumph of vision ‘.
Mbah explained to his guests the reason for Enugu Air: “This is a historic moment of NdiEnugu. The achievement aligned with my administration’s vision of transforming Enugu State into a premier destination for investment in living, and tourism in Nigeria. The airline will change the economic fortunes of the state positively”.
He did not stop there: “Enugu Air is established to create jobs and career paths for young people, a faster and more reliable access to markets, clients and capital by business people”.
Explaining the number of the aircrafts, he said: “We are starting off with three Embraer aircraft -efficient, elegant bird made for our terrain. Our routes begin with a powerful golden triangle: Enugu to Lagos to Abuja”.
The Governor revealed that the airline would expand beyond the present routes to various other Nigeria cities and beyond.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo who witnessed the Enugu Air launch appreciated Governor Mbah’s relentless pursuit of progress, describing him as an incredible performing Governor who has just made remarkable strides in just two years.
The Minister lauded the partnership between Enugu State and Xejt, a 100 percent Nigeria owned aviation company which would operate and manage Enugu Air.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozo disclosed to MMS Plus that the overall cost of Enugu Air was 40 million US dollars. He described the equity structure of the airline as 100 percent state owned.
