The inaugural flight of the Enugu state-owned airline took off on Monday, marking what Governor Peter Mbah called a historic moment for ‘Ndi Enugu’.
Mbah at the launch said the achievement aligned with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.
“It is an honour to stand before you today, not only as a governor but as a fellow believer in the power of vision,” he declared.
Although the launch came weeks after his administration’s second anniversary, Mbah described it as “a fitting gift to Ndi Enugu”.
He stressed that Enugu Air represented more than just an airline as it symbolised a bold step in creating the right enablers for enterprise and opening up sectors that once felt out of reach.
“We began this journey with no empty promises. Among the key objectives we outlined upon assuming office was the pledge to make Enugu the premier destination for investments, living, and tourism in Nigeria. Today, we are witnessing a clear pathway to that goal,” the governor said.
The launch of Enugu Air, according to Mbah, also signified the possibilities that could emerge when strategic public-private collaborations were nurtured.
He added, “With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together.”
Indeed, the arrival of a dark green and white-coloured aircraft for the first time at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, with passengers on board at 12:25 pm on Monday, July 2025, marked the beginning of a new commercial airline in Nigeria, established by the Enugu State government.
It was a dream come true as thousands of people, including the Enugu state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, who crowded the airport to witness the historic event.
The aircraft with tail number 5N-ENU has two of its kind parked within the Akanu Ibiam airport tarmac, an indication that ‘EnuguAir’ is ready for business.
‘EnuguAir’ flight schedules at the moment capture three major cities, Enugu, Abuja and Lagos.
It was announced that tickets for the return flight to Abuja are already booked. It is an indication that ‘EnuguAir’ automatically introduced online booking before its maiden flight from Abuja to Enugu on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Speaking more about the airliner, Mbah said: “We are starting off with three Embraer aircraft, efficient, elegant birds made for our terrain. Our routes begin with a powerful golden triangle, Enugu to Abuja to Lagos. From there, we stretch our wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.
“But we are not stopping there. In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah said.
He said that Enugu Air was established to create jobs and career paths for the young people; a faster and more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital by business people; a simpler and more dignified access to home for the diaspora, and a ready gateway to collaboration and opportunity for investors interested in Enugu.
Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and various agencies under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the management of Fidelity Bank, among others, for their support towards the realisation of the project.
In his speech, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, commended Governor Mbah for turning the vision of ‘Enugu Air’ into reality, describing him as “an incredible, performing governor”.
Keyamo said that Governor Peter Mbah visited his office frequently after he was sworn in as Minister of Aviation over his vision to establish Enugu airline.
His words, “It was incredible. He was not even waiting for us to come to him. Dr. Peter Mbah was coming to Abuja almost every week to press the button to make sure that a couple of things happen, and this (launch of Enugu Air) is just one of them,” he said.
He commended the state’s choice of XEJet as partner and operator of Enugu Air, describing XEJet as a highly competent and 100 per cent Nigeria-owned key player in the nation’s and Africa’s aviation industry.
“XEJet is not only supporting Enugu Air, it is running the Sierra Leonean National Airline. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about,” he stated.
The minister dismissed the misgivings over the Federal Government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, and lauded Mbah’s strenuous effort to ensure the imminent completion and operationalisation of the airport.
“He also came back to us and said, ‘Look, I want to attract private sector investment into Enugu Airport. I will not wait for bureaucracy to run this airport for the good of Enugu people. The pace of development is too slow.’ “
Keyamo cautioned that the state government should be careful with the management of ‘EnuguAir’ so it won’t die as Nigeria Airways because the federal government lacks the initiative..He commended private sector involvement in the airport business.
The minister stated, “We are running the airport at a loss because we don’t have the drive of the private sector. But Enugu will be a bigger international hub now and we are going to approve regional operations from here to African States. Bring your letter tomorrow, and we will approve it.”
He added that despite being of a different political party from the governor, he could not hide the fact that the governor had performed and would be difficult to defeat in any election.
“Dr. Peter Mbah, you are a PDP, but we are afraid of you. The way you are going, we don’t know what will happen. We don’t know how to draw a scheme to defeat you, but we will be planning.
“It is an incredible vision you have here. Mr. President has said it himself. I am only reflecting what the president said.
“Beyond party lines, we should not be afraid to say it. You have a progressive spirit, and you have done well for Enugu State. You are one of the best performing governors,” Kenyamo said.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Obi Ozor, assured that Enugu Air would live up to its dream.
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, remarked that the harmonious partnership between Enugu state government and the bank contributed to the success of establishing Enugu Air.
On his part, the CEO of XEJet, Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel described Mbah as a visionary and courageous leader and assured the state of their continued partnership to actualise his dreams for the state.
Dignitaries who graced the launch cut across the religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Bishop Callistus Onaga, traditional rulers, politicians and businessmen.
Hon.Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency and Hon.Dennis Agbo, representing Udenu/Igbo Eze South, witnessed the launch. A former President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Dr. Nnia Nwodo and his brother, Dr Okwy Nwodo, a former Governor of Enugu State and an ex-National chairman of PDP, graced the occasion.
The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Chairman of Enugu West Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Godwin Madu and a host of other traditional rulers in the state, identified with the launch.
Various women groups, members of the Enugu State Executive Council, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon.Uche Ugwu and the state legislators equally registered their presence. The serving 17 local government chairman in Enugu State also attended. Ex-deputy Governors Hon.Mrs Cecelia Ezeilo, Dr Nwoye and many other political stalwarts in Enugu State, among others, were in attendance.
