Enugu State-owned commercial airline, Enugu Air, commenced operations on Monday following its official launch at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The ceremony had the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in attendance, alongside other dignitaries.
Enugu Air is a key component of Governor Peter Mbah’s vision for a modern, integrated transportation system, aimed at positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub in Nigeria.
The airline commenced operations with a fleet of three Embraer jets, from the E170 and E190 series, chosen for their performance, passenger comfort, and suitability for regional routes.
The airline’s inaugural routes will form a strategic triangular operation connecting Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, with plans to expand services to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other key cities across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the occasion, the minister, Keyamo commended the Governor Mbah for his proactive efforts in attracting private investments to the airport.
The Minister noted that Governor Mbah had done well for Enugu State, making him one of the best-performing governors.
He added that the governor refused to wait on bureaucracy to drive progress, recalling how the Governor came to him that he wanted to attract private sector investments into Enugu Airport.
Keyamo said shortly after, several top-tier private firms, with expertise in airport management, made proposals.
Governor Mbah, speaking at the event stated that since coming to office, the airline was among the key objectives he outlined in his pledge to make Enugu the premier destination for investment.
“Today, we have our airline, and with it, we’re 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,” Mbah stated.
He described the project as a giant leap for the State and a gold standard for government as well as private partnership.
