Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has declared that the newly launched state-owned airline, Enugu Air is for the traders and people of Enugu and not a government initiative for politicians .
The governor said the project was a people-driven project aimed at empowering traders, students, investors, and everyday travellers.
Mbah, who spoke at the inauguration ceremony on Monday, stated that the airline was conceived to serve the real economic and mobility needs of the people.
According to him, “Enugu Air does not belong to the government. It belongs to the people of Enugu State, the traders, students, investors, and travellers who will use it.
“It belongs to the new generation who will look back and say, ‘That was when we chose to compete.’ So, let us not treat this as a mere ceremonial ribbon-cutting, but as the start of a new standard—a standard for infrastructure that serves the people, a standard for leadership that builds lasting institutions, not just temporary applause, and a standard for public-private cooperation that delivers real value.”
The governor further stated that the airline is part of a bigger vision to position Enugu as a regional economic hub and to inspire new opportunities across sectors like aviation, logistics, and tourism.
According to the governor, Enugu Air is more than just a piece of infrastructure. It is an economic enabler, a job creator, and a strategic platform for the state’s emergence as a regional hub for Southeast Nigeria and beyond.
He said, “We are doing this for our young people who will see real career paths in aviation, logistics, tourism, and hospitality. For our business community who need more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital. For our diaspora who deserve simpler, more dignified access to home. For our global investors who will now see Enugu not just as a hidden gem but as a ready gateway to collaboration and opportunity.”
Also speaking at the event, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo advised the governor and the management of the new airline to run it professionally in order to succeed.
Keyamo, who pledged total support of the airline and support for Enugu to be a regional Africa hub, noted that “inorder for the airline not to go the way of Nigeria Airways, the airline must keep to time, no free tickets and ensure professionalism.”
