Enugu State-owned carrier, Enugu Air, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marking a major milestone in the state government’s ambition to position Enugu as a regional aviation and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
The certificate was presented on Tuesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja to the airline’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Tolu Ita, by the Director General of the aviation regulatory body, Chris Najomo.
The airline described the development as a significant step toward realising the aviation vision of Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, who has been driving a broader agenda to transform the state into a regional centre for commerce, logistics and air transport.
Record-breaking certification
Speaking during the presentation, Najomo described the certification as historic within the Nigerian aviation industry, noting that Enugu Air completed the rigorous regulatory process in just six months — far shorter than the usual industry timeframe.
He explained that airline certification typically takes between 15 and 24 months, making Enugu Air’s timeline unusually fast.
According to him, the airline also set itself apart by launching with a full fleet of six aircraft, an uncommon feat for a newly certified airline in Nigeria.
Najomo said the certification process involved extensive scrutiny across several NCAA departments and confirmed that the airline met all regulatory requirements for safety and operational standards.
He commended the leadership of Governor Mbah and the discipline demonstrated by the Enugu State team in executing the airline project.
“The fully state-owned airline also distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, which is a rare feat for a newly certified airline in the country,” Najomo said.
He further urged the airline’s management to sustain high levels of safety, regulatory compliance and operational excellence as it begins full operations.
CEO praises Mbah’s vision
In her remarks, Enugu Air’s CEO, Captain Ita, expressed gratitude to the governor for conceiving the airline project and providing the support that enabled the airline to secure certification in record time.
“We appreciate Governor Mbah for the vision of Enugu Air and for creating the enabling environment and providing the leadership support that made the record-breaking certification possible,” she said.
She also thanked the NCAA for its professionalism and cooperation throughout the certification process.
According to her, Enugu Air is committed to building a reliable and globally competitive airline capable of delivering the highest standards of safety and passenger service.
Strategic component of transport transformation
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation in Enugu State, Obi Ozor, said the airline forms a central pillar of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda.
“Enugu Air remains a strategic component of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda aimed at unlocking economic opportunities across Enugu State, the wider South-East region, and Africa,” Ozor said.
He disclosed that the airline plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft and commence regional operations before the end of 2026.
According to him, the expansion will help connect Enugu to key domestic and international destinations while boosting trade, tourism, investment and regional mobility.
Ozor also commended the airline’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, for guiding the carrier through the rigorous regulatory certification process required to obtain the AOC.
Partnership praised
The Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, Emmanuel Iza, congratulated Enugu Air on the milestone, describing it as a demonstration of what collaboration between government and the private sector can achieve in aviation development.
“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships between government and the commercial aviation sector in advancing air transport development,” Iza stated.
Commitment to global standards
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Enugu Air Board, Ricky Agu, assured the NCAA that the Enugu State government would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the airline operates at world-class standards.
The AOC presentation ceremony was attended by senior aviation regulators and members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo, as well as members of the airline’s management team.
With the certification now secured, Enugu Air is expected to intensify preparations for expanded flight operations, positioning the airline as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector and a major driver of regional connectivity.
