Enugu Air Air Operator Certificate granted by NCAA, enabling the state-owned carrier to begin operations and advance Enugu’s aviation hub strategy

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Air Operator Certificate to Enugu Air, a development officials say marks a significant step in Governor Peter Mbah’s plan to position Enugu State as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

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The certification was presented on Tuesday at the regulator’s headquarters in Abuja after the airline completed the approval process in five months and three weeks, according to a statement from the governor’s media office. Industry experts say the timeline is significantly shorter than the typical certification period of 15 to 24 months.

Speaking during the presentation, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, described the pace of the process as historic.

Najomo said the airline distinguished itself by launching operations with a full fleet of six aircraft, an uncommon approach among new entrants into Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.

“The airline successfully navigated a rigorous evaluation across multiple departments,” Najomo said.

“This confirms that Enugu Air has met all regulatory requirements and demonstrated full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety and operational standards.”

Najomo attributed the project’s rapid progress to the leadership of Governor Mbah and urged the airline’s management to maintain strict safety and operational discipline.

The Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Air, Tolu Ita, credited the state government for creating a supportive environment for the airline’s launch.

Ita said the carrier would focus on building a reliable and efficient operation capable of competing in both domestic and international markets.

Providing further insight into the airline’s expansion strategy, the Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, disclosed that plans were already in place to expand the fleet to 20 aircraft.

“Enugu Air is a strategic component of the broader transport and logistics transformation aimed at unlocking economic opportunities,” Ozor said.

“We are targeting the commencement of regional operations before the end of 2026 to connect Enugu to key international markets.”

Ozor also acknowledged the role of XEJet Limited, the airline’s operating partner, in navigating the regulatory process.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, Emmanuel Iza, described the certification as a powerful example of the potential of public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Board of Enugu Air, Ricky Agu, assured regulators that the airline would maintain world-class operational standards.

The ceremony drew senior aviation regulators and a high-level delegation from Enugu State, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo.

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The Enugu Air Air Operator Certificate allows the airline to commence commercial flight operations, a move officials say could strengthen connectivity in Nigeria’s South-East and support the state’s wider economic transformation agenda.